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Boat in Poker

In poker, a Full House, colloquially known as a “Full Boat” or simply “Boat,” is a potent hand comprising three cards of one rank and two of another. It stands as the fourth-strongest hand in poker, surpassing a Flush but falling short of Four of a Kind. This formidable combination often leads to substantial pots, especially when multiple players hold strong hands. Mastering when to leverage a Full Boat can significantly boost your poker profits.

Identifying a Full Boat

A Full Boat combines two distinct card groupings:

Three of a Kind: A trio of cards sharing the same rank (e.g., 7 7 7 )
One Pair: Two cards of matching rank (e.g., J J )

For instance, holding 7 7 with community cards showing J 7 J gives you a Full Boat, typically described as “Sevens full of Jacks.” The hand’s strength is primarily determined by the rank of the three matching cards, with the pair’s rank serving as a secondary factor.

Full Boat in Action

Consider a Texas Hold’em scenario where you’re dealt Q Q . The community cards reveal Q A A 8 . You’ve made Queens full of Aces – a Full Boat. Here, your three Queens form the Three of a Kind, complemented by the pair of Aces. This robust hand often warrants aggressive betting to maximize potential winnings.

When to Play Aggressively with a Full Boat

A Full Boat is a powerful hand, and there are many situations where aggressive play is warranted. Here are some factors to consider:

Board Texture: If the board is showing cards that could give an opponent a weaker hand, such as a straight or flush, it’s a good time to bet aggressively. The more likely it seems that your opponents have hit a decent hand, the more you can bet with confidence.
Opponent’s Play Style: Against loose or aggressive players who frequently bet or raise, a Full House can be a great trap hand. Slow playing in earlier rounds and then raising on the turn or river can lead to larger pots.