How would poker strategy change if suits had hierarchy?
How would poker strategy change if suits had hierarchy?

How would poker strategy change if suits had hierarchy?

In normal poker suits are equal, so identical hands can split the pot.

I’ve been experimenting with a poker variant where suits have a hierarchy and ties are impossible.

Example:
Ruby > Emerald > Sapphire > Gold > Silver > Bronze

That means if two players both have the same pair or straight, the suit resolves the winner instead of splitting.

The game also uses a 54-card deck and introduces a 4-flush hand ranking.

It creates some interesting strategy questions:

• Are suited connectors stronger?
• Do high suits become more valuable than high ranks?
• Does removing split pots make play less or more aggressive?

I wrote up the rules here if anyone wants to see the details:
https://www.widedeck.poker/rules

Curious what poker players think about the strategy implications.

05 March 2026 at 02:34 PM
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2 Replies



Could be a tough sell building on a game like shortdeck…which didn’t seem to take off


You mean 7 card stud? That's already a thing in this form of poker.

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