Set
A "set" in poker refers to a hand where a player hits a three of a kind using a pocket pair. This is distinct from "three of a kind" (the general term for the rank of a set) or "trips" (three of a kind without the pocket pair).
Understanding Sets
A set is a powerful hand in poker, but it's not always easy to achieve because it requires very specific cards. It's different from "trips" where a player has one card in their hand and the other two matching cards are on the board.
The fact that the pair is hidden from other players helps to disguise the hand and increase its average profitability.
Playing Sets
When playing a set, one's set strategy must be dictated by your opponents betting patterns, your reads on your opponents, and the texture of the flop. A set is often very strong and has options to draw to a full house.
However, it is especially vulnerable to straight draws and flush draws. As a result, it is often best to play a set aggressively, building a pot and charging drawing hands to see new cards.
Example of "Set"
An example of a set in pot limit Omaha would be if your hole cards were A♣Q♦J♣J♥ and the flop was J♠10♠4♦. In this situation, you would have a set of jacks (also the top set in this scenario).
- "He hit a set on the flop, giving him a strong chance to win the hand."
- "She was disappointed when her set was beaten by a flush."
- "Despite having a set, he decided to fold due to the potential for a straight on the board."
Set in Poker FAQs
What is a set in poker?
A set in poker refers to a hand where a player has three of a kind where two of the three cards are hole cards.
How is a Set different from Trips?
A set is different from trips in the way the three of a kind is achieved. A set requires the player to hold a pair with the third card on the board. trips, on the other hand, occur when a player has one card in their hand and the pair appears on the board. A set is more disguised and so tends to be stronger.
How should I play a set?
When you have a set, it's often a good strategy to bet aggressively to extract value from your opponents. However, it's also important to consider the potential for opponents to have stronger hands, such as straights or flushes and the impact of the board pairing to give you a full house.
How often will I hit a set?
The chances of hitting a set on the flop when you hold a pocket pair are approximately 1 in 8. This means it's a relatively rare occurrence, but when it happens, it can be very powerful.
