Definition

Noun: - A set of five cards dealt to and held by a player in a game of poker: It refers specifically to the combination of five cards a player uses to compete in a round of poker. The value of the hand is determined by standard poker rankings, such as a pair, flush, or straight.

Usage

• The term "poker hand" is used to describe a player's cards during a game and to discuss the relative strength or ranking of different card combinations.
• It is a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • He revealed his poker hand, showing a full house.
  • To win, you need to know when to fold a weak poker hand.
  • She was dealt an excellent poker hand on the first round.

Advanced Usage

• "To play the hand you're dealt": An idiom derived from poker, meaning to make the best of the situation or resources you have, regardless of whether they are good or bad.
  • In life, you have to play the hand you're dealt.

Variants and Related Words

• Hand (noun): In card games generally, the set of cards held by a player. "Poker hand" is a specific type of hand.
  • He had a good hand in the bridge tournament.

Synonyms

• Holding (noun): A less common term for the cards a player holds.
• Cards (noun, informal): Can refer to a player's hand in context (e.g., ).

Related Phrases

• Showdown: The final phase of a poker round where players reveal and compare their poker hands.
  • The game went to a showdown where his poker hand beat mine.
• Hand ranking: The hierarchy that determines which poker hand wins (e.g., Royal Flush is the highest ranking).
  • You must memorize the hand rankings to be a good poker player.

Noun

1. the 5 cards held in a game of poker