Odds of Not Having the Best Hand with Trips?

[NoOuts12]

I have no idea how you could find this, but a lot of hands today have had me wondering...

What is the probability of, on the flop, your low set (2's, 3's) not being the best hand when there are several/many other players in the pot?

[gaming_mouse]

Hey NoOuts,

It really depends on the texture of the board as well as the preflop action... So there is no simple action to your question.

For example, let's say 4 people go the cap, and you (who were trapped between the raiser PF) also go to the cap with your 22. The flop comes:

A28

There is a much better chance you're beaten here than if the flop came:

928

You also need to consider possible straights and flushes.

Your opponent's actions also tell you alot. For example, if someone 3-bets your flop raise, you have to start suspecting another set.

To to a pure probability calculation, you have to assume random cards for your opponents -- so the exercise is not really that helpful.

HTH,
gm