Straight
A 'Straight' in poker refers to a sequence of five consecutive cards of any suit.
What is a Straight in Poker?
In poker, a 'Straight' is a hand that consists of five consecutive cards of any suit. For example, a hand that includes 5-6-7-8-9 of various suits is a straight. It is stronger than three of a kind and two pair but weaker than a flush.
Understanding Straights
A straight can be a powerful hand in poker. However, its strength can also depend on what the highest card of the straight is. An "Ace-high" straight (10-J-Q-K-A), also known as a "Broadway" straight, is the highest possible straight, while an "Ace-low" straight (A-2-3-4-5), also known as a "wheel" or "bicycle", is the lowest possible straight.
Playing a Straight
When you have a straight, it can be a good opportunity to bet aggressively. However, you should also be aware of the community cards. If the board is showing a potential flush or higher straight, you may need to play more cautiously.
Example of "Straight"
For instance, if a player holds 6-7 and the board shows 8-9-10 of various suits, the player has a straight.
- "He won the hand with a 10-high straight, beating his opponent's three of a kind."
- "Despite having a straight, she lost the hand to a flush."
- "With four consecutive cards already in his hand, he was hoping to draw a card to complete his straight."
Straight in Poker FAQs
What is a Straight in poker?
A Straight in poker is a hand that consists of five consecutive cards of any suit.
Is an Ace-high straight higher than a King-high straight?
Yes, an Ace-high straight, also known as a Broadway straight, is the highest possible straight and would beat a King-high straight.
Can a straight include an Ace as the lowest card?
Yes, an Ace can be used as the lowest card in a straight (A-2-3-4-5). This is also known as a wheel or bicycle.
Can a straight be of the same suit?
A straight can be of the same suit, but it would then be called a straight flush, which is a different and stronger hand.
How does a straight compare to other hands in poker?
In traditional high poker, a straight is stronger than three of a kind and two pair but is weaker than a flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush.