What Is a Full House in Poker? Ranking, Examples & Rules

A full house is three cards of one rank plus two cards of another rank — three of a kind and a pair combined. It ranks #4 in poker hand rankings, beating a flush but losing to four of a kind.

Example

A full house is called by its three-of-a-kind first: “Kings full of Sevens” means three Kings and two Sevens.

Where Does a Full House Rank?

See the complete hand rankings guide for tiebreakers, kickers, and detailed examples.

How Does a Full House Work?

A full house requires exactly three cards of one rank and two cards of a different rank. You cannot have three-and-three — that would require six cards.

When two players both have a full house, the three-of-a-kind portion decides the winner. If both players have the same three-of-a-kind, the pair breaks the tie.

Aces full of Fives beats Kings full of Queens because three Aces outrank three Kings — the pair portion doesn’t matter until the trips are tied.

What Beats a Full House?

Four of a kind beats a full house. A full house beats a flush.

What Are the Odds?

In a five-card deal, the probability of being dealt a full house is 0.1441% — roughly 1 in 694 hands. In Texas Hold’em (seven cards available), the odds of making a full house by the river are about 2.60%.

FAQ

Does a full house beat a flush?

Yes. A full house (#4) always beats a flush (#5). A full house also beats a straight, three of a kind, two pair, one pair, and high card.

What if two players have a full house?

Compare the three-of-a-kind first. The higher trips wins. If the trips are the same rank, the higher pair wins. If both parts are identical, the pot is split.

What is “Aces full”?

“Aces full” means a full house with three Aces. The full name includes the pair — “Aces full of Kings” means three Aces and two Kings.

For the complete guide to all 10 poker hands, see our poker hand rankings. Need a quick reference? Download our poker cheat sheet.