Question about when kickers apply in Hold'em

[Thirdman]

Hi,

I have a question about when kickers apply, I have just been in a game:

Me:

Ac Td

Board:

7d Ah Qh 7c 5h

Opponent:

Ad Jd

The result was a split pot, each player having 2 pair A and 7. This blew me because I thought that my opponent would have won with the J kicker.

An explanation would be much appreciated thanks.

[GrumpyB]

You both get to use the five best cards you can, selected from the two in your hand and the five on the board. With two pairs (Aces and Sevens) you both get to share the Q[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] on the board.

[Mase31683]

Your second example needs a couple hands. It could be a split pot, someone could win it outright. Just depends on what the cards are. Grumpy's got it laid out pretty much. After playing for a bit, you'll get it. You guys split the pot because the board had a higher kicker than either of you. At that point, A2-AJ (excluding the 7) are all the same. AQ would win with a higher 2 pair, and AK would win the pot because the kicker IS better than the board. Aces and 7's with a King.

[phydaux]

Hey thirdman, were you playing Stars 50NL last night? LOL!

[Thirdman]

Lol, I don't think I'm quite ready for that level just yet, need to work my way up from the 0.10/0.20 games.