4 Card Poker Rules is an exciting casino table game that combines elements of strategy and luck. While it shares similarities with Three Card Poker, this game introduces unique rules that make it a thrilling choice for players. In this guide, we’ll break down the rules of 4 Card Poker, including how to play, hand rankings, betting options, and strategies to improve your chances of winning.
Objective of the Game
The goal of 4 Card Poker is to form the best four-card hand possible and beat the dealer’s hand. Unlike some poker variations, players do not compete against each other but instead go head-to-head against the dealer.
How to Play 4 Card Poker Rules
1. Placing Initial Bets
Before any cards are dealt, players must place an Ante bet. They may also choose to place an optional Aces Up side bet, which pays out based on the strength of their hand, regardless of whether they beat the dealer.
2. Dealing the 4 Card Poker Rules
- Each player receives five cards face down.
- The dealer receives six cards, but only one is face up.
- The dealer must then form their best four-card hand using their six cards.
3. Player’s Decision: Bet or Fold
After reviewing their cards, the player must decide:
- Fold: If they don’t like their hand, they can fold and lose their Ante bet.
- Raise (Play Bet): If they wish to continue, they must place a Play bet that is equal to or up to three times the Ante bet.
4. Dealer Reveals Their Hand 4 Card Poker Rules
Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their hand and determines the best four-card combination.
5. Comparing Hands and Payouts 4 Card Poker Rules
- If the player’s hand beats the dealer’s hand, they win even money on both the Ante and Play bets.
- If the dealer wins, the player loses both bets.
- If there is a tie, the bets push (no win or loss).
Hand Rankings in 4 Card Poker
Unlike traditional poker, where the best hand consists of five cards, 4 Card Poker only uses four cards per hand. The hand rankings, from highest to lowest, are:
- Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same rank (e.g., 9-9-9-9).
- Straight Flush – Four consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 5♠-6♠-7♠-8♠).
- Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank (e.g., K-K-K-2).
- Flush – Four cards of the same suit, not in sequence (e.g., 3♥-6♥-8♥-J♥).
- Straight – Four consecutive cards of different suits (e.g., 4♣-5♦-6♠-7♥).
- Two Pair – Two sets of two cards with the same rank (e.g., Q-Q-5-5).
- One Pair – Two cards of the same rank (e.g., J-J-3-7).
- High Card – If no other hand is made, the highest card determines the winner.
Aces Up Side Bet
The Aces Up bet is an optional wager that pays based on the strength of a player’s hand, regardless of whether they win or lose against the dealer. The payout structure varies by casino, but a common payout table is:
- Four of a Kind – 50 to 1
- Straight Flush – 30 to 1
- Three of a Kind – 7 to 1
- Flush – 6 to 1
- Straight – 5 to 1
- Two Pair – 2 to 1
- Pair of Aces – 1 to 1
Tips and Strategies for 4 Card Poker
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Always Raise with a Pair of Tens or Higher
If you have a strong hand, especially a pair of tens or better, it’s usually best to place the maximum Play bet (3x the Ante). -
Be Selective with Lower Hands
If you have a weaker hand, such as a low pair or high card, consider folding or only betting the minimum (1x the Ante). -
Use the Dealer’s Face-Up Card as a Clue
The dealer’s exposed card can help you gauge the strength of their hand. If it’s a high card, they may have a strong hand. -
Aces Up Bet Can Be Profitable
While it’s an optional bet, the Aces Up side bet can provide high payouts when you land strong hands, even if you lose to the dealer.
Conclusion
4 Card Poker is a fun and strategic game that offers great opportunities for winning. By understanding the rules, hand rankings, and optimal strategies, you can improve your gameplay and make more informed betting decisions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this game provides an exciting twist on traditional poker with its unique mechanics and fast-paced action.
Now that you know the rules, are you ready to try your luck at the 4 Card Poker table?