Poker has various hands, and among them, Four of a Kind is one of the most powerful. A Four of a Kind is formed when you have four cards of the same rank, making it a dominant hand with a high probability of winning against most others.
However, if you don’t understand when to aim for Four of a Kind or how to play it correctly when it forms, you may not fully maximize its potential.
In this article, we will explain the probability, strategy, ideal situations to go for Four of a Kind, and important considerations. We will also provide practical examples to make it easy for beginners to understand and apply these concepts in real games. Be sure to read on and make the most of this powerful poker hand!
What is Four of a Kind?
Four of a Kind is one of the most powerful hands in poker, ranking just below a Straight Flush and above a Full House. This hand consists of four cards of the same rank and one additional card known as the kicker.
Examples of Four of a Kind:
- A♠, A♦, A♥, A♣, 5♠ (Four Aces)
- 10♠, 10♦, 10♥, 10♣, K♠ (Four Tens)
- 6♠, 6♦, 6♥, 6♣, 3♠ (Four Sixes)
Since Four of a Kind is rare, it provides an excellent opportunity to win big pots when played correctly.
Proper Terminology for Four of a Kind
Each Four of a Kind is named based on the rank of the four matching cards. The standard naming convention is “Four of [Rank].”
Examples:
- “Four Aces” (Four of Aces)
- “Four Queens” (Four of Queens)
- “Four Sixes” (Four of Sixes)
Using these terms correctly ensures clear communication during gameplay.
How to Determine the Winner if Multiple Players Have Four of a Kind
While rare, it is possible for multiple players to have Four of a Kind in the same hand. The winner is determined as follows:
1. Comparing the Rank of the Four of a Kind
The player with the higher-ranked Four of a Kind wins.
Example:
- K♠, K♦, K♥, K♣, 2♠ vs. Q♠, Q♦, Q♥, Q♣, A♠
- The player with Four Kings wins over Four Queens.
2. Comparing the Kicker
If two players have the same Four of a Kind, the kicker (the fifth card) determines the winner.
Example:
- J♠, J♦, J♥, J♣, A♠ vs. J♠, J♦, J♥, J♣, K♠
- The player with the Ace kicker wins.
3. Community Card Considerations
In games like Texas Hold’em, if the Four of a Kind is formed using community cards, all players share the same hand, resulting in a split pot.
Probability of Getting Four of a Kind
The probability of obtaining Four of a Kind depends on the poker variant being played. Below are the approximate odds for Texas Hold’em:
| Situation | Probability |
| Dealt Four of a Kind Preflop | ~0.024% (1 in 4,165 hands) |
| Four of a Kind on the Flop | ~0.2% |
| Making Four of a Kind by the River (after flopping a set) | ~4.3% |
| Getting Four of a Kind with all 7 cards (hole cards + board) | ~0.168% (1 in 595 hands) |
Since the odds are quite low, players should focus on extracting maximum value when they do hit Four of a Kind.
When to Play for Four of a Kind
While chasing Four of a Kind is not a recommended strategy due to its rarity, certain situations make it more likely:
1. When You Flop a Set (Three of a Kind)
If you have a pocket pair and hit a set on the flop, you have a chance to make Four of a Kind on the turn or river.
Example:
- Your hand: 9♠, 9♣
- Flop: 9♦, 2♥, 7♠
With one more 9 appearing on the board, you complete Four of a Kind.
2. When the Board Pairs Up
If the community cards form a pair and you hold a matching pocket pair, Four of a Kind becomes possible.
Example:
- Your hand: J♠, J♦
- Board: J♥, J♣, 5♠, 8♦, K♠
In this scenario, you have Four of a Kind with Jacks.
3. Reading Opponents’ Actions
If an opponent makes an unexpectedly large bet on a paired board, they may have Four of a Kind.
Example:
- Board: 8♠, 8♥, K♦, 3♣, Q♠
- Opponent suddenly goes all-in
This could indicate that they have Four Eights.
Best Strategies for Playing Four of a Kind
1. Using Slow Play Effectively
Instead of betting aggressively immediately, slow play can extract more value, especially against aggressive opponents.
- Against aggressive players: Check or make small bets to induce bluffs.
- Against passive players: Gradually increase bet sizes to build the pot.
- When facing drawing hands: Bet appropriately to deny equity to potential straight or flush draws.
2. Managing Pot Size
Avoid betting too aggressively too early. Instead, increase bet sizes strategically to keep opponents in the hand.
- Small bets on the flop/turn to induce calls
- Larger bet or all-in on the river to maximize value
3. Adjusting to Board Texture
Certain board textures affect how you should play Four of a Kind:
- If the board has multiple high cards: Opponents may have strong hands, allowing for bigger bets.
- If the board is paired: Be aware of the possibility that opponents suspect a full house or Four of a Kind.
Key Considerations When Playing Four of a Kind
1. Be Cautious with Board Four of a Kind
If all four matching cards appear on the board, the hand strength depends entirely on the kicker, leading to possible ties.
Example:
- Board: 7♠, 7♦, 7♥, 7♣, K♠
- All players effectively have Four Sevens, with K♠ acting as the deciding kicker.
2. Be Wary of Potential Stronger Hands
While Four of a Kind is strong, Straight Flushes or Royal Flushes can still beat it.
Example:
- Your hand: 9♠, 9♦
- Board: 9♥, 9♣, 10♠, J♠, Q♠
- An opponent holding K♠, A♠ has a Royal Flush, beating your Four of a Kind.
Conclusion
Four of a Kind is one of the strongest hands in poker, offering a high probability of winning when played correctly. Understanding the probabilities, knowing when to extract value, and being mindful of board texture will help you maximize your winnings with this rare but powerful hand.