High-Card

A high card in poker refers to a hand where no other hand combination is possible, with the value of the hand determined by the highest card. This term is used across all poker variants.

Understanding a High Card

In poker, a high card hand is one where no other poker hand combination, such as a pair or a flush, is possible. In such cases, the value of the hand is determined by the highest card. For example, if two players have high card hands, the player with the highest card in their hand wins. If the highest cards are the same, then the second highest cards are compared, and so on.

Impact of a High Card on Game Strategy

Having a high card significantly influences a player's strategy in a poker game. It's the lowest-ranking hand in poker, so players with a high card hand often choose to fold, unless they believe they can bluff their way to winning the pot. However, if the community cards offer no help and the betting has been low, a player might decide to stay in the game in the hope that their high card is enough to win.

Example of "High Card"

For example, in a game of Texas Hold'em, if a player's hand and the community cards result in no pairs, flushes, or any other poker hand combination, the player is said to have a high card hand. The decision to bet, call, raise, or fold will depend on the player's read of the game situation and their opponents.

• "John, with a high card hand of Ace, decided to bluff and raise the bet."
• "Despite having just a high card, Mary decided to call the bet as the pot odds were in her favor."
• "Holding only a high card, Tom decided to fold, believing his chances of winning the pot were low."