4 Card Poker is a casino game that blends traditional poker elements with simpler rules, making it appealing to both new and experienced players. While it may seem complex at first, it has a basic structure that is easy to understand.
In this post, we’ll break down the rules and typical payouts in an easy-to-understand way. Let’s explore how 4 Card Poker works and what strategies you can use to improve your game.
How To Play 4 Card Poker?
4 Card Poker starts with the player placing an initial wager, known as the "Ante" bet, which allows them to join the game. In addition to this, there's an optional "Aces Up" side bet, offering a separate chance to potentially win based on the strength of the player’s cards, independent of the dealer’s hand. It’s important to keep your budget in mind and weigh the implications of each bet.
Once the bets are placed, the player is dealt five cards and must choose the best four-card hand. The dealer receives six cards and selects their best four. This gives the dealer a slight advantage.
After reviewing their hand, the player can decide to either fold or place a "Play" bet, which can be up to three times the Ante. If the player is unsure about their hand, folding limits the loss to the Ante bet.
When it’s time to compare hands, if the player’s hand is stronger than the dealer's, they win payouts on both the Ante and Play bets. Payouts from the Aces Up side bet are determined separately, based on a specific paytable linked to the strength of the player’s cards.
As always, it’s important to remember that gambling should be enjoyed responsibly, so keeping track of personal limits is essential.
4 Card Poker Rules
Getting the hang of 4 Card Poker is simple, and here’s a quick guide to help you get started:
As mentioned earlier, at the start of the game, players make an Ante bet to join in. If a player is feeling confident, they can also place an optional Aces Up side bet, which looks at the strength of their hand based solely on the first five cards, without considering the dealer's hand.
Once all bets are placed, both the player and the dealer are dealt five cards. The player selects the best four cards from their hand, while the dealer does the same but with one card face-up. This gives the player a glimpse of the dealer’s hand.
The goal is straightforward: have a stronger hand than the dealer. After seeing the dealer’s face-up card, the player can choose to either fold or place a Play bet, typically matching the Ante bet, to continue.
The winner is determined by standard poker hand rankings, adjusted for a four-card hand. While the rules are easy to follow, remember to play responsibly, as the outcome may vary.
4 Card Poker Payouts
Understanding the potential payouts in 4 Card Poker is key to making informed decisions during gameplay. Payouts are based on the strength and rarity of the hand you achieve, with more rewarding hands offering higher payouts.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical potential payouts:
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Four-of-a-Kind: 50 to 1
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Straight Flush: 40 to 1
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Three-of-a-Kind: 8 to 1
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Flush: 5 to 1
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Straight: 4 to 1
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Two Pair: 3 to 1
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Pair of Aces: 1 to 1
These payouts show how valuable different hands are in the game. While knowing the payouts is important, remember that playing responsibly should always be your top priority. Enjoy the game, and keep your limits in mind.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.