How to play a flush in poker
A flush (five cards of one suit) is a very strong hand, but its value depends on how high it is. The nut flush (with the ace of the suit) can usually be played for maximum value. A small flush can lose to a bigger one, especially when the board shows four cards of the suit or your opponent shows big strength.
Nut flush vs small flush
Section titled “Nut flush vs small flush”| Your flush | Strength | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Ace-high (nut flush) | Best possible flush | Bet big for value; see the nuts |
| King- or queen-high | Strong | Bet for value, be careful against big raises |
| Low flush (e.g. 7-high) | Vulnerable | Bet smaller, fold to heavy action from tight players |
How to play a made flush
Section titled “How to play a made flush”- Bet for value: many players call with top pair, two pair or a single high card of the suit. See value betting.
- Bet bigger if the board isn’t paired: full houses are unlikely.
- Check-raise aggressive players who bet a lot. See check-raise.
Dangerous situations
Section titled “Dangerous situations”- The board pairs: full houses become possible. Slow down against big bets.
- Four of the suit on the board: anyone with one card of the suit has a flush. Your small flush may be weak; your high card of the suit matters.
- Multiway pots: someone may hold a bigger flush. See multiway pots.
Holding the ace of the suit
Section titled “Holding the ace of the suit”Even without a flush, the ace of the suit is a powerful blocker: your opponent can’t have the nut flush. It’s good for bluffing when a flush completes.
Frequency
Section titled “Frequency”With two suited cards you make a flush by the river about 6.5% of the time. See the poker odds cheat sheet.
Is a flush a strong hand?
Section titled “Is a flush a strong hand?”Yes, but its strength depends on how high it is; a small flush can lose to a bigger one.
What is the nut flush?
Section titled “What is the nut flush?”The highest possible flush, usually made with the ace of the suit.
What should you do when the board pairs and you have a flush?
Section titled “What should you do when the board pairs and you have a flush?”Slow down against big bets, because full houses become possible.
How often do suited cards make a flush?
Section titled “How often do suited cards make a flush?”About 6.5% of the time by the river.