Set vs Trips

A set and trips are both three of a kind, but they are made in different ways. A set is a pocket pair that matches one card on the board. Trips is one card in your hand combined with a pair already on the board.

What is the difference between a set and trips?

The difference is how the three of a kind is built.

• Set: you hold a pocket pair and one card of that rank appears on the board. Example: you hold 7-7 and the flop is 7-K-2. Your two sevens plus the board seven make a set of sevens.
• Trips: the board already shows a pair, and you hold one matching card. Example: the board is 7-7-K and you hold A-7. The pair of sevens on the board plus your one seven make trips.

Why is a set stronger than trips?

Sets are usually more valuable for two reasons. First, they are hidden. When you hold a pocket pair and hit your third card, opponents rarely put you on it, so they pay you off. With trips the pair is visible to everyone, so opponents are more cautious. Second, a set often has a better kicker situation, since with trips several players can share the board pair and your side card decides the pot.

Sets also connect well with board texture. On a dry board a set is close to the best possible hand and can bet for value across multiple streets. On a wet, connected board you still have a strong hand, but you should watch for straights and flushes that could beat you.

How often do you flop a set?

With a pocket pair, you flop a set roughly 1 time in 8, about 12 percent of the time. That is why players like to see cheap flops with small and medium pairs, hoping to hit a disguised set and win a big pot.

To sharpen how you bet sets on different boards, the Postflop+ app drills value spots so you extract the most from your strong hands.

FAQ

Are a set and trips the same hand rank?

Yes. Both are three of a kind and rank the same in the hand rankings. The only difference is how they are formed and how well they are hidden.

Which is more disguised, a set or trips?

A set. Because you hold a pocket pair, opponents cannot see your third card, so a set is much harder to read than trips.

How often do I flop a set with a pocket pair?

About 12 percent, or roughly 1 in 8 flops. This is a key reason small pairs like to see flops cheaply.