1. Definition
A “Full House” in poker is a five-card hand consisting of a combination of three cards of one rank (Three of a Kind) and two cards of another rank (One Pair). The strength of a Full House is determined first by the rank of the three matching cards, then by the rank of the pair if needed.
Example: ♦10, ♠10, ♥10, ♣7, ♦7 → Tens full of Sevens
2. Background and Mechanics
The Full House is one of the strongest hands in poker, ranking above a Flush and below Four of a Kind. It requires both a Three of a Kind and a Pair to be present in the same hand. In games like Texas Hold’em, players combine their two hole cards with five community cards to form the best Full House possible.
Because of its relatively low probability of appearing, the Full House is considered a premium hand.
3. Examples and Usage
- Player A: ♥K, ♠K (hole cards)
Community cards: ♦K, ♣3, ♠3, ♣9, ♥7
→ Kings full of Threes - Player B: ♠Q, ♦Q (hole cards)
Community cards: ♥Q, ♣9, ♠9, ♦2, ♣5
→ Queens full of Nines
In a showdown between two Full Houses, the hand with the higher Three of a Kind wins. If those are equal, the higher Pair decides the winner.
4. Distinction from Other Terms
- A Full House must contain both a Three of a Kind and a Pair; neither alone is sufficient
- It ranks below Four of a Kind and Straight Flush, but above a Flush, Straight, and Three of a Kind
- It’s often confused with Four of a Kind, which consists of four cards of the same rank
5. Tips and Considerations
- When the board already contains a set (three cards of the same rank), be cautious of potential Full Houses or stronger hands
- If the board itself creates a Full House, players will need to rely on hole cards to determine the winner
- Accurately identifying the structure of the hand is essential to avoid misreading it as another type
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How is the strength of a Full House determined?
→ By the rank of the Three of a Kind first, then the Pair.
Q2. What if the board makes a Full House for everyone?
→ The winner is determined based on who can make the stronger combination using their hole cards.
Q3. What’s the difference between a Full House and Four of a Kind?
→ A Full House is three cards of one rank plus two of another; Four of a Kind is four cards of the same rank.
7. Related Terms
- Three of a Kind
- One Pair
- Four of a Kind
- Flush
- Kicker
8. Summary
A Full House is a powerful hand in poker that consists of a Three of a Kind and a Pair. Its strength depends on the rank of the three matching cards, making it a high-ranking and strategically significant hand. Recognizing it accurately and comparing it properly against opponents’ hands is key to maximizing value at the table.