An entropy decoder and method for decoding code words with an indication of associated probability for each code word. The decoder may include an input buffer in communication with a branch node block, the branch node block in communication with a leaf node block. The input buffer operable to receive code words and the indication of associated probability. The branch node block comprising one or more branch node lookup tables and branch node control logic. The branch node control logic operable to process a code word in the input buffer using a selected table from the one or more branch node lookup tables to obtain leaf node information and a bit count of a code word size, the branch control logic further operable to refresh the input buffer to replace the bit count of the code word size and to make the leaf node information and the table selection available to the leaf node block. The leaf node block may include one or more leaf node lookup tables and leaf node control logic. The leaf node control logic operable to process the leaf node information and the table selection made available by the branch node block to obtain leaf node contents.