High card
What Does High Card Mean in Poker?
In online poker, when no player has a valid hand ranking, the winner is determined by the highest card held. If a tie remains, the next highest card is compared, continuing until the tie is broken.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term High Card:
High card is often mentioned during hand showdowns when no player has made a pair or better, or in discussions about hand rankings.
In-Game Example:
Player A holds A9, and Player B holds KQ. The board is 2568T. Neither player improves, so Player A wins with an Ace high.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Use the high card concept to evaluate your hand’s strength in unpaired situations, especially in heads-up play.
- Common Mistake: Overvaluing high cards when facing aggressive betting from opponents who may have paired their hands or better.
- Pro Tips: In tight spots, consider the likelihood of your opponent having a higher kicker if you’re relying on high card strength.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online, players may bluff more often, so high card hands might need more scrutiny.
Alternative Names:
None commonly used.
FAQs:
Q: What if both players have the same high card?
A: The next highest card (kicker) is compared to break the tie.
