If you enjoy playing poker, or would like to learn how to play, it is important to learn the best poker hands. Poker is an immensely popular card game, available in casinos and Internet casinos everywhere. There are major tournaments dedicated to poker, most notably the World Series of Poker. You can bet that Johnny Chan and Men the Master Nguyen know the best poker hands! If you want to play poker for fun or for profit, getting to know the best poker hands in any game variation is an imperative part of your poker strategy.

What are the best poker hands? It all depends on the game you're playing. Most variations of poker follow the same ranking system for the best poker hands. The highest possible hand is usually a Royal Flush, which consists of five same-suit cards in sequential order from 10 to Ace. The Royal Flush is the most coveted hand, and the hardest to get in a poker game. Next in order of the best poker hands is the Straight Flush. This is similar to a Royal Flush; the exception being the card range doesn't have to be 10 to A. The Straight Flush is simply five sequential cards of the same suit. Below that is Four of a Kind (four same-value cards); then a Full House (three same-value cards plus a pair); a Straight (five cards in sequential order, any suit); a Flush (five same suit cards in any order); Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair and High Card. In any poker game, the object is to get the best poker hand possible.

Though it doesn't happen very often in casinos, there is another option for the best poker hand in home games. Many home games are played with Wild cards to add excitement and challenge. In these cases, it is possible to achieve a Five of a Kind hand, with five same-value cards. This hand beats a Royal Flush. Wouldn't you just love to see the look on the face of someone holding a Royal Flush when you lay down five of a kind? Holding the best poker hand is a great feeling, especially when you know yours is the best.

In some variations of the game, the best poker hands are different. For example, there are high-low versions in which the player with the highest hand and the one with the lowest hand split the pot. In low poker, or lowball, the best poker hands are similar in rank, but comprised of the lowest possible cards (for example, an Ace to 5 straight flush would beat a 10 to Ace straight flush; and three 2's would trump three Kings). No matter what variation of poker you play, acquiring the best poker hands is your aim. When you understand the rules and practice your poker skills, you could be the one holding the Royal Flush!