In poker, a set is a hand composed of three cards of the same rank. This is different from a straight, which is five consecutive cards of any suit. If two players have a set, the player with the higher ranking triplet wins. For example, if one player has a 3-4-5 and the other has a 2-3-4, the first player would win since their 3 is higher than the 2. Sets are also used in some variants of draw poker, like Triple Draw and Badugi.
When playing with wildcards, there is an increased chance that multiple players will end up with sets. In this case, the player with the highest ranking card in their set will win. For example, if one player has a 3-4-5 set and another has a 2-3-4 set, the first player would win since their 5 is higher than the 4.
Sets are a strong hand in poker, but they can be vulnerable to flushes and full houses. Sets are also susceptible to being outdrawn by straights and two-pair hands. When playing against opponents who are prone to bluffing, sets can be very profitable hands.
One way to think of sets is as mini full houses. They are strong hands that are often overlooked by players who are focused on making straights and flushes. Sets are also a good hand to slow play since they typically hold up well against multiple opponents.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have a set, be sure to value bet or raise when the opportunity presents itself. This will help you build the pot and ensure that you get paid off when you hit your hand. When playing against aggressive opponents, it may sometimes be correct to check-raise with a set. This can catch your opponents off guard and allow you to take down a large pot.
Sets are an important part of poker and knowing how to play them correctly will help you increase your winnings. Be sure to pay attention to the board texture and your opponents’ tendencies when making decisions with sets. With a little practice, you’ll be able to take down some huge pots with this strong hand.