Traditional hand order: highest to lowest
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| Rank | Category | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trail / trio | A♠ A♥ A♣ | Three of the same rank. |
| 2 | Pure sequence | 9♥ 8♥ 7♥ | Three consecutive ranks of one suit. |
| 3 | Sequence / run | 9♥ 8♣ 7♦ | Three consecutive ranks, not all one suit. |
| 4 | Colour / flush | K♣ 9♣ 4♣ | One suit, without a consecutive run. |
| 5 | Pair | Q♠ Q♥ 6♣ | Two equal ranks and a third card. |
| 6 | High card | A♠ J♦ 8♣ | None of the categories above. |
Compare category first, then ranks
A trail beats a pure sequence in this common order, even when the pure sequence has high cards. A sequence beats a colour. A pair beats an unrelated high-card hand. Do not compare just the largest card while ignoring the category.
Within trails, three kings rank above three queens. Within pairs, compare the pair first: 8♠ 8♥ 2♣ beats 7♠ 7♦ A♣ because the pair of eights is higher. If the pair ranks match, compare the third card.
High-card and colour comparisons
When two high-card hands are compared under ordinary rank-based rules, compare the highest card, then the next, then the last. For example, A♠ J♦ 8♣ beats A♥ 10♣ 9♦ because the aces match and the jack beats the ten. Colours are also commonly compared by card ranks.
Suits do not automatically provide a universal tie-break. Exactly matching rank combinations and show conditions can be treated differently across rule sets. Consult the table’s actual rule instead of inventing a suit priority.
Ace sequences need a stated rule
A-K-Q and A-2-3 may both be recognised as sequences, but their relative position can vary by ruleset. K-A-2 is not usually treated as a consecutive run in traditional play. Check the stated ace rule, including in pure sequences.
This chart deliberately uses 9-8-7 to teach sequence categories without depending on an ace-order convention. If your app uses jokers or reverse rankings, this default chart may not apply.
Try a comparison without betting
Hand A: Q♠ Q♥ 6♣. Hand B: A♠ J♦ 8♣. Which ranks higher under this chart?
Reveal the explanation
Hand A is a pair, while Hand B is high card. Pair is the higher category in the traditional order here, so Hand A ranks higher. The ace in Hand B does not override the category.
Want the complete sequence order?
Use the 12-sequence reference and comparison tool to compare A-2-3 and A-K-Q under an explicitly selected convention. For jokers, low-hand order or an extra dealt card, start with the rule-change guide.
Sources & scope
Reference sources for this guide. Editorial review: 23 October 2026.
The chart and examples were created for this guide. They do not represent a tested Teen Patti Master mode.