What is a kicker in poker?
Updated November 2026
A kicker is the side card that breaks a tie between two hands that are otherwise equal. If you both have a pair of aces, the player with the higher side card wins the whole pot.
Kickers decide more money than beginners expect, because the hands that tie most often are also the hands you'll have most often.
| Your hand | Kickers that can play |
|---|---|
| One pair | 3 |
| Two pair | 1 |
| Three of a kind | 2 |
| Four of a kind | 1 |
| High card | All five compared |
| Straight or full house | None |
How does a kicker work?
When doesn't a kicker count?
When your five cards are already full. A straight uses all five, so there's nothing left over. A full house uses all five too, with the three of a kind and the pair.
A kicker also can't help if the board is better than your side card. If the board shows king and queen as side cards and your kicker is a seven, your seven doesn't play.
Your seven doesn't play
Do kickers count with two pair?
Yes, one kicker. Compare the higher pair, then the lower pair, then the single side card.
Why do kickers cost beginners so much?
Because a weak ace feels strong. When you pair your ace and somebody else also has an ace, the kicker decides the whole pot, and you've probably put a lot of chips in by then.
When ace-king meets ace-queen, ace-king wins about 74 times in 100 with ties shared.
Ace-king against ace-queen
How do you avoid kicker trouble?
- Don't overvalue weak acesAce-four offsuit folds from most seats in a chart, and this is why.
- Respect big actionWhen a quiet player puts in a raise on a king-high flop, your king-jack is often outkicked.
- Bet when you have the top kickerWorse aces will keep calling you.
Can you spot who wins on the kicker?
Twelve spots in three rounds. Every answer is worked out from the cards.
Questions players ask
Why is it called a kicker?
Nobody knows for sure. It's been in use for a very long time.
Does the kicker count in a split pot?
Yes. If the kickers tie as well, the pot is split.
Can the kicker be on the board?
Yes. Your best five can use any cards, so the highest side card may be a board card, and then both players share it.
Know someone who plays every ace?
Send them this page.