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  In the previous article, we spoke in general about three of a kind's place in the game of Five-Card Draw. To reiterate, three of a kind is a tactically useful and relatively strong hand. We examined some of the general strengths and weaknesses of the hand in relation to other hands and the game in general. In this article, we will look further at some of the specific strengths and tactical uses of three of a kind.



  Remember now that pots are won more often with decent hands than great ones. Three of a kind is a hard hand to play against the flushes, straights and full houses of the world. Where three of a kind is strong is in the low game, where pairs and kickers are the most common winners.



  Three of a kind, then, allows you to bet with relative confidence in your ability to take control of the pot. In a hand with slow to moderate action, three of a kind can dominate the pot and take control easily, though this may be at the cost of a large pot. Still, three of a kind isn't a huge pot winner: it's a nice pot winner, satisfying but not exciting.



  Also, you can use your re-draws to work towards developing four of a kind or a full house of your own. You are free to do this without weakening your hand as it stands. There are implications to this beyond simply being able to hunt for outs with relative safety. Poker isn't just about having the best hand: it's also about tricking other players into thinking you don't when you do and you do when you don't. This is where three of a kind becomes really flexible and derives a strength beyond the value of the cards.



  Three of a kind allows you to feign weakness, secure in your strong hand. By playing the draw/re-draw game and betting low, you can create the illusion that you're scrabbling for a stronger hand. In hands with little action on the pot, this can be especially convincing. Just limp along with the pot, flipping your two off cards and acting nervous, and the other players will bite. Then, you can snatch the pot in the final moments of the hand. Of course, while you're doing this, you're also hunting outs, and if you get those outs, then you're ready to cause some trouble.



  The potential to develop into four of a kind or a full house makes three of a kind a great limping hand for big action hands. Limp along on the cheap and hunt for those outs. If the money and/or outs are right at the end of the hand, pounce on the pot. Otherwise, cheap it out.