As a poker expert with years of experience in both playing and analyzing the game, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the value of an ace in poker.

In poker, the ace is a unique card that can be used as either the highest or the lowest card in the deck, depending on the context of the hand and the specific rules of the game being played. This flexibility makes the ace one of the most valuable cards in poker, as it can contribute to a variety of winning hands.

Low Value of Ace:
When the ace is used as the lowest card, it is typically in the context of a straight, where the ace is considered to be worth one point. This is common in games like Lowball, where the best hand is the lowest possible five-card hand. For example, in a game of Ace-to-five low, the best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, with the ace being the lowest card.

High Value of Ace:
On the other hand, when the ace is used as the highest card, it is often in the context of a straight or a straight flush. This is the case in most traditional poker games. For instance, in a standard high game, the ace can be part of the highest possible straight, such as 10-J-Q-K-A. Additionally, an ace can also be part of a royal flush, which is a straight flush from 10 to ace, and is considered the best possible hand in poker.

Straight Flush and Royal Flush:
A straight flush is a hand where all five cards are of the same suit and in consecutive order. This hand is powerful and generally beats a four of a kind. The ace can be either the high end or the low end of this straight flush. For example, a 5-6-7-8-9 of hearts is a straight flush, and so is a 10-J-Q-K-A of hearts. The latter is specifically known as a royal flush, which is the highest-ranking hand in most poker games.

Variations and Rule Differences:
It's important to note that the value of the ace can vary depending on the specific rules of the poker variant being played. Some games may have unique rules that dictate when an ace is considered high or low. For example, in Razz, a variant of Seven-card Stud, the best low hand is desired, and the ace is used as the high end of a straight to determine the worst possible hand.

Conclusion:
In summary, the ace in poker can function as both a high and low card, and its value is determined by the context of the hand and the rules of the game. It is a versatile card that can contribute to both the highest and lowest valued hands, making it a key component in the strategy and play of poker.

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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 >>