When playing poker, you may hear terms that aren’t immediately clear, such as the "kicker." The kicker is an important part of many poker hands, as it’s often the deciding factor in who wins the pot, so understanding it can give you a useful advantage.
The kicker is a subtle detail; however, it can make all the difference in close situations, helping you secure a win when it may seem like you’re on even ground.
In this Bezy blog, we'll explore what a kicker is, how it works, and why it’s such an important part of the game.
What Is a Kicker In Poker?
A kicker is essentially the card that plays a decisive role when hands are otherwise tied. Imagine you're holding a pair of queens, and so is your opponent. At first glance, it seems you'd have to split the pot; however, this is where the kicker steps in to tip the balance and decide the winner.
The kicker is the highest unpaired card in your hand that isn't part of your main hand ranking. For example, if your extra card is a jack and your opponent's is a 10, your jack's higher value means you win the hand.
It's important to remember that the kicker only matters when hands would otherwise tie. While it may seem like a small aspect of the game, the kicker can be a tiebreaker that determines who wins the pot.
How Does a Kicker Work In Poker?
When you play poker, you may sometimes face situations where two or more players have similar hands. In these moments, the kicker plays a crucial role, helping to see who has the stronger hand and who wins the pot.
Imagine you're both holding a pair of kings. While you both have a strong pair, the next highest card in your hand that's not part of that pair is your kicker.
Let’s say your hand includes a king, king, and an ace, while your opponent holds a king, king, and queen. Even though you share the pair of kings, your ace acts as the determining kicker, outmatching your opponent's queen.
Kickers are always one of the cards that are not used in forming your main hand. In games like Texas Hold’em, where the best five-card hand wins, kickers can be especially important. This also holds true even when community cards, which everyone can use, are in play.
What Is The Higher Kicker In Poker?
In poker, the higher kicker is the card used when breaking ties between hands of the same rank. It's the card not directly involved in your primary hand but helps decide the winner when things look even.
The higher kicker is important because it determines the upper hand in situations that would otherwise be drawn. In cases where the primary hand is tied, like pairs or trips, the player with the highest kicker gains the upper edge.
Sometimes, more than one kicker is involved, especially in community card games like Texas Hold'em. Here, you'll look at the strongest unused cards to see who holds the best possible five-card hand. Keeping an eye on the higher kicker can help you judge your hand strength better and make informed decisions while playing.
What If Two Players Have The Same Kicker?
In poker, situations arise where two players can have the same kicker. When this happens, the game needs another way to decide who wins, which generally involves looking at the next highest card in each player's hand to settle the tie.
Imagine you both have a pair of jacks with an ace as a kicker. If your other cards are different, the game will look to these cards to see which one is higher. For example, if one player has an ace and a king, and the other has an ace and a queen, the player with the king wins because the king is higher than the queen.
In some situations, all the cards used to make the best hands may be shared community cards. If both players have the same five-card hand, including kickers, then the pot is split equally between them, which is called a "chop."
Understanding what happens when players have the same kicker will give you a clearer picture of how ties are resolved and keep you ready for any scenario at the poker table.
Always remember to gamble responsibly for an enjoyable poker experience. Ensure your poker experience remains safe and enjoyable by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.