Odds, Probability & Bankroll
Straight flush probability
Straight flush probability is the chance of being dealt five cards of the same suit in sequential rank order, in a given poker context.
Key points
- A straight flush requires five cards in sequence, all of the same suit3.
- Probability is the number of straight flush hands divided by the total possible hands for that game18.
- In video poker and hold'em, the probability depends on the dealing structure and evaluation rules used56.
- A royal flush is a straight flush that is ace-high (10-J-Q-K-A)3.
- The standard 5-card probability of 0.00001385 is equivalent to 1 in 72,193 hands4.
- In three-card poker, the straight flush is one of the ranked hands and occurs far more often than in five-card poker2.
Straight flush probabilities by game
| Game | Straight flush hands | Total hands | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-card poker | 36 | 2,598,960 | 0.00139% |
| 3-card poker | 48 | 22,100 | 0.22% |
| Texas hold'em (7 cards) | — | — | 0.02785% |
| Texas hold'em (2-player) | — | — | 0.0177% |
Where this term is used
Not the same as
- Probability of a straight — a straight does not require all cards to be the same suit
- Probability of flush in 5-card poker — a flush requires same suit but not sequential ranks
Related terms
Odds & probability
Probability of a straight
The chance of being dealt five sequential cards regardless of suit.
Odds & probability
Probability of flush in 5-card poker
The chance of being dealt five cards of the same suit, not necessarily in sequence.
Odds & probability
Probability vs possibility
Probability is a numeric measure; possibility is a binary yes-or-no.
Odds & probability
Odds vs probability
Odds compare success to failure; probability compares success to total outcomes.
Odds & probability
Likelihood vs probability
Likelihood is a broader term; probability is a specific mathematical value.
Odds & probability
Implied probability
The probability that betting odds suggest for an event.
Sources
- Poker probability en.wikipedia.org Provides the standard 5-card straight flush count and probability.
- Three Card Poker en.wikipedia.org Gives the 3-card poker straight flush count and probability, and notes it is a ranked hand.
- List of poker hands en.wikipedia.org Defines straight flush and distinguishes it from royal flush.
- Poker Probabilities wizardofodds.com Confirms the 5-card probability as 0.00001385 and the 1-in-72,193 odds.
- Probabilities in Two-Player Texas Hold 'Em wizardofodds.com Provides the two-player Texas hold'em straight flush probability.
- Aces and Faces - Wizard of Odds wizardofodds.com Illustrates that video poker probability depends on game rules.
- Texas Hold'em - Probability - General wizardofodds.com Provides the seven-card Texas hold'em straight flush probability.
- Three Card Poker Appendix 1 wizardofodds.com Confirms the 3-card poker straight flush count and probability.
Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.