In high-low split games, both the highest-ranking and lowest-ranking hands win, though different rules are used to rank the high and low hands. In low games, like razz, the lowest-ranking hands win. In high games, like Texas hold 'em and seven-card stud, the highest-ranking hands win. Each hand has a rank, which is compared against the ranks of other hands participating in the showdown to decide who wins the pot.

In poker, players form sets of five playing cards, called hands, according to the rules of the game. An ace-high straight flush, commonly known as a royal flush, is the best possible hand in many variants of poker.