Updated on May 26, 2025
The poker The term 'boat' is a slang word that enthusiasts in the poker community have adopted for the concept of a full house ’. A full house is a poker hand which features a combination of three cards that share the same rank along with two cards of a different rank.
In simpler terms, a full house represents a hand that contains both three of a kind and a pair at the same time.
In this piece, we'll delve into how the term originated, the correct way to call it out while at the table, and some quick strategies to play it effectively.
Understanding the Meaning of Boat in Poker - The Origin of the Term
The word 'boat' is actually a shorthand for full boat 'full house', which is the formal terminology used in the game.
While the precise origin of the term remains unclear, the most widely accepted theory suggests that gamblers aboard riverboats in the 1800s opted to refer to 'full house' as 'full boat' or just 'boat.' This shift occurred as these players sought refuge from tightening gambling regulations.
Several captivating theories exist regarding how this term came to be. One posits that 'boat' derives from the way the cards look when stacked, with the pair on top and the three-of-a-kind underneath. This arrangement could give the appearance of a boat.
Another interesting story prevalent in poker history mentions a gambler named Thomas Winslow, who famously lost his riverboat to John Stinson during a memorable poker match in 1906. In this high-stakes game, Winslow's
was outmatched by Stinson's full house, which also had the additional stakes of Winslow's actual riverboat. According to legend, Stinson subsequently used the vessel for tours along the Mississippi River, possibly leading to the term 'full boat.' nut flush Although this tale adds a romantic flair to the term's history, it's attributed to a now-unavailable post on the TwoPlusTwo forum, so its authenticity should be viewed with skepticism.
When players refer to boats (or full houses), they often use the format ' X full of Y ', where X indicates the three cards of one rank, and Y indicates the two cards of another rank. poker games For instance, the hand 888KK would be termed 'Eights full of Kings,' whereas KKK88 would be 'Kings full of Eights.'
Players sometimes simplify their calls to ‘Eights full’ or ‘Kings full’ for brevity. poker history It’s essential to note that the three-of-a-kind always comes first in the description. Therefore, 88855 (Eights full of Fives) would triumph over 22255 (Deuces full of Fives) since the trio of Eights is more powerful.
How to Announce a Boat in Poker?
Understanding the Meaning of Boat in Poker - The Origin of the Term
In cases where two players share a boat with the same three-of-a-kind, the pair acts as the deciding factor. For example, AAA77 would lose to AAAKK because Kings outmatch Sevens.
If both players have an identical pair, the boats would tie, leading to a split of the pot.
Understanding a Boat in Poker – Practical Examples
Both players might hold the same boat: Tens full of fours. In this case, the kickers don’t come into play. Regardless of Player 2 having a stronger kicker, it results in a tie, and they would share the pot, unless one player opts to initiate a
Keep in mind that in Omaha, although you might believe Player 1 has a boat, you're required to use exactly TWO cards from your hand.
Thus, Player 1's optimal hand is 222AK, showcasing trip deuces with an Ace-King kicker.
Poker Boat #1 (Texas Hold’em)
- Board: 88KA2
- Player 1: K8
- Player 2: A8
Player 2 achieves a boat with 77722 since they can utilize the pair of sevens from their hand.
Poker Boat #2 (Texas Hold’em)
- Board: TT944
- Player 1: JT
- Player 2: AT
In general, boats are considered very powerful hands in poker, but there are some exceptions. The strongest boats in Hold'em typically utilize both poker bluff .
H 3 : Poker Boat #3 (Omaha)
- Board: 27A22
- Player 1: AK98
- Player 2: 77JT
. Hands that depend on only a single card from your hand are more likely to be at a disadvantage, particularly if they align with a weaker pair on the table.
For example, be cautious with 7x hands on a 7788x board, as your adversary needs only an 8 to defeat you, even if you each hold a boat.
A full house is synonymous with a three-of-a-kind plus a pair.
How Strong Is a Boat in Hold'em?
Boats are relatively uncommon in Texas Hold’em, which is part of why they rank among the strongest hands; only quads, straight flushes, and Texas Hold'em What is the strongest possible boat in poker? hole cards The highest-ranking boat one can hold is Aces Full of Kings (AAAKK), which combines three Aces with two Kings.
Can you form a boat using just one hole card in Texas Hold'em?
What Does Boat Mean in Poker – FAQ
Is a boat the same as a full house?
Yes, \"boat\" is a poker term Yes, it is possible to make a boat with just one of your hole cards. For instance, if your hole cards are K♠️2♥️ and the board reveals K♣️K♥️7♠️7♦️2♠️, you've created Kings full of sevens using your K♠️.
How rare is a boat in Texas Hold'em?
Your 2♥️ is irrelevant since the board offers a stronger full house combination compared to what your 2♥️ could provide. royal flushes beat them.
Gaining a solid understanding of what constitutes a boat in poker adds another crucial term to your poker lexicon and enhances your ability to identify one of the game’s most formidable hand combinations.
Imagine being at the table and not knowing what other players meant when they spoke of a boat – it would be quite a disadvantage!
So, are you prepared to apply your newfound knowledge during play?
With a bit of strategy and a touch of fortune, you might find yourself claiming the pot!
for an in-depth overview of the various hand strengths in poker.
Sailing Forward on Your Poker Boat
A passionate poker enthusiast and participant, Frederico shares insights about the game here on our blog. Expect regular articles covering strategy, tips, news, and interesting tidbits about poker on 888Poker.
Understanding the Meaning of Boat in Poker - The Origin of the Term
Understanding a Boat in Poker – Practical Examples
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Originally published on October 23, 2018
See Also
Hand-rankings , Two-Pair , Turn , River
See the entry on Hand-rankings 888poker-EGR-logo-Mobile-Header-2022-white