In poker, the second highest pair usually means the lower pair in a two- pair hand, and when comparing two-pair hands it only matters after the highest pair is tied.

How it works

  • Example: A-A-K-K-Q has aces as the highest pair and kings as the second pair.
  • If two players both have A-A as their top pair, then the second pair decides the winner.
  • If both pairs are the same, the kicker decides.

Simple rule

  • Highest pair first
  • Second pair next
  • Then kicker if needed

So, the second highest pair is just the lower of the two pairs in a two- pair hand.