1. Definition
A “Flush” in poker is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades), regardless of their rank or sequence. The cards do not need to be in numerical order—only the suit must match.
Example: ♠2, ♠7, ♠9, ♠J, ♠K → Flush
2. Background and Mechanics
In the standard poker hand rankings, a Flush is considered a relatively strong hand. It beats a Straight but loses to a Full House. In Texas Hold’em and other variants, players combine their two hole cards with five community cards to form the best five-card hand possible, including a Flush.
3. Examples and Usage
- Player A: ♣K, ♣9 (hole cards)
Community cards: ♣3, ♣6, ♣J, ♦4, ♣7
→ Flush with five clubs - If multiple players have a Flush, the one with the highest-ranked card wins. If needed, tie-breakers use the next-highest cards (kickers).
4. Distinction from Other Terms
- A Flush differs from:
- Straight: consecutive numbers, suits may vary
- Straight Flush: consecutive cards of the same suit
General hand ranking (strongest to weakest):
Straight Flush > Four of a Kind > Full House > Flush > Straight
5. Tips and Considerations
- Be cautious if the board shows multiple cards of the same suit—other players may also complete a Flush.
- If the Flush is “on the board” (i.e., five suited cards among community cards), all players may have it, so the highest card (kicker) decides the winner.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Do the cards need to be in sequence for a Flush?
→ No. As long as all five cards are of the same suit, it’s a Flush.
Q2. What if two players have a Flush?
→ The player with the highest-ranking card wins. If tied, the second-highest card is compared, and so on.
Q3. Is a Flush considered a strong hand?
→ Yes. It ranks above a Straight and below a Full House.
7. Related Terms
- Suit
- Straight
- Straight Flush
- Kicker
- Full House
8. Summary
The Flush is a classic poker hand that consists of five cards from the same suit. It’s relatively easy to form, yet can be powerful depending on the kickers. Understanding how it compares to other hands and recognizing potential Flushes on the board are essential skills for any poker player.