Hand strength

What is Pair in Poker? Definition & Examples

Here's a clear definition with real-hand context, plus how it connects to the rest of your strategy.

Quick answer

Pair — Two cards of the same rank.

In more detail

Pocket pair = both hole cards same rank. Made pair = one hole card matches a board card. The lowest made hand category that beats high card.

Common questions

What does Pair mean in poker?

Pocket pair = both hole cards same rank. Made pair = one hole card matches a board card. The lowest made hand category that beats high card.

Related terms

Bottom Pair
A pair using one of your hole cards and the lowest board card.
Flush
Five cards of the same suit. Beats a straight.
Full House
Three of a kind plus a pair. Beats a flush.
Kicker
The side card that breaks ties between same-rank hands.

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