4 Card Poker is a casino poker variation similar to Three Card Poker but uses four cards to form the best hand. This game was created by Roger Snow and has become popular in many casinos due to its simple rules and exciting winning opportunities.
How to Play 4 Card Poker
This game is played between the player and the dealer using a standard 52-card deck. Here are the steps of the game:
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Ante Bet (Initial Bet)
- The player must place an initial bet called the Ante Bet.
- There is an option to place a side bet called Aces Up Bet, which pays extra if the player has a high-ranking hand.
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Dealing the Cards
- Each player receives 5 cards, while the dealer gets 6 cards (one of them face down).
- From the dealt cards, the player must select the best 4 cards to form the strongest hand.
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Player’s Decision
- After looking at their cards, the player has two options:
- Fold: Give up and lose the Ante Bet.
- Play: Continue the game by placing an additional Play Bet of 1x to 3x the Ante Bet.
- After looking at their cards, the player has two options:
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Dealer Reveals Cards
- The dealer selects their best 4-card hand from the 6 cards.
- Unlike Three Card Poker, the dealer always qualifies (no minimum hand requirement).
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Determining the Winner
- The player’s hand is compared to the dealer’s hand.
- If the player’s hand is stronger, they win the Ante and Play Bets.
- If the dealer wins, the player loses all their bets.
4 Card Poker Hand Rankings
The ranking of hands in 4 Card Poker is similar to traditional poker but only uses the best 4 cards. Here are the possible hands, ranked from highest to lowest:
- Four of a Kind (four cards of the same rank)
- Straight Flush (four consecutive cards of the same suit)
- Three of a Kind (three cards of the same rank)
- Flush (four cards of the same suit)
- Straight (four consecutive cards of different suits)
- Two Pair (two pairs of the same rank)
- One Pair (one pair of the same rank)
- High Card (if no combination, the highest card determines the winner)
Winning Strategies for 4 Card Poker
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Make a Play Bet with a Strong Hand
- If you have a pair of 6s or higher, always continue with a Play Bet.
- If you have a weaker hand, consider folding.
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Utilize the Aces Up Bet
- If you frequently get strong hands, this side bet can be profitable.
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Manage Your Bankroll
- Set betting limits and avoid aggressively betting 3x on Play Bet unless you have a solid hand.
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Pay Attention to the Dealer’s Hand
- Since the dealer selects 4 out of 6 cards, they have a good chance of forming a strong hand. So, be cautious when placing big bets.
Conclusion
4 Card Poker is an exciting game that combines strategy and luck. By understanding the rules and applying the right strategies, you can increase your chances of winning at the casino table. Are you ready to test your luck in this game?
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