Does a Flush Beat a Straight in Poker?

In poker, hand rankings are crucial for determining the winner of a hand. One common question that often arises is whether a flush beats a straight. The answer is a resounding yes. A flush, which consists of five cards of the same suit, beats a straight, which is five consecutive cards of any suit. Understanding these hand rankings is essential for both beginners and experienced players alike.

Hand Rankings in Poker

The list of hand rankings in poker is as follows, from the worst to the best:

High Card Pair Two Pair Three of a Kind Straight Flush Full House Four of a Kind Straight Flush Royal Flush

As you can see, a flush is ranked higher than a straight, making it clear that a flush always beats a straight in a standard game of poker.

Understanding the Flush and Straight

Let's delve deeper into the definitions and characteristics of a flush and a straight:

Flush

A flush is a hand that consists of five cards of the same suit. The hand is ranked in the fourth position in the list of hand rankings. A flush is considered a strong hand because it consists of five cards of the same suit, which can be a set of high cards. For example, a King-high flush would rank higher than a Queen-high flush, even though both are of the same suit. The rank of the highest card determines the flush's strength.

Straight

A straight is a hand that consists of five consecutive cards of any suit. Straights are further classified into two types: Broadway and Wheel (or Bicycle). Broadway straights are the strongest, consisting of the highest card values (A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). The Wheel or Bicycle straight is made up of a 5-4-3-2-A combo, which can be useful in certain situations, especially in short deck variants of poker.

Common Misconceptions

Beginners often confuse the strength of a straight versus a flush. While a straight can be very strong, it is still ranked below a flush. This confusion can lead to mistaken decisions in games. As a rule of thumb, a flush is a stronger hand than a straight due to the likely difficulty in forming one.

Poker Variants and Hand Rankings

It's important to note that different variants of poker can have different rules regarding hand rankings. For example:

In the most popular variant, No Limit Hold'em (NLH), the flush ranks higher than a straight. In short deck versions of NLH, the rules can be adjusted. In one such version, a straight actually beats a flush, which is a deviation from the standard rules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a flush always beats a straight in standard poker games, as established by hand rankings. Understanding these rankings helps in making strategic decisions during gameplay. Whether you're a novice or an experienced player, knowing the difference between a flush and a straight is crucial for success at the table.