FLUSH

 FLUSH

 A flush is a very strong poker hand. A flush is represented by all five cards of the same suit – five spades, hearts, diamonds or clubs. Consecutive cards of the same suit represent a straight flush, which is the most powerful hand in poker.

A flush, however, can be any five cards. The best flush is when you are holding an ace of that suit in your hand. That is called the "nut flush." If there is an ace on the board and you are holding a king, you also have the nut flush. If there is an ace and a king on the board and you hold the queen, same deal.

A flush is an extremely strong hand when the board is not paired. Unless your opponent has a potential straight flush, you have an unbeatable hand.

However, if the board is paired, a flush should be played with caution because of the potential of a full house for your opponent.

Against a double paired board, a flush is almost useless. An opponent need hold only one of the other pairs in his or her hand to have a full house and cripple your flush.

However, when there is no paired board, a flush is a gold mine. Often you will get actions from such hands as trips and two pair, and if you represent something other than the flush, you can get paid off in a big way.