1. Definition
In poker, a “One Pair” hand is made when a player holds two cards of the same rank along with three unrelated cards. It ranks above a High Card but below Two Pair and other stronger combinations.
Example: 7♠ 7♦ A♣ 10♥ 4♣ → One Pair (sevens)
2. Background and Mechanics
A poker hand consists of five cards. When exactly two cards share the same rank and the remaining three do not form any other combination, it’s called One Pair. The remaining cards are known as “kickers” and are used to break ties.
Hand strength is determined by:
- The rank of the pair (e.g., Queens beat Jacks)
- The three kickers, evaluated in descending order if the pairs are equal
3. Examples and Usage
- “I hit a pair on the flop, so I stayed in with one pair.”
- “My opponent had a pair of Kings; I had a pair of Tens and lost.”
- “Even though I only had one pair, I beat their high card.”
Example:
Player A: J♠ J♣ 9♦ 6♥ 3♠ (Pair of Jacks)
Player B: 10♠ 10♦ Q♣ 7♣ 4♦ (Pair of Tens)
→ Player A wins (Jacks beat Tens)
4. Differences from Related Terms
- High Card: No matching cards — weaker than One Pair
- Two Pair: Two separate pairs — stronger than One Pair
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank — stronger than One Pair
5. Tips and Considerations
- The higher the pair, the better — holding top pair (with Aces or Kings) is a strong position
- With low pairs, be cautious, as kicker strength often becomes decisive
- When the board includes a pair, all players may share the same pair, and the best kicker wins
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How are ties between One Pair hands resolved?
A. The player with the higher pair wins. If tied, the next highest cards (kickers) are compared one by one.
Q2. Is One Pair a strong hand?
A. It’s among the lower-ranking hands but appears frequently and can win many pots with proper strategy.
Q3. Can a pair on the board count?
A. Yes. Any combination of the board and hole cards can form One Pair.
7. Related Terms
- Hand Ranking
- Kicker
- Two Pair
- Three of a Kind
- Community Cards
8. Summary
One Pair is one of the most common and foundational hands in poker. While relatively weak compared to higher-ranked combinations, it plays a critical role in actual gameplay. Understanding how to leverage kicker strength and table dynamics can turn even a modest One Pair into a winning hand.