Texas Hold'em Poker Hands: A Beginner's Guide Texas Hold'em poker is a popular card game that requires not only luck but also strategy and skill. As a beginner, understanding the different poker hands is crucial to mastering the game. This article will provide a basic guide to the various Texas Hold'em poker hands. Firstly, it's important to note that in Texas Hold'em, each player is dealt two private cards, known as "hole cards." These cards form the basis of the player's hand and are kept hidden throughout the game. The goal is to have the best possible hand using these hole cards and the community cards shared among all players. The poker hands are ranked in a specific order, from the highest to the lowest. Let's start with the most valuable hand: 1. Royal Flush: This is the best possible hand in poker. It consists of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten, all in the same suit. 2. Straight Flush: A straight flush is any five cards in sequence, all of the same suit. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of hearts. 3. Four of a Kind: This hand contains four cards of the same rank, accompanied by any fifth card. For instance, four 7s with a 2 of spades. 4. Full House: A Full House is a combination of three of a kind and a pair. For instance, three Kings and two Jacks. 5. Flush: A flush comprises any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. 6. Straight: A straight is any five consecutive cards of different suits. 7. Three of a Kind: This hand contains three cards of the same rank, along with two unrelated cards. 8. Two Pair: As the name suggests, this hand contains two pairs of cards of the same rank, plus one unrelated card. 9. One Pair: This hand contains two cards of the same rank, along with three unrelated cards. 10. High Card: If none of the above hands are achieved, the player with the highest-ranking card, also known as the "kicker," wins the pot. These are the basic Texas Hold'em poker hands that every beginner should know. As you gain more experience, you'll delve deeper into strategy and the importance of position, but understanding these hand rankings is a great starting point. Remember, poker is not solely about having the best hand initially, but also about bluffing and reading your opponents. With practice and patience, you can become a successful Texas Hold'em poker player. Good luck and enjoy the game!