Strongest to weakest
Three cards of one rank.
Consecutive ranks, one suit.
Consecutive ranks, mixed suits.
One suit, not consecutive.
Two matching ranks, one kicker.
No stronger category applies.
Trail and pure sequence
A trail contains three cards of the same rank, such as 7-7-7. Aces are the highest trail and twos the lowest. A trail beats a pure sequence, regardless of how high the sequence’s cards are.
A pure sequence contains three consecutive ranks in one suit, such as 7♥-8♥-9♥. Do not mistake three high cards of one suit for a pure sequence: A♥-K♥-J♥ skips the queen and is a colour instead.
A-2-3 and A-K-Q require a convention. Our source places A-2-3 first; some tables place A-K-Q first. The recognition quiz avoids comparing those two sequences, so it cannot silently impose an app-specific hierarchy.
Sequence and colour
A sequence is three consecutive ranks that are not all of one suit. 5♣-6♦-7♠ is a sequence. Q-K-A is also consecutive in standard ace-high interpretation; K-A-2 is not a wrapped sequence.
A colour is three cards of one suit that are not consecutive. The name means a flush, not merely three red cards or three black cards. Hearts and diamonds are separate suits even though both symbols are red.
When two colours are compared, sort each hand’s ranks from high to low and compare in that order. A-Q-4 beats A-J-10 because the queens and jacks break the tie after the aces match.
Pair, kicker and high card
A pair has exactly two matching ranks. The remaining card is the kicker. Q-Q-2 beats J-J-A: the paired rank is compared before the kicker. If the pair ranks match, the higher kicker wins under the stated convention.
A high-card hand has no stronger category. A-J-6 beats K-Q-10 because the ace is compared first. If highest cards match, compare second-highest cards, and finally the third. Do not add card values together; standard Teen Patti is not decided by a total.
Three comparisons beginners often reverse
- 2-2-2 vs A-K-Q of one suit: the trail wins. Category comes first.
- 4-5-6 of mixed suits vs A-K-J of one suit: the sequence wins over the colour.
- A-A-2 vs K-K-Q: the pair of aces wins, despite the lower kicker.
Under the baseline described here, a suit does not automatically outrank another suit. Equal-rank tie handling depends on the room rules. Our quiz tests categories only, not disputed ties or rewards.
Build recognition before speed
Look at the ranks for a match or sequence, then check suits. Ask these questions in order: all same rank? all consecutive and same suit? consecutive with mixed suits? all same suit? one pair? otherwise high card.
Take your time in the 12-hand browser practice. Each answer explains the category and common mistake. It keeps no permanent score and awards no prize. Getting the categories right is a useful learning goal on its own.
Try hand practice →Sources & further reading
Links are supporting references, not endorsements of an app or any commercial service.