Hand strength

What is Top 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

Top Pair — A pair using one hole card and the highest board card.

In more detail

Top pair top kicker is a strong one-pair holding but rarely 'play for stacks' good unless SPR is low or postflop pressure is light.

Common questions

What does Top Pair mean in poker?

Top pair top kicker is a strong one-pair holding but rarely 'play for stacks' good unless SPR is low or postflop pressure is light.

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.

New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.