1. Build exactly five cards
Poker hands are ranked using exactly five cards. In Texas Hold’em, you choose the best five-card combination from your two hole cards and the five community cards. You may use both hole cards, one, or neither.
TEXAS HOLD’EM LEARNING PATH
Texas Hold’em Showdown Rules
Understand Texas Hold’em showdown rules for beginners: building the best five-card hand, ties, split pots, kickers, all-ins and common live-poker procedures.
Use this page when…
- You want one clear answer before deeper strategy.
- You are learning Texas Hold’em from the beginning.
- You want a reference you can return to while playing or studying.
Last reviewed: August 25, 2026Editorial standard: beginner-first, rules-aware explanationsHow we verify poker information
Quick answer
What happens at showdown?
If two or more players remain after river betting, they compare their best five-card poker hands. The strongest hand wins. If the best five cards are exactly equal, the pot is split. House procedures determine who must show first in live play, so follow the dealer’s instructions.
Best 5 cardsTies split potsKickers can matterHouse procedure governs order
2. Compare hand category, then kickers
First compare the hand category: for example, a flush beats a straight. If both players have the same category, compare the relevant ranks and kickers according to standard hand-ranking rules. Suits do not break ordinary Hold’em ties.
3. When the board plays
Sometimes the five community cards already form the best possible hand for every remaining player. In that case the board plays and the eligible players split the pot unless a player can make a stronger five-card combination using a hole card.
4. Split pots and odd chips
When hands tie exactly, the pot is divided. If the pot cannot be split perfectly into the smallest chip denomination, the venue’s odd-chip rule determines who receives the extra chip.
5. All-ins and side pots
When players are all-in for different amounts, more than one pot may exist. A player can win only the main or side pots for which they contributed the required amount. Evaluate each pot separately among the eligible players.
6. Who shows first?
Live-poker showdown order can depend on the final betting action and house rules. Rather than relying on a single universal shortcut, beginners should keep their cards protected and follow the dealer’s direction. Online poker reveals and awards hands automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to use both hole cards?
No. Texas Hold’em allows you to use zero, one or both hole cards.
Can suits break a tie?
No. Suits are not ranked to break normal Hold’em hand ties.
What happens if both players have the same hand?
If their best five-card hands are exactly equal, they split the pot.