What are the possible combinations in a poker game with a standard 52-card deck?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the number of combinations and probabilities in a standard 52-card poker game. The correct formula for the number of unique 5-card combinations is C(52,5), not the permutation formula P(52,5) as initially suggested. The probability calculations for specific hands, such as a royal flush or one pair, require precise definitions and understanding of poker hand rankings. The conversation highlights common misconceptions in probability calculations related to card games.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of combinatorial mathematics, specifically combinations and permutations.
  • Familiarity with poker hand rankings and terminology.
  • Basic probability theory, including independent events and probability calculations.
  • Knowledge of the binomial coefficient notation, such as C(n, k).
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for combinations in combinatorial mathematics, specifically C(52,5).
  • Learn about poker hand probabilities, including how to calculate the odds of specific hands like flushes and pairs.
  • Study the concept of independent events in probability and how it applies to repeated games.
  • Explore advanced topics in probability, such as conditional probability and expected value in card games.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for poker enthusiasts, mathematicians interested in probability, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of combinatorial calculations in card games.

Cosmossos
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Homework Statement


in a poker game we want to calculate the Probability to get differnet combinations. in a card deck there are 52 cards from 4 different series. each series has 13 cards. we assume that each card get 5 random cards.

What is the number of combinations to get the cards? (The order isn't important)
my answer: 52*51*50*49*48

what is the number of combinations if we don't distinguish?
My answer: 52C5-13*12*4 (the number of combinations to choose 5 cards - the number of combinations which repeat themselves)

What is the probability to get K,J,Q,A,Flush and all the cards are from the same series?
My answer: (52/52)(12/52)(11/52)(10/52)(9/52)

what is the probability to get a one pair (two card of the same kind)?
My answer: 3!*(52/52)(3/52)(48/52)(47/52)(46/52)

We play N times. What's the probability that until the Nth game we won't get one pair and in the last game we will get one pair?
My answer:[(1-3!*(52/52)(3/52)(48/52)(47/52)(46/52))^(n-1)]*(3!*(52/52)(3/52)(48/52)(47/52)(46/52))

Is it correct?
thanks
 
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Cosmossos said:

Homework Statement


in a poker game we want to calculate the Probability to get differnet combinations. in a card deck there are 52 cards from 4 different series. each series has 13 cards. we assume that each card get 5 random cards.

What is the number of combinations to get the cards? (The order isn't important)
my answer: 52*51*50*49*48

The "series" are usually called "suits". Do you mean to ask how many possible different 5 card hands can be dealt? If so, your answer is wrong. You have given the number of permutations of 52 things 5 at a time, P(52,5), which counts different orders as different hands. You want combinations, C(52,5), which doesn't distinguish different orders of the same 5 card hands.
what is the number of combinations if we don't distinguish?
My answer: 52C5-13*12*4 (the number of combinations to choose 5 cards - the number of combinations which repeat themselves)

Don't distinguish what? This is a confused paragraph; see above.

What is the probability to get K,J,Q,A,Flush and all the cards are from the same series?
My answer: (52/52)(12/52)(11/52)(10/52)(9/52)

No. How many royal flushes are there? How many possible 5 card hands are there? Use those figures.

what is the probability to get a one pair (two card of the same kind)?
My answer: 3!*(52/52)(3/52)(48/52)(47/52)(46/52)

It's more complicated than that. Normally, when you say you have one pair it means you don't have a better hand. So you can't have a full house, which includes a pair or 3 or 4 of a kind.
 
Don't distinguish what? This is a confused paragraph; see above.
If we don't distinguish between the suits...


No. How many royal flushes are there? How many possible 5 card hands are there? Use those figures.
I don't understand what you meant. I need to find the probability to get a shape/color and all the cards are from the same suit.


It's more complicated than that. Normally, when you say you have one pair it means you don't have a better hand. So you can't have a full house, which includes a pair or 3 or 4 of a kind.
So what do I do?

The other answers are correct?
 
Cosmossos said:
If we don't distinguish between the suits...
I don't understand what you meant. I need to find the probability to get a shape/color and all the cards are from the same suit.
So what do I do?

The other answers are correct?

What in the world does "shape/color and all the cards from the same suit" mean?

I doubt your answers are correct, but it's hard to tell given that I can't figure out what you are really intending to ask. If these questions are from a text, please copy them verbatim so I know what they really say.
 
O.k , Forget about it, I need help only with the following qeustions:
what is the number of combinations if we don't distinguish between the suits?
And:
We play N times. What's the probability that until the Nth game we won't get only one pair and in the last game we will get one pair?
Trying to answer: Is like (1-get one pair)^(n-1) * (get one pair)?
 

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