Asia has long been celebrated for its contributions to the world of card games, introducing not only the game of chess but also a wide array of captivating variations that have enthralled players around the globe. While some formats like Hold’em (Short Deck) have achieved worldwide recognition, there are certain games that have remained region-specific, cherished by millions of avid enthusiasts in their home countries. One such gem is Teen Patti, an enthralling poker game that has captured the hearts of players in India and beyond.
What is Teen Patti?
Teen Patti, also known as Indian Poker, is a game deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of India. It originated in the country and gradually gained popularity throughout Asia before making its way to the shores of Europe. With its simple yet engaging gameplay, Teen Patti has become a staple at social gatherings, festivals, and online gaming platforms.
How does the betting process work?
The player sitting to the left of the dealer begins by placing a bet. The betting amounts in Teen Patti depend on the player’s status. There are two types of players: “blind players” and “seen players.” At any point during the game, a participant can choose to look at their cards.
- Blind player: If another blind player is seated before them, they must place a bet equal to the current stake or raise it, but not more than double. If a seen player is seated before them, they must bet between half and the full current stake;
- Seen player: To participate in the round, a seen player must place a bet that is two or four times higher than the previous bet. If another seen player is seated before them, their bet must match the current stake or be double it.
“Compromise”: At any point, a player can offer their opponent to reveal their cards to each other for double the current stake. If the opponent accepts the compromise, the player with the weaker hand exits the game. If both hands are equal in strength, the player who proposed the compromise discards their cards.
Teen Patti also has restrictions on the maximum bet size (equal to 128 initial bets) and the maximum size of the pot (equal to 1024 initial bets).
Read about Baccarat Online.
Showdown Rules:
- Showdown is only possible with two opponents in the game;
- The cost of showdown for a blind player is equal to the opponent’s bet;
- A seen player cannot request a showdown if their opponent is playing blind. They can either continue betting or fold;
- If both players have looked at their cards, either one can request a showdown by paying twice the current stake;
- In case of a tie between two revealed combinations, the player who requested the showdown loses;
- If everyone is playing with open cards, you can offer the opponent to your right to compare hands (the worst hand is discarded);
- The offer to compare hands can be accepted or declined;
- In case of a tie between two revealed hands, the player who made the offer to compare hands loses;
- If the offer to compare hands is declined, the game continues as usual.
Ranking of hands (in descending order)
- Trio – Three cards of the same rank. Three Aces is the best Trio, and three Twos is the lowest Trio;
- Straight Flush – Three consecutive cards of the same suit. The best Straight Flush is A-2-3, followed by A-K-Q, K-Q-J, and so on, down to 4-3-2 (the lowest). A circular straight, such as 2-A-K, is not considered a valid combination;
- Normal Run – Straight – Three consecutive cards of different suits. A-2-3 is the best Straight, followed by A-K-Q, K-Q-J, and so on, down to 4-3-2 (the lowest). A circular straight, such as 2-A-K, is not considered a valid combination;
- Flush – Three cards of the same suit, regardless of rank. When comparing two Flushes, the highest-ranking card is compared first, then the next highest, and so on. The highest Flush is A-K-J, and the lowest is 5-3-2;
- Pair – Two cards of the same rank. When comparing two Pairs, the rank of the cards in the Pair is compared first. If they are equal, the rank of the third card is compared. The highest possible Pair is A-A-K, and the lowest is 2-2-3;
- High Card – Three cards that do not belong to any of the above categories. When comparing two High Card hands, the ranks of the individual cards are compared sequentially. The best High Card hand is A-K-J, and the worst is 5-3-2.
Any higher-ranked hand beats any lower-ranked hand. For example, the lowest Straight 4-3-2 beats the best Flush A-K-J.
Where can you play real money teen patti?
Unfortunately, categorizing this game as poker is quite challenging. The skill element is limited to attempting to out-bluff opponents, and the amount of information available is minimal, with no community cards.
Nevertheless, thanks to avid Indian players, the game has made its way online. There are several options to play:
- Mobile applications available on Google Play and the App Store;
- Regional poker rooms from India where you play against real people for cash, rather than against a computer program;
- Mobile poker rooms that have a separate section for Teen Patti in their lobby.