Conclusion first: In Texas Hold’em, a Flush beats a Straight.
This is a fundamental yet commonly misunderstood rule among beginners. This article comprehensively analyzes “which beats which” from multiple angles—including rule principles, probability data, real-world examples, and common misconceptions—to help you build a clear and authoritative understanding.
I. Texas Hold’em Hand Rankings (Standard Rules)
According to internationally recognized Texas Hold’em rules, hands are ranked from strongest to weakest as follows:
Royal Flush
Straight Flush
Four of a Kind
Full House
Flush
Straight
Three of a Kind
Two Pair
One Pair
High Card
This ranking clearly shows:
Flush ranks 5th, while Straight ranks 6th. Therefore, Flush beats Straight.
This rule applies consistently across global cash games, tournaments, and online platforms.
II. Why is a Straight Flush stronger than a Straight? — Hand Rankings Determined by Probability
The ranking of hands in Texas Hold’em is fundamentally based on their probability of occurrence. The rarer a hand is, the higher its ranking.
The following presents a set of mathematical probability data (calculated using 7-card decks):
Probability of a Flush: Approximately 3.03%
Probability of a Straight: Approximately 4.62%
Therefore:
Since straights occur more frequently than flushes, flushes are rarer and thus rank higher.
This is the core logic behind international poker rulemaking:
Hand Rarity = Hand Value
III. Practical Case Study
Assume the community cards are:
♠ 9 ♠ 5 ♠ K ♦ 7 ♣ 2
Player A’s hand: ♠ Q ♠ 3
Player B’s hand: 8 ♦ 6
Analysis:
Player A forms: Flush (♠)
Player B holds: 5-6-7-8-9 Straight
Result:
Player A’s Flush wins
Even though Player B holds five consecutive cards, it is not a Straight Flush and therefore loses to a regular Flush.
IV. Common Misconceptions Explained
Misconception 1: A Straight seems more “complete,” so it should be stronger?
Many beginners assume consecutive numbers are harder to assemble, making straights stronger. However:
Straights only require consecutive numbers
Flushes require five cards of the same suit
Mathematically, flush combinations are fewer.
Misconception 2: Is A2345 the smallest straight?
Yes.
An Ace can function as:
The highest card (TJQKA)
or the smallest hand (A2345)
However, A cannot “loop back,” e.g.:
QKA23 is NOT a straight
Misconception 3: Is a flush stronger than three of a kind?
Yes.
Complete comparison:
Three of a kind < Straight < Flush
V. Advanced Knowledge: How to Compare Special Cases?
What if both hands are flushes?
Comparison rules:
First compare the highest single card
Then compare the second highest
Continue in this manner
Example:
Player A: A♠ 9♠ 7♠ 5♠ 2♠
Player B: K♠ Q♠ J♠ 8♠ 3♠
A wins because their flush has higher-ranked cards.
What if both hands are straights?
Compare the highest card in the straight:
9TJQK > 56789
TJQKA is the highest
If the straights are identical (using community cards):
The pot is split.
VI. Professional Player Perspective: Strategic Significance
Understanding “flush beats straight” transcends mere rules—it’s a strategic principle.
In actual play:
Flushes typically offer greater concealment
Straights are more easily identified
Flush draws hold higher value than straight draws
Example:
Flush draw win rate: approx. 35% (flop stage)
Straight draw (open-ended) win rate: approx. 31%
Therefore:
In deep-stacked games, flush draws offer greater implied odds value.
This is a key reason professional players prioritize flush draws on the flop.
VII. Do Online and Live Rules Differ?
Regardless of:
WSOP World Series of Poker
WPT Tournaments
GG Poker
PokerStars
Live Clubs
The rules are identical.
Flush always beats Straight.
VIII. Authoritative Conclusion Summary
Question: In Texas Hold’em, which is stronger: Flush or Straight?
Standard Answer:
Flush beats Straight
Reason:
Official hand rankings dictate this
Flushes occur less frequently
Global rules are unified
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does a Straight Flush beat a Flush?
Yes. A Straight Flush consists of consecutive cards of the same suit, ranking just below a Royal Flush.
Q2: Can a Straight beat Three of a Kind?
Yes. A Straight beats Three of a Kind.
Q3: How is a Straight determined when the board itself forms one?
If both players use the board to form identical Straights, the pot is split.