Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and it’s played in many variations, both in-person and online.
Whether you’re playing with friends or at a casino, one card often stands out for its unique role in the game: the ace. Unlike other cards in the deck, the ace can be both the lowest and highest card, depending on the situation.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about how the ace works in poker. If you’re new to poker, don’t worry. We’ll break it down step by step, using simple examples so you can understand how this card behaves and how it might affect your game.
Is Ace Low Or High?
The ace is special because it doesn’t have a fixed value. Instead, its value changes depending on the type of hand you’re trying to make. In poker, a hand is the combination of cards you hold, and each type of hand has its own rank or strength.
The ace can be low, meaning it has the smallest numerical value. It can also be high, making it the strongest card in the deck. How the ace is used depends on the situation and the cards in your hand. This flexibility is part of what makes poker a game that combines both skill and strategy.
When Ace Is Low
An ace is considered low when it’s part of a straight that begins with an ace. A straight is a hand made up of five cards in consecutive order, regardless of their suits. For example, if your hand has an ace, a 2, a 3, a 4, and a 5, the ace takes on the lowest value in the sequence.
This hand is often called a "wheel" or a "bicycle" in poker. These terms refer specifically to the combination A-2-3-4-5. It’s the lowest straight you can have, but it’s still a strong hand that can potentially win a round, depending on what your opponents hold.
When you use the ace as the lowest card, it’s important to remember that it cannot “wrap around” in a straight. For example, K-A-2-3-4 is not a valid straight in poker. The cards must follow each other in proper order without gaps.
When Ace Is High
The ace is often used as the highest-ranking card in poker. This happens in situations where it tops a straight, or is part of a hand that doesn’t rely on a low sequence. For example, in a straight like A-K-Q-J-10, the ace is the highest card, outranking all others.
In poker, the ace is also the most powerful card when comparing single cards. If no player has made a hand like a straight or a pair, the person with the highest-ranking card wins. This is known as having a “high card,” and an ace-high hand is the strongest in this scenario.
The ace is also valuable in pairs and other combinations. For instance, a pair of aces is the highest-ranking pair you can have. If two players both have pairs, the one with the higher-ranking pair wins.
Can Aces Be Low In a Poker Straight?
Yes, the ace can be low in certain straights, but only in one specific type.
This is the straight made up of A-2-3-4-5. This combination is recognised in poker rules and considered a valid hand.
When the ace is used in this way, it takes on a numerical value lower than the 2, making it the starting point of the sequence. This gives players more options when forming straights.
Understanding how the ace works in poker can take some practice, especially when thinking about straights. It’s worth keeping in mind that straights are just one of the many types of hands you can form in poker.
While having a straight can be a good position, poker also involves an element of chance, and the outcome of a round can be unpredictable.
Poker is a game that combines skill with randomness. By learning how to use cards like the ace, you can improve your understanding of the game and make better decisions during play.
Remember, though, that no amount of knowledge can guarantee the results, as every round is influenced by the cards dealt and how others play their hands.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.