1. Definition
A “Straight Flush” in poker is a five-card hand made up of consecutive cards all of the same suit. It is one of the strongest possible hands, second only to the Royal Flush.
Example: ♠6, ♠7, ♠8, ♠9, ♠10 → Ten-high Straight Flush
2. Background and Mechanics
To form a Straight Flush, a player must meet two conditions simultaneously:
- All five cards must be of the same suit (Flush)
- The cards must be in sequential order (Straight)
This makes the Straight Flush exceptionally rare. In Texas Hold’em, players use any combination of their two hole cards and five community cards to complete this powerful hand.
Variations include:
- A-2-3-4-5 (Ace-low straight flush)
- 10-J-Q-K-A (Ace-high straight flush, also called a Royal Flush)
3. Examples and Usage
- Player A: ♣8, ♣9
Community cards: ♣6, ♣7, ♣10, ♥K, ♦2
→ Straight Flush from ♣6 to ♣10 (Ten-high) - A Royal Flush (♠10 to ♠A) is technically a type of Straight Flush but is often categorized separately as the highest-ranking hand in poker
4. Distinction from Other Terms
- Not a Straight if the suits differ
- Not a Flush if the cards are not in sequence
- Stronger than Four of a Kind and Full House
General hand rankings (from strongest to weakest):
Royal Flush > Straight Flush > Four of a Kind > Full House > Flush > …
5. Tips and Considerations
- Watch the board: if four cards of the same suit in sequence appear, someone may complete a Straight Flush
- A single hole card can often complete the Straight Flush, making it crucial to assess the potential of others holding it
- Once completed, this hand can beat almost anything—consider extracting maximum value through strategic betting
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How strong is a Straight Flush?
→ It’s stronger than Four of a Kind and weaker only than a Royal Flush.
Q2. What if two players have a Straight Flush?
→ The player with the higher top card (high card) wins.
Q3. Can an Ace be used at both the high and low end of a Straight Flush?
→ Yes. Both A-2-3-4-5 and 10-J-Q-K-A are valid Straight Flush combinations.
7. Related Terms
- Straight
- Flush
- Royal Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Suit
8. Summary
The Straight Flush is a powerful and rare hand in poker, composed of five consecutive cards all in the same suit. Its strength lies in the combination of sequence and uniform suit, making it one of the highest-ranking hands. Mastering its recognition and strategic application is essential for serious poker players.