Poker Basics

Hand Rankings

1. Royal Flush

The highest possible hand: Ten through Ace of the same suit

A
K
Q
J
10

2. Straight Flush

Five consecutive cards of the same suit

8
7
6
5
4

3. Four of a Kind

Four cards of the same rank

K
K
K
K
7

4. Full House

Three of a kind plus a pair

J
J
J
8
8

5. Flush

Any five cards of the same suit

A
J
8
6
2

6. Straight

Five consecutive cards of mixed suits

9
8
7
6
5

7. Three of a Kind

Three cards of the same rank

Q
Q
Q
8
4

8. Two Pair

Two different pairs

A
A
7
7
4

9. One Pair

Two cards of the same rank

10
10
K
6
2

10. High Card

Highest card when no other hand is made

A
J
8
6
2

Position Play

Early Position (EP)

UTG (Under the Gun) → UTG+1 → UTG+2

These positions act first post-flop and have the least information. Play tight and strong hands.

Middle Position (MP)

MP1 → MP2 → Lojack

More flexibility than EP but still need to be cautious. Can start widening your range.

Late Position (LP)

Hijack → Cutoff → Button

Most advantageous positions. Play more hands with positional advantage.

Blinds

Small Blind → Big Blind

Forced bets acting last pre-flop but first post-flop. Defend appropriately against steals.