Pair is a combination in poker which consists of two cards of the same rank. Pair is the second worst combination in poker ahead of only high card (kicker).

An example of a pair in poker:

You have    . The board is      . In that case you have a pair of nines -    

Chances to hit a pair

Below are the chances to get pair in basic situations (different cards – are cards of different ranks):

Chances to get a pair in Texas Hold’em

• Having 2 different cards, chances to get a pair on the flop: 32%
• Having 2 different cards on the flop, chances to get a pair on the turn: 13%
• Having 2 different cards on the turn, chances to get a pair on the river: 13%

Chances to get a pair in Omaha

• Having 4 different cards, chances to get a pair on the flop: 64%
• Having 4 different cards on the flop, chances to get a pair on the turn: 25.5%
• Having 4 different cards on the turn, chances to get a pair on the river: 26%

Chances to get a pair in Stud

We are talking about situation for six players and the opponents don’t have the card of the needed rank in the open. With each opened card the chances drop by 2%, 2.5%, 3%, and 4% for each street respectively.

• Having 3 different cards, chances to get a pair on the 4^th street: 20.5%
• Having 4 different cards, chances to get a pair on the 5^th street: 31.5%
• Having 5 different cards, chances to get a pair on the 6^th street: 47%
• Having 6 different cards, chances to get a pair on the 7^th street: 69%

Chances to get a pair in Draw poker

• Chances to get a pair by discarding all the cards: 42%
• Chances to get a pair by discarding four cards: 26%
• Having 2 different cards, chances to get a pair by discarding 3 remaining cards: 32%
• Having 3 different cards, chances to get a pair by discarding 2 remaining cards: 35%
• Having 4 different cards, chances to get a pair by discarding a remaining card: 25.5%

Related terms: Top pair