1. Definition
In poker, a “Straight” is a five-card hand consisting of cards in sequential rank, regardless of suit. It ranks above Three of a Kind and below a Flush.
Example: 6♠ 7♣ 8♦ 9♥ 10♠ → Straight (Ten-high)
2. Background and Mechanics
A Straight is formed when five cards follow consecutive values. The suits do not need to match. The Ace (A) can be used as either the highest or lowest card, allowing for two unique straights:
- A-2-3-4-5 (called the “Wheel” or “Low Straight”)
- 10-J-Q-K-A (called “Broadway” or “High Straight”)
Rules for validity:
- Duplicate ranks invalidate the hand (e.g., 7-8-8-9-10 is not a straight)
- Matching suits are not required (if they are, it becomes a Straight Flush)
- Straights are ranked by their highest card
Example:
Player A: 5♣ 6♦ 7♠ 8♠ 9♥ → 9-high straight
Player B: 6♠ 7♦ 8♣ 9♣ 10♠ → 10-high straight
→ Player B wins
3. Examples and Usage
- “I completed my straight on the turn when the 6 came.”
- “We both had straights, but my Ten-high beat their Nine-high.”
- “A-2-3-4-5 counts as a straight with Ace acting as the lowest card.”
4. Differences from Related Terms
- Three of a Kind: Three same-ranked cards — weaker
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit — stronger
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit — much stronger
Straight is often discussed alongside “straight draw” concepts such as open-ended and inside (gutshot) draws.
5. Tips and Considerations
- Straights are ranked by their highest card
- A cannot “wrap around” (e.g., K-A-2-3-4 is invalid)
- Drawing to a straight requires careful analysis of outs and opponent tendencies
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Do suits matter in a straight?
A. No. As long as the cards are in sequence, suits are irrelevant.
Q2. Is A-2-3-4-5 a valid straight?
A. Yes. In this case, the Ace functions as the lowest card.
Q3. What if two players have a straight?
A. The player with the higher top card wins. If identical, the pot is split.
7. Related Terms
- Straight Draw
- Open-Ended Straight Draw
- Gutshot
- Straight Flush
- Wheel
8. Summary
The Straight is a fundamental and powerful poker hand, combining simplicity with solid winning potential. Knowing how to identify, construct, and play around straight draws is an essential skill for any poker player, whether beginner or advanced.