Four of a Kind Hand in Poker

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Four of a Kind poker
Example Four of a Kind Hand in Poker

In the hierarchy of poker hands, Four-of-a-Kind holds the second position. poker hand rankings This hand comprises four cards of identical value.

The highest possible Four-of-a-Kind hand features four Aces:

AAAA

In evaluating this hand, the rank of the cards is of utmost importance. For example, a hand containing Jacks,JJJis classified as Four-of-a-Kind and will triumph over any lower-ranked combinations such as Four-of-a-Kind Tens or Nines.

Here are a few additional instances of such hands:

2222

KKKK

QQQQ

Can you identify which hand(s) would outmatch the Four-of-a-Kind Jacks? Remember that suits are unimportant – only the card ranks are relevant.

How Does a 4-of-a-Kind Hand Rank?

A standard deck of 52 cards has 624 unique combinations that can form Four-of-a-Kind hands and 156 distinct ranks in this category. Since poker hands consist of five cards, the kicker card becomes essential in these situations.

For example, hand 555510would rank higher than 55557.

However, hand KKKK2ranks higher than QQQQAFor instance, Quad Queens may have an Ace as the kicker while Quad Kings can possess a Two as the kicker.

While assessing hand rankings, always remember that the card rank is what truly counts. Four Aces will invariably defeat Four Kings, and Four Kings will outshine Four Queens, and so on.

How Does a 4-of-a-Kind Hand Match Up?

Four-of-a-Kind shines as the second-best hand within the poker hand rankings, standing just below a Straight Flush which ranks above it. This makes Four-of-a-Kind a highly formidable hand in games like Texas Hold'em, often remaining unbeaten on the river.

Nonetheless, there are additional hands that rank below this one. The subsequent hand on the list is referred to as a Full House .

The strongest Full House is identified as Aces full of Kings. Considering that suits hold no significance in Full Houses, it is their ranks that dictate the strongest combination.

4-of-a-Kind Poker Probabilities

Now, we’ll look at the pre-flop , flop , turn and river Calculating the likelihood of drawing Four-of-a-Kind in various scenarios illustrates the rarity of this hand. Holdem and Omaha .

Four of a Kind - FAQs

What is Four of a Kind in poker?

A hand referred to as 'Quads' consists of four cards sharing the same rank, in addition to one differing card, for example: 7-7-7-7-4.

How rare is Four of a Kind?

The odds of making Four of a Kind in an average poker session are roughly 1 in 4,165, indicating that it is a relatively uncommon hand.

What beats Four of a Kind?

Only the Royal Flush and the Straight Flush can surpass Four of a Kind in strength.

Can Four of a Kind be tied?

In the event that two participants reveal the same Four of a Kind hand, a tie is possible. In these situations, the fifth card, known as 'the kicker', is crucial for deciding the victor. If both kickers are identical, the pot is divided between the players.

How does Four of a Kind measure up against other poker hands?

Four of a Kind ranks just below a Straight Flush and above a Full House, placing it as the third most powerful hand in poker.

Does the concept of Four of a Kind remain consistent across different poker games?

Yes, in various poker formats like Texas Hold'em, Seven Card Stud, and Omaha, Four of a Kind retains the same value.

Can you achieve Four of a Kind in an Omaha Poker game?

Indeed, Four of a Kind can be made in Omaha poker, where players receive four hole cards rather than two (as in Texas Hold'em).

What are the chances of landing a Four of a Kind on the flop in Texas Hold'em?

In Texas Hold'em, the likelihood of flopping Four of a Kind stands at about 1 in 4,165 if you start with a pocket pair.

Can Four of a Kind lose in a showdown?

Certainly. A Four of a Kind can lose in a showdown to a Royal Flush, Straight Flush, or even a higher Four of a Kind (for instance, four Tens versus four Nines).

Hold'em Probabilities        
Pre-flop:   0.02%   (based on 5 cards drawn from a complete 52-card deck)
Flop:   0.25%   (when holding a pair)
Turn:   2.12%   (from a flop with 1 ranked card)
River:   2.17%   (on a board with 1 ranked card)
Omaha Probabilities        
Pre-flop:   0.02%   (based on 5 cards drawn from a complete 52-card deck)
Flop:   0.28%   (when holding a pair)
Flop:   0.53%   (when holding 2 pair)
Turn:   2.22%   (from a flop with 1 ranked card)
River:   2.27%   (on a board with 1 ranked card)

Visit our Four of a Kind Odds article for more information.

With your understanding of Four-of-a-Kind now solidified, let's explore the next hand in line. This one is called the Straight Flush .

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