11- 6-07, LearnTexasHoldem:
Playing Sets in Texas Hold'em
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What is a Set in Texas Hold'em Poker?
A set in Texas hold'em is three-of-a-kind, where a card on the board matches your pocket pair. A set is far more powerful than regular trips, since it is possible for two players to have the same trips, but not the same set. Furthermore, if you flop a set, an opponent who has missed the flop cannot catch a running pair to beat you even if they have overcards because this will make you a winning full house.
Getting to Your Set
To make a set, you will have to see a flop with your pocket pair, and perhaps a turn or river as well. Your odds of hitting a set on the flop are about 8-1, meaning you will have to ask yourself if you will win at least eight times the size of the pot if you hit your set and win. In reality, you should not enter a pot with a small or medium pair unless you imagine you can win significantly more than this. This is because your set is not a guaranteed winner, as opponents can hit a straight or flush to beat you. You should not worry too much about the relatively slim possibility of someone making a higher set. It does happen, but it is not mathematically likely enough to be a factor in your considerations. Even if you do not anticipate a large pot, you can still enter if you have reason to believe your pair may be good enough to win by itself (for example, a short stacked player goes all-in and everyone folds to you).
Playing Your Set
Doyle Brunson, one of the legends of Texas hold'em poker, says you should often bet out when you flop a set, since it will be impossible to put you on such a hand. However, this will depend on the situation. If an opponent raised pre-flop, you may wish to check to them so they can make a continuation bet that you can pounce on, especially if you know them to be an aggressive player. If an ace flops with your set, you'll want to analyze the situation for the likelihood an opponent has an ace. If they don't, a bet may scare off players fearing a paired ace. If you think they do, you may want to bet into them or even go for a check-raise.
Other Notes on Sets
Remember that your set is not invincible. If three connected or suited cards appear on the board, there is a very real possibility that someone has made a flush or straight to beat you. You have re-draw outs to a full house or quads, but in many cases, it is correct on these types of boards to simply lay down the set and wait for a better opportunity.
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