Choose a focused guide
Sequences & aces
A sequence connects consecutive ranks; a pure sequence also shares one suit. The active mode decides where A-2-3 sits.
Hand probability
The model counts three distinct cards from a standard 52-card deck, with accepted A-2-3 runs and ordinary high-hand categories.
The six-category chart
| Standard order | Sample cards | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| 1Trail | A♠ A♥ A♦ | Three matching ranks |
| 2Pure sequence | K♠ Q♠ J♠ | A run in one suit |
| 3Sequence | 9♠ 8♥ 7♦ | A run across suits |
| 4Color | A♥ J♥ 8♥ | One suit, other ranks |
| 5Pair | Q♠ Q♦ 9♥ | Two matching ranks |
| 6High card | A♠ J♦ 8♣ | Read ranks in order |
The chart uses a standard 52-card deck and ordinary high-hand categories. Suits identify a color and a pure sequence. This guide’s comparison tool uses ranks to resolve equal categories and leaves exact table ties to the selected procedure.
Category comes before the biggest card
Consider 4♠ 4♥ 2♦ against A♠ K♥ 9♣. The first hand is a pair; the second is high card. The pair category leads even though the other hand contains an ace and king. Looking only for the largest visible card skips the category decision.
A similar distinction separates K♥ 9♥ 4♥ from Q♠ J♦ 10♣. The first is a color and the second is a sequence. In the chart, sequence leads color. Describe the structure before reading individual ranks.
Break a same-category comparison into steps
- Trail: compare the shared rank.
- Pure sequence or sequence: use the selected sequence order, including its treatment of A-2-3.
- Color or high card: compare the highest rank, then the next and then the last if needed.
- Pair: compare the paired rank before the remaining card.
For example, A♥ J♥ 8♥ leads A♣ J♣ 7♣ under a rank-based color comparison. The ace and jack match, so eight and seven decide the result. The same reading order works for corresponding high-card hands.
Keep A-2-3 visible in the rule choice
Ace sequences deserve their own check. Our examples use A-K-Q above A-2-3, followed by K-Q-J and the remaining runs. The hand tool also offers A-2-3 as highest or lowest so you can explore a named convention.
The ranking chart and the probability table answer different questions. A category’s position is a game rule; its frequency is a count of possible deals. Read both in their own context.
Quick hand questions
Does a color lead a pair?
A color sits above a pair in this standard high-hand chart. The category decides before the pair’s rank or kicker.
What is a pure sequence?
It combines consecutive ranks with one shared suit. K♠ Q♠ J♠ is a clear example.
How should I handle equal ranks?
Follow the selected room’s tied-hand procedure. Our tool identifies an equal-ranked result so that procedure remains a separate decision.