Poker Rules: Is Ace High or Low in a Poker Hand?

Poker can seem confusing when you’re just starting out, especially when it comes to understanding the value of each card. Aces often leave people guessing. Are they the most prominent, or can they actually be the lowest?

Plenty of people have wondered if the ace should count higher than a king, or if it actually sits below a two. The answer depends on the game, but there are clear rules you can follow.

If you’re moving between different poker variants or online rooms, it might help to check the house rules first so you know exactly where you stand. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) ensures that all poker games on licensed sites are fair to all players. Read on to learn more. 

How Ace Works In Poker Hands

If you first look at the cards in poker, the ace might stand out, but it acts differently depending on the hand you’re playing. In most traditional games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, the ace is the highest card in the deck. That means it can give you the top end of a straight with ten, jack, queen, king and ace.

There are some situations where the ace plays the role of the lowest card. In a hand like ace, two, three, four, five, the ace acts as the ‘one’, creating the lowest possible straight. Crucially, in any single hand the ace is either high or low for that combination, not both at once.

Outside of straights, its ranking still matters. An ace-high hand beats a king-high hand, and when players share the same pair or two-pair, an ace ‘kicker’ often decides who takes the pot. 

If you do decide to try your hand at poker, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.

How Ace Fits Into Straights

A straight needs five cards in sequence. The ace can sit at either end, but never in the middle.

You can use the ace to start the lowest straight, which is ace, two, three, four, five. Many players call this the “wheel” or “bicycle”. At the other end, ten, jack, queen, king, ace is the highest straight, often called “Broadway”. Standard rules do not allow a sequence to wrap around, so king, ace, two, three, four does not count as a straight.

Most games follow these conventions, although certain variants use different rankings. If you ever feel unsure, a quick glance at the game’s rules or help page will usually clear it up. 

Why Ace Ranking Matters At The Table

The way an ace is ranked can influence every round you play. It shapes how you compare hands, how tie-breaks work, and which combinations are worth pursuing as the board develops. In table settings where two players share the same made hand, the ace often becomes the decider.

Kickers are a good example. If two players show a pair of kings, the one with an ace as the fifth card beats someone holding a queen. The same logic applies to high-card situations, where ace-high beats any other high-card hand. In flushes, an ace-high flush tops a king-high flush. For straights, an ace-low straight (A-2-3-4-5) loses to any higher straight, while the ace-high straight (10-J-Q-K-A) is the strongest straight available under standard rules.

Ace In Hold’em Vs Other Poker Variants

How the ace behaves also depends on the variant. In Texas Hold’em it is usually the top card. In lowball formats such as Razz, the ace is treated as the lowest rank, which flips the value of many familiar hands. 

Play Poker Online

If you’re interested in exploring poker from the comfort of your own home, King Casino offers a range of tables and formats. Whether you’re new to the game or trying a different variant, each table includes its own rules, so it could be worth checking the information panel before you join.

You’ll find clear guides and visible table limits, helping you see what to expect in advance. A quick look at the game details will also show you how aces are ranked in that format, which makes reading the board far simpler once the cards are in play.

All activity at King Casino is operated in line with UKGC requirements, with clear terms and access to safer gambling tools. Understanding when an ace plays high or low could help you read situations confidently and compare hands accurately, so you can sit down knowing exactly how each game is scored. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}