Four aces is one of the strongest possible hands in poker. While quad aces are nearly unbeatable, this combination still loses to a Royal Flush and a Straight Flush.
If you’ve ever wondered what beats 4 aces in poker and how this hand stacks against the rest, this guide breaks it down clearly.
Royal Flush vs Quad Aces
Royal Flush, which consists of five highest cards of the same suit (for example, A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠), is the strongest possible combination, so it naturally beats four aces in poker. If you’re holding quad aces, the royal flush will always win.
Does a Straight Flush Beat Four Aces?
Yes, a straight flush does beat four aces. A straight flush is a sequence of five cards in a row, all of the same suit (for example, 5♦ 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ 9♦). Since straight flushes rank above any four of a kind, even four aces will lose to one.
Hand Rankings: What Beats Four of a Kind?
Here’s a quick ranking overview showing where four of a kind (including four aces) stands compared to other top poker hands:
| Poker Hand | Example | Beats Four Aces? |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 10♠ | ✅ Yes |
| Straight Flush | 5♦ 6♦ 7♦ 8♦ 9♦ | ✅ Yes |
| Four of a Kind (other than quod aces) | Q♣ Q♦Q♥ Q♠ J♣ | ❌ No |
| Full House | 10♣ 10♦ 10♥ K♠ K♦ | ❌ No |
| Flush | 2♠ 6♠ 9♠ J♠ K♠ | ❌ No |
| Straight | 4♣ 5♦ 6♥ 7♠ 8♣ | ❌ No |
Conclusion
So, what beats four aces in poker? Only the straight flush and the royal flush.
While extremely rare, these hands will beat any four of a kind, including quod aces. That said, you’re almost guaranteed to win if you’re holding four aces, so never be afraid to put your stack on the line.