What is a kicker in poker?

In poker, a kicker is a card that is used to break a tie between hands of the same rank. In most poker games, if players have the same hand, the value of their kickers will determine the winner.

For example, if two players both have a pair of aces, the player with the higher kicker (the next highest card) will win. If both players have the same pair and kicker, the pot will be split between them.

In Texas Hold'em, kickers are also used to break ties in situations where players have the same two-pair or three-of-a-kind hands. If two players both have a two-pair hand, the player with the higher kicker will win. Likewise, if two players have the same three-of-a-kind hand, the player with the higher kicker will win.

It is important for players to pay attention to the value of their kickers in poker games, as they can often be the difference between winning and losing a hand.