Understanding What “3 Pair” in Poker Means

What Is “3 Pair” in Poker?

Poker can be quite tricky at times, and just like the game, some of its terms can be equally tricky to understand. For instance, “3 Pair” in poker. Well, a “3 pair” doesn’t officially exist in the game as a poker hand has only five cards. But here’s the thing, even when “3 pair” is not an official poker hand, players sometimes loosely use the term when they hold three pairs among their seven cards in games like Texas Hold’em or Omaha. However, only the top two of these pairs are considered for a strong hand.

Examples of “3 Pair” in Poker: Clarifying the Common Mistake

When players informally say “3 Pair,” they are typically in a situation where they have more than two pairs available among their total cards in a game with more than five cards dealt to each player. However, the official poker hand is always the best five-card combination, and a hand with three distinct pairs cannot be formed within those five cards. 

For instance, let’s assume your hole cards in a game of Texas Hold’em are Ace of Spades, Ace of Diamonds. The community cards are King of Hearts, King of Clubs, Queen of Spades, Queen of Diamonds, 7 of Clubs. Therefore, your “3 pair” will consist of Aces, Kings, and Queens. But your best five-card hand is two pairs of Aces and Kings, with the Queen of Spades as the kicker. The third pair of Queens doesn’t contribute to a stronger five-card hand than the two higher pairs.

Playing “3 Pair” With Strategy

• If you find yourself in a “3 pair” scenario, strategically choose the top two pairs consistently to maximise your winning potential.
• Besides the pairs, also think about the possibility of making a straight, flush, or full house as the game progresses.
• Lastly, knowing how to bluff or read opponents with a strong two pair, in a “3 pair” situation, can also give you a strategic advantage.