Uncover how four of a kind functions in Texas Hold’em, how it ranks, what the rules are, and how you can use it to dominate the table.
- Two hole cards + two board cards
- One hole card + three board cards
- All four cards on the board (shared quads)
4 of a Kind Poker Rules – What You Need to Know
The 4 of a kind poker rules are simple across formats, but strategy varies in Hold’em:
- Rank matters: Four Kings beats four Queens.
- Kicker counts: If both players have the same quads from the board, the highest side card wins.
- Ties can happen: If quads are on the board and no kicker is stronger, it’s a split pot.
In Texas Hold’em, shared cards can reduce your control of the kicker, especially when three or more of the same rank are on the board. That’s why player position and hand reading are key to playing quads profitably.
How Often Do You Hit Four of a Kind? The Odds in Hold’em
The four of a kind poker odds depend on the street you’re on and whether you’re using both hole cards. Here’s the breakdown:
- By the river: ~0.168% (1 in 594 hands)
- From pocket pair: Odds of hitting quads on the flop: ~0.24%
- Odds with one card to come: Hitting your fourth on the river from trips: ~4.3%
As these numbers show, making four of a kind is rare—and often unexpected by opponents. That’s why it offers high potential for extraction when played correctly.
How to Play Quads for Maximum Value
When you hit quads, the goal is to earn as many chips as possible. Don’t overplay too early or scare your opponents out. Instead, vary your play:
- Slow play on dry boards where a full house or flush is unlikely.
- Trap aggressive players by checking or min-raising.
- Protect your hand on draw-heavy boards (e.g., two suited or connected cards).
For example, if you have and the board is, check on the flop and turn, then raise big on the river if your opponent leads out. If the board is dangerous consider value betting earlier.
Real-Game Scenarios – Quads in Action
Let’s say you’re holding in middle position. The flop comes . You’ve got a full house—pretty strong. But when the turn brings the last Queen , you’ve now made four of a kind.
Your strategy should shift. If someone bets the flop and you just call, then raise or re-raise on the turn or river to maximize profit. Try not to scare away weaker hands like trip 5s or Qx.
Many top-level players recommend flatting early and only making your move on the final street unless the board is risky. A balance of passivity and aggression keeps opponents guessing.
How Does Four of a Kind Compare to Other Hands?
In Hold’em, here’s how quads stack up in the official poker hands explained list:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
This makes quads a powerhouse. Bluffing against it is usually futile—unless your opponent is using all board cards, and you beat them with a higher kicker.
Conclusion: Know When and How to Use Four of a Kind
The 4 of a kind poker hand is rare, powerful, and valuable. In Texas Hold’em, it’s a hand that can make or break big pots—especially in cash games or tournaments with deep stacks.
Always remember the 4 of a kind poker rules: rank beats rank, and kickers count. Recognize when to slow-play and when to strike fast. By learning these concepts, you’ll not only win with quads but use them to outplay your opponents.
For advanced strategies on playing monster hands, read this detailed Monster Hand Guide by Upswing Poker.
