Nut Flush

A 'Nut Flush' in poker refers to the highest possible flush that can be made in a given hand. It is a powerful hand that can often guarantee a win.

What is a Nut Flush in Poker?

A 'Nut Flush' is the term used when a player has the best possible flush in a hand. This means they hold an Ace in their hand, and there are four other cards of the same suit on the board. The term 'Nut Flush' is commonly used in Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and other poker variants.

Getting Value with a Nut Flush

Achieving a 'Nut Flush' can provide a significant advantage, as it is the highest possible flush that can be made. This makes it a very strong hand that can often win a pot. However, it's important to remember that the only hand that can beat a 'Nut Flush' is a Straight Flush or a Royal Flush.

The issue that occurs with holding the Nut Flush is often getting value from your strong hand. If there is already a four-card flush on board, any player just needs to hold one other card of that suit to make a flush. Therefore, a flush is likely - made more likely the more players are in the pot. If you hold the ace, you have the Nut Flush, but other players who might have a lower flush or a worse, strong hand will be less likely to call a big bet for the risk of another player holding the Nut Flush. Small bets in this situation could draw the value, as opponents will be priced in and feel obliged to call the small bet with a weaker flush or hand.

Where you can really get value from a Nut Flush is where there is just a three-card flush on the board - where three of the community cards are the same suit. Here, your flush is more disguised and opponents will infer that it's less likely for someone to have two cards of a suit where three cards are already on the board. Here, you can bet larger, especially on 'wetter' boards where straights or two pairs are likely. Equally, if you have a Nut Flush draw or a made Nut Flush on the flop or turn, it could be a good idea to bet to try to grow the pot. This is beneficial for two reasons. One, opponents have more streets to make a hand and catch up, so might call with draws or weaker hands in the hope of improving, while you're ahead. Secondly, you will build the pot and give them a better price to call a river bet, as they've already earlier committed chips to the pot.

Example of "Nut Flush"

For instance, if a player holds an Ace and a King of hearts, and the board shows three more hearts, they have a 'Nut Flush'. This hand beats all other flushes, as it is the highest possible flush that can be made.

In another situation, a player may have a 'Nut Flush' but still lose to a 'Straight Flush' or a 'Royal Flush'. This can happen if the board shows a sequence of cards of the same suit.