How to play a straight in poker

A straight (five cards in a row) is a strong hand, but not all straights are equal. The nut straight is the highest possible on the board; the low end (the “idiot end”) can lose to a higher straight. Also watch for flush cards and paired boards, which can make better hands.

Which straight do you have?

Board	Your hand	Straight	Strength
9-8-7	J-10	J-high (nuts)	Very strong
9-8-7	6-5	9-high (low end)	Can lose to 10-6 or J-10
9-8-7-6	5-x	Low end	Weak: any 10 has a higher straight

See the nuts.

How to play a made straight

Bet for value on most boards: two pair, sets and draws will call. See value betting.
Charge flush draws on two-tone boards: bet bigger.
If you have the nut straight on a dry board, you can sometimes let aggressive players bet. See slow play.

Dangerous situations

A third card of one suit arrives: a flush is now possible.
The board pairs: full houses are possible.
One-card straights: with four to a straight on the board (like 9-8-7-6), anyone with a 10 or a 5 has a straight. Your 5-x is the worst one.
Big raises from tight players when you hold the low end.

Wheel and Broadway

A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest straight (the wheel).
10-J-Q-K-A is the highest (Broadway).

Frequency

From the flop, an open-ended straight draw completes by the river about 32% of the time. See playing draws.

FAQ

Is a straight a strong hand?

Yes, but a straight on the low end can lose to a higher straight, and flushes and full houses beat it.

What is the idiot end of a straight?

The lower end of a possible straight, which can lose to a higher straight using the same board.

What should you do with a straight when a flush card comes?

Slow down against big bets, because a flush may now be possible.

What is the highest straight?

10-J-Q-K-A, called Broadway.