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Full House: Three of a kind is compared first
A full house consists of a three of a kind and a pair. When comparing two full houses, the value of the three of a kind decides first; a pair is compared only if the threes are equal.
Three is more important than a pair
Full house A-A-A-9-9 is higher than K-K-K-9-9. There is no need to add up card values or count suits. If the threes are the same, for example 9-9-9-A-A versus 9-9-9-K-K, the pair of aces wins. Exactly five cards determine strength; the sixth card does not give an additional kicker to a full house.
Strengthening one hand does not guarantee win
In the Omaha High 5 doubles problem, player 1 has A♥ A♦ Q♣ J♦ 4♣, player 2 has K♥ K♦ A♠ J♣ 2♣, and the first four community cards are A♣ K♠ 7♥ 7♦. On the fifth card, 3♠, player 1 is ahead with a full house AAA77. If K♣ comes instead, player 1 improves to AAAKK, but player 2 receives four of a kings. Comparison of categories comes before comparison of triplets.
Common mistake
Declaring a winner on a full house pair without checking the three of a kind, or assuming that a previously strong hand will definitely remain stronger after a board change. For Omaha, first check the valid two hand cards and three board cards. Compare alternative rivers and determine the winner.
If multiple full houses are available
If there are two possible threes, do not choose the pair with a name that is more pleasing to the eye. For each valid five, identify first the three, then the pair, and compare the full ranks. A three of a kind usually makes a stronger full house no matter how high the other option's pair is. If the threes are equal, compare the pairs. Suits do not add a third stage.
A full house is stronger than a flush, but weaker than a quad. Therefore, replacing one community card can change the opponent’s category and reverse the previous outcome, even if your own full house has also become stronger. In Omaha High 4 and 5, each such five is further limited by the rule of two hand cards and three board cards. Show both selected A's before confirming the result. If the ranks of threes and pairs are the same, both hands share the pot.
Try on other cards
The short selection does not replicate the fully disclosed examples in this article. Select game: Practice the topic: Hold'em · Practice the topic: Omaha 4 · Practice the topic: Omaha 5.