Two checks for a sequence
First ask whether the three ranks are consecutive. Then ask whether all three suits match. 6♣ 7♣ 8♣ is a pure sequence; 6♣ 7♦ 8♥ is a normal sequence. Use category order before comparing two different types.
Twelve runs, with the ace rule stated
| Position | A-2-3 first | A-K-Q first, A-2-3 second |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A-2-3 | A-K-Q |
| 2 | A-K-Q | A-2-3 |
| 3 | K-Q-J | K-Q-J |
| 4 | Q-J-10 | Q-J-10 |
| 5 | J-10-9 | J-10-9 |
| 6 | 10-9-8 | 10-9-8 |
| 7 | 9-8-7 | 9-8-7 |
| 8 | 8-7-6 | 8-7-6 |
| 9 | 7-6-5 | 7-6-5 |
| 10 | 6-5-4 | 6-5-4 |
| 11 | 5-4-3 | 5-4-3 |
| 12 | 4-3-2 | 4-3-2 |
The first column of runs follows the traditional reference listed below. The second shows an explicitly different teaching convention. It is not a claim about a particular Android app mode. K-A-2 does not form a standard run in either convention shown.
Work through two examples
J-10-9 versus 10-9-8: within the same sequence category, J-10-9 comes first under both listed conventions. No ace decision is involved.
A-2-3 versus A-K-Q: the answer changes with the stated convention. Ask for the rule rather than choosing a winner from the highest individual card.
Avoid these shortcuts
- Matching suits alone create a colour only when the ranks do not also make a sequence.
- A pure sequence outranks a normal sequence in the traditional category order, even if the normal sequence is higher within its own list.
- A different mode may use wild cards or altered ranking. Read that mode’s rules before applying this reference.
Try the ace question
Open the practice cards and read the convention printed in the question. The answer belongs to that example, not every table.