5 Quick Tips: How to Play a Straight in Poker

A straight is a good hand that can frequently win the pot, and although it’s relatively rare, you will see plenty of it during a typical poker session. In addition, they are one of the sneakier card combinations because it's not always obvious when someone has hit a straight. However, as with other starting hands, if not played with a certain level of aggression and caution, a straight can become a costly hand. Here are five quick tips for playing a straight.

1. Be Aggressive

A straight is a strong hand, but you still don’t want multiple people in the hand on the river. The more players in the pot, the greater chance of someone limping through and hitting a higher combination. Play aggressively, make a large bet, at least six times the big blind, plus an extra blind for every other player already in the hand, don’t be afraid to re-raise. The goal should be to take out all but two other players by the river; the fewer players in the round, the greater your odds of success.

2. Take a Risk and Slow Play

Alternatively, if you fear betting aggressively will result in a betting war that ends with going all-in, you can try to slow play. However, keep in mind that this strategy could allow other players to hit a better hand as the game continues. Appear weak by making only small wagers, checking, and calling other bets, then on the river, double the current wager, re-raise or go all-in if necessary.

3. Be Flexible and Keep Your Options Open

Most of the time, you won't flop a straight; it will be the turn or river when you hit the cards you need. It will come down to the individual circumstances, but you need to judge for yourself if forming a straight is the best course of action to win the pot. If it's clear your odds of forming a straight are small, or there is a better chance of creating another hand, you may need to adjust your strategy. Don't get attached to the idea of getting a straight just because you have four pieces; the goal is to win; it doesn't matter how you achieve that, whether it's with a straight or bluffing with a pair of 2s.

4. End the Game on the Flop

If you do get lucky and flop a straight with an already sizable pot, make a massive wager, and try to end the game immediately. A bet ten times the current big bind, plus an extra one for every other person in the hand should scare away all but the staunchest of opponents. If someone does decide to call or re-raise, you may need to consider an all-in.

5. Watch out for Higher Straights

Just because there are no noticeable flushes, full houses, or higher hands on the board doesn't mean you're out of the woods. If you hold a 2, 3, and there is a 4, 5, 6, 7 on the community cards, there is a very real chance an opponent could have a sneaky 8, making a higher straight. Watch the game and look for tells. After you hit your straight, keep an eye on opponents, how they bet, their demeanor, and how they play the game. You might get lucky and pick up a crucial detail that reveals if there is a stronger straight lurking somewhere.

Straight in Poker Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What beats a straight in poker?

In poker, several hands beat a straight, including a flush, a full house, four of a kind, a straight flush, and a royal flush.

Does a flush beat a straight in poker?

Yes, a flush beats a straight in poker. A flush consists of five cards of the same suit, while a straight is five consecutive cards of any suit.

Does a full house beat a straight in poker?

Yes, a full house beats a straight in poker. A full house is a hand consisting of three of a kind and a pair, which is ranked higher than a straight.

What is a small straight in poker?

In poker, a small straight is a hand made up of five consecutive cards, such as 2-3-4-5-6.

What is an inside straight in poker?

An inside straight, also known as a gutshot straight or a one-ended straight, is a straight that is missing one card in the middle to complete the sequence. For example, having 4-5-7-8 in your hand while needing a 6 to complete the straight.

Does three of a kind beat a straight in poker?

No, three of a kind does not beat a straight in poker. A straight ranks higher than three of a kind in the hierarchy of poker hands.

Do straights wrap around in poker?

No, straights do not wrap around in poker. A straight is a consecutive sequence of five cards, and it does not loop around from Ace to 2 or vice versa.

How does a straight rank in the hierarchy of poker hand rankings?

A straight ranks below a flush and above three of a kind in the standard hand rankings in poker.

Can an Ace be high and low in a straight?

Yes, in most poker games, including Texas Hold'em, an Ace can serve as both the highest card (A-K-Q-J-10) or the lowest card (A-2-3-4-5) in a straight.

What if there are four cards to a straight on the board?

If there are four consecutive cards on the board, players can only make a straight if they have the missing card in their hand. Otherwise, it's a split pot if multiple players have the same straight using the community cards.

What should I do if I suspect someone has a higher straight?

If there's a possibility of someone having a higher straight based on the community cards and their betting patterns, it's essential to assess the situation carefully. Consider the strength of your hand relative to potential higher straights and adjust your strategy accordingly, which may involve folding, calling, or raising.