In poker, "Baskin Robbins" is a term used to refer to the hand of A3. This hand is known as Baskin Robbins due to its reference to the 31 flavors of ice cream offered by the chain.

What Does "Baskin Robbins" Mean in Poker?

In the context of poker, "Baskin Robbins" is a nickname for the starting hand consisting of an Ace and a three (A3). Baskins Robbins was founded in 1945 in the US, and while it now offers thousands of flavors, at the time it had 31 'original' flavors.

A3 is a fairly mediocre hand in poker. While you have the highest possible card - an Ace, the weak 3 kicker means even if you hit a pair of Aces, if anyone else equally holds an Ace you'll be crushed. The hand does have some connectivity. As a 'one-gapper,' there is potential for you to make a straight.

Example of "Baskin Robbins"

In one instance, a player might be dealt A3 on the button with 10 big blinds remaining. If all other players fold, they may choose to shove this hand. It plays weak preflop, meaning unless very specific cards fall, you'll struggle to be in a position of strength. However, in shoving from this position, you'll either get folds and take down the pot, or you could get calls from hands you're marginally ahead of - like KQ or JT.

• "I was dealt Baskin Robbins in the middle position and chose to fold."
• "He got Baskin Robbins in the cutoff and decided to call, with the plan to bluff on later streets."
• "She managed to take down the pot with her Baskin Robbins hand by bluffing into her opponents."

Should I always fold a Baskin Robbins hand?

No, Baskin Robbins hand is not an instant fold, nor is it a hand you want to play overly aggressive with. It's a mediocre hand.

What are the odds of being dealt a Baskin Robbins?

The odds, in Texas Hold'em, of being dealt a Baskin Robbins hand is 0.45%, or once every 221 times.

What is the best case scenario for a Baskin Robbins hand?

Realistically, the best chance of making an ultra-strong hand with Baskin Robbins is a straight. Hitting an Ace and a 3 is also relatively realistic every so often - this would be a strong hand.