As a seasoned poker expert, I can tell you that the role of the ace in poker can vary depending on the context of the game being played. In most traditional poker games, an ace is considered the highest card, ranking above the king. However, there are specific scenarios where an ace can be used as the lowest card in a straight.

To clarify, let's delve into the different hand rankings and how they relate to the ace:


1. High Hand: In standard high poker, the ace is the highest card. For example, in a hand like A-K-Q-J-10, the ace is the highest card and contributes to the highest possible value.


2. Low Hand: In low poker variations like Ace-to-Five Lowball, the ace is treated as the lowest card. This is where the ace is used to complete the lowest possible straight, which is A-2-3-4-5.


3. Straight: A straight consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit. If the ace is used as the highest card in a straight, it forms a 10-J-Q-K-A sequence, which is a regular straight. However, if the ace is used as the lowest card, it forms a 5-4-3-2-A sequence, which is known as an "ace-low" straight.


4. Straight Flush: A straight flush is a straight where all the cards are of the same suit. If the ace is used as the highest card in a straight flush, it forms a sequence like 10-J-Q-K-A of the same suit, which is a regular straight flush. But, if the ace is used as the lowest card, it forms a sequence like 5-4-3-2-A of the same suit, which is a "wheel" straight flush, the lowest possible straight flush.


5. Royal Flush: An ace-high straight flush is called a royal flush. This is the best possible hand in poker and consists of an ace, king, queen, jack, and ten, all in the same suit. The royal flush is a special case where the ace is always high.

In conclusion, the position of the ace in poker is highly dependent on the specific rules of the game being played. In most cases, the ace is high, but in certain lowball games, it is used as the lowest card. Understanding the role of the ace is crucial for strategic play and can significantly impact the outcome of a poker game.

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A flush is any five cards all of the same suit (i.e., all diamonds or all spades, etc.). ... Straight Flush: A straight flush (five consecutive cards all of the same suit) beats four of a kind. Aces can be high or low. An ace-high straight flush is called a royal flush, the best possible hand in poker.read more >>