The chart, strongest first
| Order | Category | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trail / trio | Three equal ranks | 6♠ 6♥ 6♦ |
| 2 | Pure sequence | Consecutive ranks, one suit | 8♣ 9♣ 10♣ |
| 3 | Sequence / run | Consecutive ranks, mixed suits | 8♣ 9♥ 10♠ |
| 4 | Colour / flush | One suit, not consecutive | 2♦ 7♦ J♦ |
| 5 | Pair | Two equal ranks | 9♠ 9♥ K♣ |
| 6 | High card | None of the above | 2♠ 8♥ Q♣ |
Why a weak sequence can beat an ace
WORKED EXAMPLE
4–5–6 versus A–J–8 of one suit
4♠ 5♥ 6♦ is a sequence. A♣ J♣ 8♣ is a colour. Sequence is the stronger category, so the first hand wins before the ace is relevant. Sorting only the highest card would give the wrong answer.
When the category is the same
| Category | Compare in this order |
|---|---|
| Trail | The repeated rank. |
| Pure sequence / sequence | The run order under the declared ace convention. |
| Colour / high card | Ranks sorted from highest downward. |
| Pair | The paired rank, then the spare card. |
If all relevant ranks match, use the table’s tie procedure. Our comparer reports equal strength and does not invent a suit ranking.
Ace sequences need an explicit rule
A–2–3 and A–K–Q are valid runs in the classic model used here. Pagat documents an A–2–3-high convention; other tables can order the ace runs differently. Our tool lets you select the convention before comparing. K–A–2 is not a run in either supported setting.
Read the ace-run examples for two comparisons where the answer changes, and one where category order makes the ace convention irrelevant.
Change one feature at a time
- Start with 8♠ 9♠ 10♠: pure sequence.
- Change 10♠ to 10♥: ordinary sequence.
- Change 10♥ to Q♥: high card.
- Change Q♥ to 8♥: pair.
Use the chart with the correct mode
This chart excludes wild cards and deck restrictions. A Joker, Muflis or AK47 mode needs its own rule contract. A three-card chart also cannot evaluate a rummy declaration or a five-card poker hand.
A tie is also a useful answer
WORKED EXAMPLE
A tie is also a useful answer
A♠ J♥ 8♦ and A♥ J♦ 8♣ have the same sorted ranks and category. Our comparer reports equal strength. It does not choose a winner from the suits or invent a house rule.
Try two hands now
Open the dual-hand lab and test the worked comparison. It rejects duplicate physical cards and explains which part of the comparison decided the result.
Sources and observation limits
Source observation edition: 22 October 2026. A listing observation is separate from an APK measurement. Review the exact file record for any offered release; availability and descriptions may change.