What Does Four of a Kind Mean in Poker?
A four of a kind, or “quads,” is a poker hand that consists of four cards of the same rank accompanied by one side card or “kicker.” It is one of the highest-ranking hands in poker, only beaten by a straight flush and a royal flush. Many players enjoy the thrill of achieving such a hand, especially when playing online poker.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term “Four of a Kind”
You’ll likely hear this term during hand discussions when players reveal their hands at showdown or in strategic conversations about strong holdings. It’s also common in conversations about epic hands from poker history.
In-Game Example
You’re holding 99. The board comes 9925K. You reveal your hand at showdown, declaring, “Four of a kind!” as you show your two nines alongside the two nines on the board.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Use your “four of a kind” to extract maximum value from opponents by betting or raising strategically, especially if your opponent seems to have a strong hand.
- Common Mistake: Slow playing too much, which might allow opponents to catch up to a better hand or make them fold too early.
- Pro Tips: Consider opponent tendencies; against aggressive players, a check-raise might induce larger bets.
- Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online: In live poker, your physical demeanor might give away the strength of your hand, whereas online, you must focus on betting patterns without physical tells.
Alternative Names
Quads
FAQs
Q: Is a “four of a kind” a rare hand in poker?
A: Yes, it is a relatively rare hand, making it a very strong play in most situations.
Q: How does a “four of a kind” compare to a full house?
A: A “four of a kind” beats a full house, as it is a higher-ranking hand.
