Definition
A poker hand is a combination of five cards held by a player in the game of poker. The value of the hand determines the player's ranking and potential to win the pot. Common poker hands include a pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush. Each hand has a specific ranking, with a royal flush being the highest. Like having a specific build in a video game, your poker hand defines your potential.