Rookie question on tie pots

[rimanosov]

Asuming that two players have high card X, but one has a higher kicker, why sometimes I tie a pot with a best kicker than other player, and sometimes I win it in total, for example in the case of a straight or similar.

Thank you

[bicyclekick]

I don't get it.

[grimel]

because of the board you kicker doesn't play.

Say both players have A. One has A4 the other A8. If the board comes 910JAk. Your 8 won't play and the pot will be split.

[WhiteWolf]

The rule is each player takes their 2 hole cards and the 5 board cards and makes the best possible 5-card hand with those. The best 5-card hand wins: ties split the pot. If you split the pot with a 'better kicker' in your hand, that kicker was not part of your best 5-card hand given the board cards.

Hope this helps,

The Wolf

[UATrewqaz]

Always best 5 cards, can involve both, 1, or neither of your hole cards.

Several examples

You: AA
Opponent: KK

Board : 3 4 5 6 7

Winner - TIE (both have straight 3-7)

You: AK
Opponent: A3

Board: 7 7 6 6 5

Winner - TIE (both have 2 pair with ace kicker).

You: AJ
Opponent: AT

Board: A 2 4 5 9

Winner - YOU (your best five A A J 5 4, opponent best five A A T 9 5, your J trumps his T).

You: 34
Opponet: 28

Board: Q 3 Q 3 Q

Winner - TIE (best 5 fullhouse is on board, the 3 in your hand is meaningless).