High Card in Poker [Meaning] - MasterTerms.com

High Card in Poker [HC]

A High Card in Poker refers to a hand where no player has formed a pair or better, and the hand’s value is determined by the highest-ranking card.

In more detail, if no player has a hand that qualifies as a pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, or any other higher-ranking combinations, the hand’s rank is based solely on the highest card held. For example, if two players both fail to make any combinations, the player with the highest card wins. In cases where the highest card is tied, the second-highest card (kicker) comes into play, and so on, until a winner is determined.

High Card in Poker Example

For instance, if Player A holds K-8 and Player B holds Q-9, Player A wins because the King outranks the Queen.