Does a straight beat three of a kind?

Q: Does a straight beat three of a kind?

Yes. A straight beats three of a kind. Five cards in sequence are harder to make than three of one rank, so a straight ranks above three of a kind, even a set of queens. Players holding a set often pay off a straight because trips feel strong, but on a connected board the straight is ahead.

Yes. A straight beats three of a kind.

Straight Winner

Makes a straight.

Three of a Kind Loses

Makes a three of a kind.

Five cards in sequence are harder to make than three of one rank, so a straight ranks above three of a kind, even a set of queens. Players holding a set often pay off a straight because trips feel strong, but on a connected board the straight is ahead.

Quick tip: A straight outranks trips, even three aces.

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