Are you looking to try out a new casino game? Four card poker is a fun and exciting option that can be found at many casinos around the world.
But how exactly do you play this game? In this tutorial, we’ll explain the rules and strategies of four card poker, so you can hit the tables with confidence.
What is Four Card Poker?
Four card poker is a variation of traditional poker that uses four cards instead of the standard five. The game begins with each player placing an ante bet, followed by both the player and dealer receiving four cards each. Players then have the option to fold or place a “play” bet, which must be twice the amount of their ante.
Understanding Hand Rankings
Before diving into gameplay, it’s important to understand hand rankings in four card poker. The ranking system is similar to traditional poker, but with some variations:
- Four-of-a-kind
- Straight flush
- Three-of-a-kind
- Straight
- Flush
- Two pairs
- Pair
- High card
The Gameplay Process
Once all players have placed their bets, the dealer will then reveal their hand. In order for the dealer to qualify for play, they must have at least an Ace-King high hand. If the dealer does not qualify, all players win even money on their ante bets and their play bets are pushed.
If the dealer does qualify, then players’ hands will be compared to determine a winner based on hand rankings. If the player’s hand beats the dealer’s hand, they win even money on both their ante and play bets.
If the player’s hand loses to the dealer’s hand, they lose both bets. In the event of a tie, both bets are pushed.
Bonus Bets and Payouts
Many four card poker games also offer bonus bets with the potential for big payouts. These bonus bets are optional and do not affect the outcome of the main game.
One common bonus bet is the Aces Up bet, which pays out if a player has a pair of Aces or better in their hand. The payout for this bet can vary depending on the casino, but it can be as high as 50 to 1 for a four-of-a-kind.
Another bonus bet is the Bad Beat Bonus, which pays out if a player loses with a straight or better. The payout for this bet can also vary depending on the casino.
Strategies and Tips
While four card poker is largely based on luck, there are some strategies you can use to improve your odds of winning. One common strategy is to only play hands with strong pairs or better. This means folding hands like Ace-King high or lower.
Another strategy is to pay attention to the dealer’s up card. If the dealer has a weak up card (2 through 5), it may be worth placing a play bet even if your hand isn’t particularly strong.
Finally, it’s important to manage your bankroll wisely when playing four card poker. Set limits on how much you’re willing to lose and stick to them.
Conclusion
Four card poker is an exciting game that offers both fun and potential big payouts. By understanding hand rankings and gameplay rules, as well as implementing some basic strategies, you can increase your odds of having a successful session at the table. Give it a try next time you’re at the casino!
