Teen Patti, often referred to as Indian Poker, is a widely popular card game in India, enjoyed by players of all ages. The game is typically played by 3 to 6 players, and it has its roots deeply embedded in Indian culture. The game requires a certain set of skills and strategy, similar to poker but with its own system of play that makes the game unique.
Rules of Teen Patti
Flash card rules are a mixture of different card games, a bit from poker, rummy, and the British game called “3 card brag”.
Teen Patti, also referred to as Teen Pathi meaning three cards, is played with the standard deck of 52 cards without jokers. Aces are the highest cards, while 2s are the lowest. In addition to the individual cards, Teen Patti also has specific hand rankings, similar to poker.
Hand Rankings in Teen Patti
From highest to lowest rankings, cards’ combinations are:
Trio – three of a kind. For example, three 10s of any suit. If someone has three of the highest rank, like three Aces, this would be the winning hand.
Straight Flush – a sequence of three consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 5-6-7 of hearts.
- Straight – three successive cards of any suit, like 4 of hearts, 5 of clubs and 6 of diamonds.
- Flush – any three cards of the same suit.
- Pair – two of a kind, like two 7s of any suit.
- High card – when none of the players has any of the previously mentioned combinations, then the one with the highest card wins.
Game Setup
Before the cards are dealt, players agree upon the boot which is the bet that everyone places in the pool. Once everyone contributes to the pot, the game can begin. The dealer gives three cards to every player, face down.
Gameplay
When it comes to placing bets, Teen Patti is very similar to traditional poker. Players can raise their bets, fold, or call others’ bets.
- Ante/Boot: The game begins with every player contributing an equal amount to the pot (the ante). This is the initial betting round that can later be changed with players raising their bets.
- Betting Rounds: After receiving their three cards, players decide whether they want to continue playing or fold. However, if their hand is promising with strong cards, they can raise the bet. If someone else ups their wager, others can choose if they want to call or match the amount. Also, if the hand is made of low value cards, the player can decide to fold, meaning that he is out of the game and is losing his bet.
- Showdown: If multiple players are still in the game after the final betting round where no one wants to fold but is also unwilling to further raise the wager, they reveal their cards. The player with the best hand wins the pot.
Variations of Teen Patti
Oftentimes players come up with their own set of additional rules that make the winning more probable. Some variations are more popular than others and it took root in the game in various regions of the country.
- Joker is sometimes used if the players agree before placing bets.
- Muflis is when bettors agree to reverse the rules making the lowest value hand a winner, instead of the highest one.
- AK47 is when players can use cards of Ace, King, 4, or 7 as wild cards to help complete their hands.
Tips for Playing Teen Patti
Lady luck might be the main factor of the game, but players still have some developed strategies that they implement to better their chances of winning.
Understand the Hand Rankings Thoroughly
Knowledge of the rules of the game is essential if you want to try out your luck or strategy. Before placing a bet make sure to familiarize yourself with, at least, the basic principles of Teen Patti.
Play Conservatively with Weak Hands
When playing a game of chance you’re bound to get weak hands sometimes. In such cases, you may want to fold early or limit your bets to avoid losing large sums. Big risks are reserved for strong hands. If you consider bluffing, be careful of other players reading your tactics. Bluffing too often will impact your credibility and trust among experienced players. Use this strategy only in situations where you can manipulate your opponents into folding.
Observe Your Opponents
This is key to winning. You have to have a high level of awareness about other players, their reactions, and patterns of play. Pay close attention to aggressive players, and make mental notes about their final hands. This can give you a clue of whether or not they were bluffing particularly if they tend to go all in.
Don’t Be Predictable
Don’t play every game in the same way. Raise the bet, fold, or call to keep others at the edge. Being predictable will give an advantage to your opponents who will catch on to your next move.
Play with Discipline
Have your strategy ready in advance, before placing money in the pot. Also, make sure to not get carried away and stay within your budget. Risking too much will get you kicked out in a very short time, so it’s crucial to stick to your initial plan.
Like all card games, Teen Patti requires practice. The more you play, the better you’ll understand the nuances of the game. Wins and losses alike will give you valuable lessons for future games.
