you guys are right regarding not having to use both of your cards but are wrong when you say that the 'A' '7' combo would beat the 'A' '5' combo.

the thing is that the kicker is meaningless in that situation because you can only use 5 cards total, therefore the 'A' combine with the 'K' 'Q' 'J' '10' is a five card straight. the pot would be split in that situaiton.

edit: i just read the 2 post before mine and i said what they said. what a noob i am.