Every taal has a signature pattern of drum strokes called its theka. The theka is, in effect, the taal made audible — the sequence of bols the tabla or pakhawaj plays to mark the beats and the all-important sam.
Teen Taal's theka, Dha Dhin Dhin Dha…, is so familiar that experienced listeners recognise the taal from its first vibhag. The theka tells you not just the count but the placement of claps (tali) and waves (khali).
In performance the accompanist embellishes the bare theka, but always returns to it so the soloist never loses the cycle.