Three of a Kind
'Three of a Kind' in poker refers to a hand that contains three cards of the same rank.
What is Three of a Kind in Poker?
In poker, 'Three of a Kind' is a type of hand that contains three cards of the same rank. For example, three jacks or three sevens form a Three of a Kind. The other two cards in the hand are irrelevant unless they make a higher hand such as a full house or four of a kind.
Understanding Three of a Kind
Three of a Kind is a relatively strong hand in poker, especially in Texas Hold'em and Omaha. It ranks above two pair and below a straight. In most poker games, the higher the rank of the three cards, the stronger the hand. For example, Three Kings would beat Three Queens.
Three of a Kind in Poker
If two players have Three of a Kind, the player with the highest ranked Three of a Kind wins the hand. If both players have the same Three of a Kind, the player with the highest side card (or 'kicker') wins.
Example of "Three of a Kind"
For instance, a player holding two eights in their hand and another eight on the board has a Three of a Kind.
- "He had Three of a Kind with a pair of sixes in his hand and another six on the board."
- "Her Three of a Kind, queens, beat his Three of a Kind, jacks."
- "Despite holding Three of a Kind, he was beaten by a straight."
Three of a Kind in Poker FAQs
What is Three of a Kind in poker?
Three of a Kind in poker is a type of hand that contains three cards of the same rank.
How does Three of a Kind rank in poker?
Three of a Kind is a relatively strong hand in poker, ranking above two pair and below a straight.
What happens if two players have Three of a Kind?
If two players have Three of a Kind, the player with the highest ranked Three of a Kind wins the hand. If both players have the same Three of a Kind, the player with the highest side card (or 'kicker') wins.
Can Three of a Kind beat a straight or a flush?
No, in poker hand rankings, a straight or a flush beats a Three of a Kind.