1. Definition
A “Four of a Kind” in poker is a five-card hand containing four cards of the same rank and one additional card (known as the kicker). It is an extremely strong hand, ranking just below a Straight Flush and Royal Flush.
Example: ♠9, ♥9, ♦9, ♣9, ♠K → Nines Four of a Kind with a King kicker
2. Background and Mechanics
Also referred to as “Quads,” a Four of a Kind is rare because there are only four cards of each rank in a 52-card deck. In Texas Hold’em and similar games, players try to make this hand using any combination of two hole cards and five community cards.
Its rarity and strength make it one of the most dominant hands in poker.
3. Examples and Usage
- Player A: ♣Q, ♠Q (hole cards)
Community cards: ♦Q, ♥Q, ♠3, ♦7, ♣K
→ Four Queens with a King kicker - In showdowns, if multiple players have Four of a Kind, the hand with the higher four-card set wins. If they tie, the kicker determines the winner.
4. Distinction from Other Terms
- Full House: 3 cards of one rank + 2 of another (weaker than Four of a Kind)
- Three of a Kind: only 3 cards of the same rank
- A Four of a Kind ranks higher than all hands except Straight Flush and Royal Flush
General hand strength (strongest to weakest):
Royal Flush > Straight Flush > Four of a Kind > Full House > Flush > …
5. Tips and Considerations
- Watch for paired or triplet cards on the board—other players may have Quads
- If Four of a Kind appears entirely on the board, everyone has the same hand, and the kicker may decide the winner
- Because it’s such a strong hand, betting too aggressively may scare off opponents
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How is the winner determined in a Four of a Kind tie?
→ The rank of the four cards is compared first; if tied, the kicker is used.
Q2. Are there hands stronger than Four of a Kind?
→ Yes—Straight Flush and Royal Flush are stronger.
Q3. What happens if Four of a Kind is on the board?
→ All players share the same hand, and the kicker (if applicable) decides the winner.
7. Related Terms
- Full House
- Straight Flush
- Kicker
- Three of a Kind
- Quads
8. Summary
Four of a Kind is one of the most powerful hands in poker. Consisting of four cards of the same rank and one kicker, it has a very high likelihood of winning most showdowns. Understanding how it ranks and interacts with the board and opponents’ hands is essential to strategic poker play.