What Is a Straight Flush in Poker? Ranking, Examples & Rules

A straight flush is five consecutive cards of the same suit. It ranks #2 in poker hand rankings — only a royal flush beats it. A straight flush beats every other hand including four of a kind.

Example

A straight flush is essentially a straight and a flush at the same time. The Ace-to-Five version is called the “steel wheel.”

Where Does a Straight Flush Rank?

See the complete hand rankings guide for tiebreakers, kickers, and detailed examples.

How Does a Straight Flush Work?

All five cards must be consecutive in rank and share the same suit. If the straight runs Ten through Ace, it’s a royal flush — the best possible hand. Any other five-card sequence of one suit is a straight flush.

When two players both have a straight flush, the higher top card wins.

The Jack-high straight flush wins because Jack outranks Seven as the top card. If both straight flushes have the same top card, the pot is split.

What Beats a Straight Flush?

Only a royal flush beats a straight flush. A straight flush beats four of a kind.

What Are the Odds?

In a five-card deal, the probability of being dealt a straight flush (excluding royal flush) is 0.00139% — roughly 1 in 72,193 hands. In Texas Hold’em (seven cards available), the odds improve to about 1 in 3,590.

FAQ

Is a straight flush better than four of a kind?

Yes. A straight flush (#2) beats four of a kind (#3). Only a royal flush can beat a straight flush.

Is a royal flush a straight flush?

Technically yes — a royal flush is a specific type of straight flush (Ten through Ace). But it’s ranked separately as the #1 hand because it’s the highest possible straight flush and cannot be beaten.

What is the lowest straight flush?

The lowest straight flush is Ace-2-3-4-5 of one suit, called the “steel wheel.” The Ace counts as low in this case.

For the complete guide to all 10 poker hands, see our poker hand rankings. Need a quick reference? Download our poker cheat sheet.