Poker School

Short Deck Hand Rankings

Check out the below hand rankings, specific to Short Deck, from strongest to weakest:

Royal flush

A royal flush is an ace high straight flush. For example, A-K-Q-J-10 all of hearts.

Straight flush

A straight flush is a five-card straight, all in the same suit. For example, 10-9-8-7-6 all of hearts.

Four of a kind

Four of a kind, or quads, are four cards of equal value. For example, four aces.

Flush

A flush is any 5 cards, all of the same suit. For example, K-Q-10-8-7 all of spades.

Full house

A full house contains both three of a kind and a pair. For example, A-A-A-K-K.

Straight

Five cards of sequential value, but of different suits. For example, 6-7-8-9-10.

Three of a kind

Three cards of the same value. For example, three aces.

Two pairs

This is two cards of one value and another two cards of a different value. For example, two aces and two kings.

One Pair

One pair is two cards of the same value. For example, two aces.

High card

The hand with the highest card(s) wins. If two or more players hold the highest card, a kicker (an unpaired card, the higher the better) comes into play.

Differences versus No Limit Hold’em and PLO:

  • Flush beats a full house 
  • Aces play as high or low, but as there is no 2-5, A6789 is the low straight. TJQKA remains the high straight.
  • Ah,6h,7h,8h,9h, would therefore be the low straight flush.