The classic high-hand ranking chart
| Order | Category | Example | How to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trail / trio | 9♠ 9♥ 9♦ | Three of one rank; compare the triplet rank. |
| 2 | Pure sequence | 7♥ 8♥ 9♥ | Consecutive ranks in one suit. |
| 3 | Sequence | 7♠ 8♥ 9♦ | Consecutive ranks using more than one suit. |
| 4 | Colour / flush | A♣ J♣ 6♣ | One suit, not consecutive; compare ordered ranks. |
| 5 | Pair | Q♠ Q♦ 5♣ | Compare the pair first, then the spare card. |
| 6 | High card | K♠ J♦ 7♣ | No earlier category; compare ranks from highest down. |
The examples are category illustrations, not a claim that the shown hand is the strongest in its category. Suits are not used to make a spade automatically beat a heart in this guide.
Category always comes first
Compare 2♠ 3♥ 4♦ against A♣ K♣ J♣. The first is a sequence; the second is a colour. In the classic order, the sequence wins even though its cards are lower. Counting only aces and face cards gives the wrong answer.
Likewise, 2♠ 2♥ 9♦ beats A♠ K♦ J♥ because a pair is above high card. A pair does not need face cards to qualify.
Three tie-break examples
Pair against pair
J♠ J♥ 2♦ beats 10♠ 10♥ A♦. Compare the paired rank first, not the spare ace. If the pairs match, compare the spare card: J‑J‑A outranks J‑J‑K.
Colour against colour
A♠ 10♠ 5♠ beats K♥ Q♥ 9♥ because the highest card is compared first. If both start with an ace, compare the second card, then the third. The suit itself does not decide this example.
High card against high card
K♠ J♥ 9♦ beats K♥ J♣ 8♦. The kings tie, the jacks tie and the nine finally decides it. Compare a sorted list of ranks rather than the order in which cards were dealt.
A‑2‑3 needs a stated convention
A‑2‑3 is widely recognised as a sequence, but where it ranks is not universal. The Pagat rules document places A‑2‑3 above A‑K‑Q. Other tables place it just below A‑K‑Q, or treat it as the lowest sequence. Confirm the convention for both pure and mixed sequences.
K‑A‑2 is not a sequence in the classic conventions used here. See the complete sequence-order guide for worked comparisons.
What if all ranks match?
If both hands have the same category and the same comparison ranks, their hand values tie under this guide. The result of a show can still depend on who requested it and the agreed rule. Do not add a suit hierarchy unless the table explicitly uses one.
Variants such as Muflis change the comparison goal. Do not use the classic chart as a universal rule for every game in an app lobby.
Test your recognition
Classify A♥ K♥ J♥ before looking at the answer: it is a colour, not a pure sequence, because Q is missing. Classify A♠ 2♥ 3♦: it is a sequence under the conventions described here, with its exact position still subject to the agreed rule.
The hand trainer gives a new three-card hand and explains its category without stakes, registration or a download.
Sources & scope
References consulted 22 October 2026. General guidance is not a test of a specific app file.