Poker Explained: Are Aces High or Low in Card Rankings?
If you’re new to poker, one of the first things that might puzzle you is what counts as a strong hand.
It’s natural to wonder how the cards are ranked and, more specifically, how the ace fits into all this. The answer can depend on the game you’re playing or even the specific rules in use.
Whether you are getting ready for your first online hand, planning a night in with mates, or just curious about how rankings work, it helps to know exactly where the ace stands. Read on to learn more.
Is Ace High or Low in Poker?
The ace is a unique card in most versions of poker. In many games played across the UK, an ace can be ranked as both the highest and the lowest card, depending on the situation.
For example, in classic poker hands like a straight, an ace can help create both the lowest straight (ace-2-3-4-5) and the highest straight (10-Jack-Queen-King-ace). This double role is one of the things that can make poker hand rankings a bit confusing for beginners.
When comparing single cards, an ace usually counts as the top card, sitting above a king. That applies when your cards are not forming a sequence, and the ranking comes down to individual values.
Some poker games may use an ace as the lowest card instead. In certain lowball variations, the ace sits below a two. Rules can vary by variant, so it may be worth checking the game info or help section before considering getting started.
If you do decide to try your hand at poker, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
When Is an Ace Considered Low?
In some poker games, the ace is counted as the lowest card in the deck. This most commonly happens when forming the lowest straight, known as a wheel, which is ace-2-3-4-5. In this case, the ace sits below the two rather than above the king.
Certain variations, like lowball or Razz, flip the usual order. In Razz, the aim is to have the lowest ranked hand, and here, the ace is viewed as the smallest card. If you’re dealt an ace in one of these games, it counts as one, not as a high card.
Online poker rooms often offer several formats with their own house rules, so a quick look at the help section will most likely tell you exactly how aces are treated in that game.
When Is an Ace Considered High?
In most standard poker games you’ll find throughout the UK, an ace is treated as the highest card in the deck. If you’re playing games like Texas Hold’em or Omaha, an ace beats every other card, including a king.
When hands are compared, a single ace ranked against a king, queen, jack, or ten will sit at the top. If two players finish with the same hand type, the one whose hand includes an ace as the highest side card will come out ahead.
An ace can also play the highest part in a straight made up of cards like 10, jack, queen, king, and ace. In this combination, the ace is at the top end, making what’s known as a broadway straight.
You can expect this high ranking in most mainstream variants, though it might be a wise idea to confirm the rules in the game’s instructions if you are trying a new format.
Does the Role of an Ace Change in Different Poker Games?
The role of an ace isn’t always the same across all poker games. In traditional formats like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, the ace can be the highest or the lowest card in a straight, depending on the sequence being made. In other types, such as Razz or certain lowball games, the ace is treated as the smallest card, which reverses the usual order.
Some versions include small house rules that affect how hands are ranked, so the value of the ace can shift with the format. A quick read of each game’s rules may show you how aces are handled before the first hand is dealt.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
