Definition: A Royal Flush is the highest possible poker hand, made up of A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit.
A Royal Flush represents the absolute top of poker hands and cannot be beaten. Below, we explain how it ranks, why it’s unbeatable, and how it compares to other premium hands across different poker formats.
The Royal Flush is top on the list of poker hand rankings. This is the strongest possible hand in poker and can never be beaten. It is made when we have the Ace-high straight while holding cards all of the same suit.
How Does a Royal Flush Hand Rank?
In a standard 52-card deck, there are only four possible Royal Flush combinations, and all of them are ranked equally:
A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠
A♥ K♥ Q♥ J♥ 10♥
A♣ K♣ Q♣ J♣ 10♣
A♦ K♦ Q♦ J♦ 10♦
A Royal Flush is technically a type of straight flush, but it beats every other straight flush due to its Ace-high ranking.
Royal Flush vs Straight Flush
The Royal Flush is the stone-cold nuts, meaning it can never be beaten. In Hold’em and Omaha, it is impossible for two players to make a Royal Flush at the same time, so the hand can never result in a chopped pot.
Although a straight flush is often described as the strongest possible hand, the Royal Flush is a specific Ace-high version of a straight flush. If a Royal Flush ever faces a lower straight flush, the Royal Flush always wins.
Royal Flush Odds – Quick Answers
What are the odds of getting a Royal Flush by the river?
The odds of completing a Royal Flush by the river after flopping an open-ended Royal Flush draw are approximately 4.35%.
What are the odds of flopping a Royal Flush in Texas Hold’em?
The probability of flopping a Royal Flush in Texas Hold’em is roughly 1 in 19,600.
Royal Flush – FAQs
What is a Royal Flush in poker?
In poker, a Royal Flush is the highest-ranking hand possible. It consists of the Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all of the same suit.
How rare is a Royal Flush?
A Royal Flush is extremely rare. The chances of being dealt one in a typical poker game are very low.
What beats a Royal Flush?
No poker hand beats a Royal Flush. It is the strongest hand a player can have.
Can a Royal Flush be tied?
Theoretically, two players could each hold a Royal Flush. In that case, the pot would be split, as both hands are equal in rank.
How does a Royal Flush compare to other poker hands?
Poker hands are ranked as follows: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, and High Card.
Is a Royal Flush the same in all poker variants?
Yes. In most poker variants, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud, a Royal Flush is always the highest possible hand.
Can you get a Royal Flush in Omaha Poker?
Yes. However, in Omaha Poker the probability differs from Texas Hold’em, as players receive four hole cards instead of two.
What are the odds of getting a Royal Flush on the flop in Texas Hold'em?
In Texas Hold’em, the odds of flopping a Royal Flush (using the first three community cards) are approximately 1 in 19,600.
Royal Flush Poker Probabilities
Below, we look at the probabilities of completing a Royal Flush preflop, on the flop, turn, and river in both Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.
