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