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

A straight is five cards in consecutive rank order, regardless of suit. It ranks #6 in poker hand rankings — it beats three of a kind but loses to a flush.

Example

The suits can be mixed — only the consecutive rank order matters. If all five cards share the same suit, it becomes a straight flush.

Where Does a Straight Rank?

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

How Does a Straight Work?

Five cards must run in unbroken sequence. The Ace can play as either the highest card (Ten-Jack-Queen-King-Ace) or the lowest card (Ace-2-3-4-5, called “the wheel”). It cannot wrap around — Queen-King-Ace-2-3 is not a valid straight.

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

The Queen-high straight beats the Eight-high straight. If both straights have the same top card, the pot is split.

What Beats a Straight?

A flush beats a straight. A straight beats three of a kind.

What Are the Odds?

In a five-card deal, the probability of being dealt a straight is 0.3925% — roughly 1 in 255 hands. In Texas Hold’em (seven cards available), the odds of making a straight by the river are about 4.62%.

FAQ

Can a straight wrap around?

No. A straight cannot go through the Ace in both directions. Queen-King-Ace-2-3 is not a valid straight. The only “wrap” allowed is the wheel: Ace-2-3-4-5.

What is the highest straight?

The highest straight is Ten-Jack-Queen-King-Ace, also called “Broadway.” If all five cards are the same suit, it becomes a royal flush.

Does a straight beat a flush?

No. A flush (#5) beats a straight (#6). A straight does beat three of a kind, two pair, one pair, and high card.

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