When playing poker, understanding the various hand rankings is crucial for determining who wins a particular round or pot. Knowing the hierarchy of winning hands is essential, as it allows players to strategize and make informed decisions during gameplay. In this article, we will discuss the different combinations and what beats what in poker. Let's start with the lowest-ranking hand and work our way up. The weakest possible hand is a high card, where the strength of the hand is determined solely by the highest card in it. A pair is the next hand on the ladder, followed by two pairs, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and finally, the royal flush. Moving up the ladder, a pair beats a high card, meaning if you have two cards of the same rank, you outrank someone with just a high card. Two pairs, as the name suggests, is when you have two different pairs of cards in your hand. This hand beats a single pair and high card but is defeated by three of a kind. A three of a kind is when you have three cards of the same rank, such as three Queens. It surpasses two pairs, a single pair, and a high card but falls short when encountering a straight. A straight consists of five cards in consecutive order, like 4-5-6-7-8. It outranks three of a kind but succumbs to a flush. A flush is comprised of any five cards of the same suit, regardless of their rank. This hand beats a straight but is defeated by a full house, which consists of a pair and three of a kind. Four of a kind, as the name implies, involves having four cards of the same rank, like four Aces. It outperforms a full house but is overpowered by a straight flush. The second-highest hand is a straight flush, which is a combination of a straight and a flush. It is defeated only by the royal flush, the strongest hand possible. A royal flush is the ultimate hand in poker, involving the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit. Understanding the hierarchy of winning hands in poker is crucial for any player who wants to succeed. Familiarizing yourself with these hand rankings will help you make better decisions and increase your chances of winning. Remember, poker is a game of skill and strategy, so use this knowledge wisely and good luck at the tables!