What Does Underpair Mean in Poker?
An underpair is a pair in a player’s hand that is lower than the lowest card on the board. For example, holding a pair of fives when the community cards are seven, nine, jack, king, ace.
To learn more about online poker, you can play poker at Americas Cardroom.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Underpair
This term is often mentioned during hand analysis or discussion of hand strength in poker games, particularly when assessing the relative strength of a pocket pair against the community board.
In-Game Example
You have 44 in your hand, and the flop comes 68Q. Your pair of fours is now an underpair to the board.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Use underpairs to evaluate board texture and opponent tendencies before deciding to continue in the hand.
- Common Mistake: Overcommitting to the pot with an underpair without considering board dynamics.
- Pro Tips: In multi-way pots, be cautious with underpairs as they are often easily dominated by opponents’ hands.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online, players may be more aggressive, requiring tighter play with underpairs. Over the table, physical tells could provide insight into whether your underpair is good.
Alternative Names
No widely recognized alternative names or slang for “underpair” exist.
FAQs
Q: Is an underpair always weaker than other hand types?
A: Yes, underpairs are generally weaker than higher pairs, overpairs, and many drawing hands.
Related Terms
- Overpair
- Pocket Pair
- Board Coverage
