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May 8, 2025
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The Poker Hand Rankings Guide for Filipino Players
Ever sat at a poker table and thought, “Wait, does my flush beat his straight?” Don’t worry, pare! You’re not alone! I’ve seen even seasoned players freeze up when the chips are down and the pressure’s on. That’s why I’ve put together this no-nonsense guide to poker hand rankings that’ll have you playing with confidence in no time
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Poker Hand Rankings: From Best to Worst
Let’s break down the hierarchy of poker hands, from the holy grail to the “well, at least I tried” hands:
1. Royal Flush
The king of all hands! A royal flush consists of A-K-Q-J-10 all in the same suit. It’s rarer than finding a parking spot in Makati during rush hour – some players go their entire lives without seeing one. If you get this, try not to jump out of your seat and do a victory dance (though I wouldn’t blame you if you did).
2. Straight Flush
Five cards in sequence, all in the same suit. For example, 8♥-7♥-6♥-5♥-4♥. Think of it as the royal flush’s slightly less glamorous but still incredibly powerful cousin.
3. Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank, like four Queens or four 7s. Also called “quads” by players who like to sound cool. This hand is strong enough to make most opponents fold faster than laundry on a Sunday afternoon.
4. Full House
Three of a kind plus a pair – like three Kings and two 6s. We call this “full na full” sometimes in local games. It’s like bringing both your barkada and your family to the same party – a powerful combination!
5. Flush
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. For example, A♠-J♠-8♠-5♠-2♠. The higher your top card, the better your flush ranks against other flushes.
6. Straight
Five cards in sequence, mixed suits. Like 9-8-7-6-5. It’s like getting five jeepneys in a row, not the most powerful convoy, but definitely respectable.
7. Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank, like three Jacks. Also called “trips” or “a set” depending on how you make it. This is where you start having a hand that might actually win you some money.
8. Two Pair
Exactly what it sounds like – two different pairs, like Queens and 4s. The higher your top pair, the better your hand ranks against other two pairs.
9. One Pair
Just a single pair, like two 10s. In a showdown between pairs, the higher pair wins. If pairs are identical, the highest “kicker” (unpaired card) decides the winner.
10. High Card
When you’ve got nothing else, your highest card plays. It’s like showing up to a gunfight with a plastic spoon, not ideal, but hey, sometimes it’s all you’ve got!
Breaking Ties: When Hands Look Equal
Ever wondered what happens when two players have the same type of hand? Here’s the deal:
For pairs, three of a kind, and four of a kind, the highest-ranked cards win. So three Kings beats three Queens.
With two pair, compare the highest pair first. If those are tied, compare the second pair. If both pairs tie, the kicker (fifth card) decides.
For flushes, compare the highest card. If those match, go to the second highest, and so on.
With full houses, the three of a kind portion determines the winner. So K-K-K-2-2 beats Q-Q-Q-A-A, even though the pairs portion is higher in the second hand.
Real Talk: Practical Tips for Filipino Players
In Manila’s poker rooms and online Filipino poker sites, I’ve noticed players often make the same ranking mistakes. Here’s some practical advice:
1. Suit rankings don’t matter in most games. Spades aren’t higher than hearts! All suits are equal in standard poker. (Some home games have special rules, but that’s a different story.)
2. A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest straight (called a “wheel”), while A-K-Q-J-10 is the highest. And yes, an Ace can be high or low, but not both in the same hand.
3. Memorize the rankings by telling a story. I teach my friends: “The Royal Family (royal flush) stands in a Straight line (straight flush), all Four together (four of a kind), in their Full House (full house), wearing matching clothes (flush), walking in a Straight line (straight), with Three bodyguards (three of a kind), Two pairs of shoes, One pair of gloves, and their High-ranking servant.”
4. Two pair beats one pair, always. Even if your pair is Aces and their pairs are 2s and 3s, they still win. Nakakalito ‘to sometimes!
Common Pinoy Poker Confusions
“Does a flush beat a straight?” Oo, pare! A flush beats a straight every time.
“Is three of a kind better than two pair?” Definitely! Three of a kind ranks higher.
“My three 2s beat his three Aces, right?” Nope! Higher ranked three of a kind always wins.
I once saw a player throw away a straight flush thinking his opponent’s flush was better – don’t be that guy! Keep this guide handy until the rankings become second nature.
Remember, knowing these rankings cold is your first step to poker success. The next time you’re dealt a hand in a game with your tropa or at a casino in Resorts World, you’ll know exactly where you stand.
Good luck at the tables, kabayan! May the poker gods bless you with royal flushes when you need them most, and the wisdom to fold when you don’t!
