Split Two Pair
A split two pair is a two pair hand in which one card of each of your hole cards pairs with a board card. For example, with ten-nine and a flop of T-9-5, you have a split two pair.
The simple explanation
You pair both of your cards with the board, using one card from each pair from the board. This is different from a two pair with a pair on the board.
A closer look
Split two pair is stronger than two pair with a board pair, since the opponent cannot share your pairs. It is also better hidden. The danger is a set or a straight. When the board pairs, a full house becomes possible. Because it uses both your cards, it is usually a hand to bet for value.
A practical example
You hold 10♦ 9♦ and the flop is 10♠ 9♣ 5♥. You have a split two pair.
Full explanation
A split two pair is a two pair hand in which one card of each of your hole cards pairs with a board card. For example, with ten-nine and a flop of T-9-5, you have a split two pair.
A split two pair uses both hole cards with the board.
It is stronger than two pair with a board pair.
It is well hidden.
A set or straight can beat it.
Split two pair
No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake
The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.
Read the example transcript
Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).
- Preflop · Pot: 3 chips
The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.
- Player A BTN / SB 1010 of diamonds (Td)99 of diamonds (9d) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
- Player B BB AAce of clubs (Ac)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 8 chips
Player A raises to 6 before the flop.
- Player A BTN / SB 1010 of diamonds (Td)99 of diamonds (9d) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B BB AAce of clubs (Ac)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 12 chips
Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.
- Player A BTN / SB 1010 of diamonds (Td)99 of diamonds (9d) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B BB AAce of clubs (Ac)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Flop · Pot: 12 chips
Player A pairs both of his cards with one board card each. This is a split two pair.
Board: 1010 of spades (Ts)99 of clubs (9c)55 of hearts (5h)
- Player A BTN / SB 1010 of diamonds (Td)99 of diamonds (9d) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Player B BB AAce of clubs (Ac)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.