3 pair? What to do? Ignore lowest pair?

[timmer]

I just got back from a fishing trip where we played poker nightly. A couple of times when it got down to 2-3 players people would aquire 3 pair (dealt a pair, 2 pairs show up on the table).

We didn't know how to play it. I have not seen anything posted on the hand ranking of 3 pair. Is the lowest pair ignored? If not, where does it stand in rank?

Thanks!

[ballbp]

Ignore it. Two best pair and a kicker.

[wEbMaStEr]

Texas Hold 'Em Official Rules #1:

In Texas Hold 'em you use the BEST 5 CARDS FROM THE 7 AVALIABLE

Therefore it is technically impossible for any player to hold 3 pair as this would require the use of 6 cards.
So It would be Top Pair, Second Pair, Kicker.

[JimTheBullet]

I've had 4 pair playing Omaha, is that any good?

[wEbMaStEr]

Depends on what your kicker was?

[snoogins47]

I always want to throw a little party whenever I get dealt quads in Omaha.

"WOW! THIS IS HORRIBLY RARE, AND IF I WERE PLAYING DRAW ID WIN LOTS O MONIEZ L9L"

But yes. 3 pair is not possible, using only five cards. Therefore, the highest two pairs, either from the board or from the player's hands, are used, along with the highest off card.

For instance:

Board: Ad Ah 7d 7h 2s

Player X: 5s 5c
Player Y: 8s 8c
Player Z: Kh 2c.


All players now have this phantom "three pair."

Pop quiz time: In what order do these three hands rank?

[racquet000]

YZX