Friends,

I have had some long discussion about kicker cards with friends and there has been some confusion as to when they apply. Forgive my ignorance on the subject but as novice poker player this topic has come up over and over and I need some clarity from other avid poker players.

Example One:

FLOP: Jh 3s 7c

Turn: 8s

River: 2d

Player one turns: 7d 10h

Player two turns: 7s 9d

With a Jh on the table does the kicker 10h kicker give Player one the win? Or is this a split pot???

Example Two:

FLOP: 10h Qh Ks Ad

River: 6c

Turn: 2s

Player one turns: Jc 8s

Player two turns: Jd 7h

Both player hit the straight however player one has a higher kicker. Is player one the winner or is this a split pot???

Thanks for the help!