what is a full house in poker

What Is A Full House In Poker?

Learn what a full house is in poker, what it beats, and why pairs matter in tournament hand strength.

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Search intent

Definition intent.

Full house definition

A full house is a five-card hand with three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. For example, three nines and two kings is a full house.

Why pairs matter preflop

Pocket pairs can make sets and full houses, but in short-stack tournaments they are also useful because they have straightforward all-in equity against many unpaired hands.

Practice the concept

Tournament spots to review next

10BB BTN A5S First In

A5S from the button at 10BB in a middle tournament spot. The heuristic recommends shove with 78% confidence.

12BB CO KQO open

KQO from the cutoff at 12BB in a middle tournament spot. The heuristic recommends shove with 73% confidence.

8BB SB A7O limp

A7O from the small blind at 8BB in a middle tournament spot. The heuristic recommends shove with 65% confidence.

15BB HJ 99 open

99 from the hijack at 15BB in a final table tournament spot. The heuristic recommends fold with 62% confidence.

6BB UTG AA limp

AA from the under the gun at 6BB in a middle tournament spot. The heuristic recommends shove with 88% confidence.

6BB UTG KK limp

KK from the under the gun at 6BB in a middle tournament spot. The heuristic recommends shove with 87% confidence.

Tournament spot questions

Does a full house beat a flush?

Yes. A full house beats a flush in standard poker rankings.

What beats a full house?

Four of a kind, a straight flush, and a royal flush beat a full house.