What Is a Straight in Poker? Rules, Cards & Slang Explained

Explore everything about a straight in poker — how many cards it includes, suit combinations, and how it compares to other hands. Learn straight flushes and slang terms with visual guides.

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What Is a Straight in Poker?

A straight in poker is one of the most recognized and valuable hands in any poker game. It consists of five cards in sequential order, such as 5-6-7-8-9. It doesn’t matter which suits the cards belong to—what matters is that they form a continuous sequence. Players often confuse straights with flushes, but the difference is clear: a flush requires all cards to be of the same suit, while a straight only needs the card values to be in order. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is a straight in poker 4 or 5 cards?”—the answer is always five. Whether you’re just starting or brushing up on poker rules, understanding the power and formation of a straight is fundamental.

Understanding the structure of a straight is essential for strategy. Players often confuse straights with other hands like straight flushes or mistakenly include four-card sequences. In tournament play or casual games, the ability to quickly identify a straight can make or break your hand rankings.

Can a Straight in Poker Be Different Suits?

Yes, a straight in poker can be made up of different suits. What truly defines a straight is the sequential order of the cards, not their suit.

This is what separates a straight from the higher-ranking straight flush, where all five cards must be both consecutive and of the same suit. Recognizing this distinction is important for betting strategy. A non-suited straight might win the pot, but it’s vulnerable to being beaten by a flush or full house.

Is a Straight in Poker 4 or 5 Cards?

A straight in poker always consists of five cards—never four. Some beginners mistakenly believe that four cards in sequence can qualify as a straight, but that’s incorrect.That’s not a straight unless you also have an 8 of any suit. Poker hand rankings are always based on five cards, and straights are no exception. Misunderstanding this rule can lead to costly mistakes during live games or online play, so make sure to remember: a straight is always five cards in sequence.

What’s the Slang for a Straight in Poker?

In poker slang, a straight is sometimes called a “run,” “ladder,” or simply “sequence.” You might also hear players say “I hit the wheel,” which refers to the lowest possible straight: A-2-3-4-5. The term “Broadway” is used for the highest straight—10-J-Q-K-A. Knowing these terms helps you understand casual conversations at the table and feel more connected to the poker community. While not essential for gameplay, poker slang adds flavor to the game and can give you insight into what opponents might be holding based on what they say or how they bet.

When Is a Straight in Poker a Winning Hand?

A straight in poker is often considered a medium-to-strong hand, but whether it’s a winning hand depends entirely on context. In many casual games and low-stakes tables, a straight can win you a decent pot, especially when players are holding weaker combinations like pairs or high cards. However, in more competitive games or against experienced opponents, you need to be cautious when playing a straight. Why? Because while a straight beats three of a kind and two pair, it is still vulnerable to flushes, full houses, and straight flushes.

Timing and table reading are key when it comes to leveraging your straight. For example, if you’re playing Texas Hold’em and the board shows connected cards (like 5-6-7-8-9), other players may also be chasing straights—or worse, a flush. This is where positional awareness and reading opponents’ betting behavior come into play. A straight on a dry board (one without flush or full house potential) is far more valuable than a straight on a wet board with multiple suit possibilities.

Knowing when to value bet, slow play, or fold is essential. It’s also important to avoid overcommitting to a straight when higher-ranked hands are very possible. Bluffing with a straight is also possible when you think opponents are weak, but avoid showing too much aggression if you suspect they’re holding a flush or better.

Ultimately, a straight can definitely be a winning hand, but it’s not unbeatable. Playing it right depends on your ability to recognize risk, understand board texture, and predict what your opponents might hold. Combining a basic understanding of hand strength with these advanced strategies can turn your straight into a powerful weapon—or help you fold it when necessary.

Frequent questions

What is considered a straight in poker?
A straight in poker is a hand that contains five cards in sequential numerical order, regardless of their suits. For example and 10 form a valid straight. Suits don’t matter unless it’s a straight flush.

Yes, the Ace can act as both the highest and lowest card in a straight. For example, A, 2, 3, 4, 5 is a valid low straight, commonly known as the “wheel.” However, wrap-around straights like Q-K-A-2-3 are not allowed.

A straight beats hands like three of a kind and two pair but loses to stronger hands such as a flush, full house, or straight flush. It’s considered a mid-to-strong hand in the poker hierarchy.

Yes, a straight in poker can be made from five different suits. The only requirement is that the cards are in consecutive numerical order. Suits only matter in hands like flushes or straight flushes.

A common mistake is miscounting the sequence or believing a four-card run qualifies. Another error is ignoring flush or full house possibilities on the board while holding a straight. Always assess the full board before betting aggressively.

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