Compare two hands
How the comparison is made
- Check that all six selected cards are distinct.
- Classify each hand: trail, pure sequence, sequence, colour, pair or high card.
- Compare categories first, then category-specific rank values.
- Use the selected ace convention for sequence comparisons.
- If strength is equal, report equal strength; the table’s settlement rule remains separate.
Two ace conventions, explicitly selected
A23-high places A-2-3 above A-K-Q. The alternative implemented here places A-K-Q first and A-2-3 second. Other house conventions can exist, so select the one that matches the table. K-A-2 is not treated as a run.
The tool does not rank suits. Different suits can produce equal hand strength. It does not decide who wins an equal final show under a rule that disadvantages the requester.
Worked examples
| Hand A | Hand B | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2♠ 2♥ 2♦ | A♠ K♠ Q♠ | A: trail over pure sequence |
| A♠ 2♥ 3♦ | A♥ K♦ Q♣ | Depends on the selected ace convention |
| Q♠ Q♦ 3♥ | Q♥ Q♣ 9♦ | B: equal pairs, nine kicker over three |
| A♠ J♦ 8♣ | A♥ J♣ 8♦ | Equal ranked strength; use table settlement rules |
These examples separate category order, ace order, kickers and equal strength. The result explains which stage decided the comparison.
What the tool does and how it was checked
The algorithm uses a standard deck and mutually exclusive hand categories. All 22,100 unordered three-card combinations are enumerated in the validation workflow to check the category totals. Additional comparisons cover ties, ace convention switches and invalid duplicate cards.
It is an instructional calculator, not an assessment of an external app’s deal, fairness or future results. AK47, Muflis, wild-card and best-of-four modes require their own comparison rules. See the methodology register for assumptions.
Continue with a focused exercise
If you are learning the categories, use the 8-example hand trainer. If only one comparison is confusing, return to the ranking chart or ace-run explanation.
Use a calculation with the right rulebook
The standard ranking chart explains category order. The sequence convention guide explains the ace switch. For named wild-card modes, use the variation guide because this calculator handles ordinary standard hands.