What is Teen Patti?
Teen Patti is a tash wala gambling card game that is as easy to learn as it is fun to play. While similar to poker, Teen Patti is far more straightforward, as it has a simpler betting structure and you aim to create the highest-ranking hand with three cards instead of five.
As you may expect, you can play RNG-powered and live dealer versions of Teen Patti at online casinos. The former uses complex algorithms to ensure fair game outcomes, while the latter is played in real-time over HD streams with a professional human dealer. Here are some more essential factors about playing Teen Patti:
- Played with three to six players
- Uses a standard 52-card deck
- Cards are dealt in a clockwise direction
- The game starts with an Ante bet
- Betting continues until all but one player folds or one of the remaining two players pays the show bet
How to play Teen Patti online
To help you understand how to play Teen Patti, we’ve covered the gameplay step-by-step. Let’s get started:
Once a dealer is chosen, each player places an Ante bet (to form the initial pot) according to the limits specified in the Teen Patti version being played. Once all Ante bets are placed, the dealer deals three cards face down to themselves and each player.
After receiving the cards, you can choose to play “seen” or “blind”. If playing seen, you may look at your three cards before continuing, while playing blind means you continue the game without looking at your cards.
The player to the left of the dealer acts first. If playing blind, they may fold, call the Ante, or raise to double the stake. If playing seen, they can also raise to quadruple the stake.
The other players then have the option to fold, call, or raise. The amount you wager depends on the stake set by the previous player, of which you must bet 1x or 2x when playing blind, and 2x or 4x when playing seen. Those who wish to refrain from playing after checking their cards can fold and exit the round in play.
The game ends when all but one player folds, or one of the last two remaining players calls for a show. The player that demands the showdown must bet double the current wager, while the one called out can choose to fold or call. If deciding to call, both players must reveal their cards, and whoever has the highest-ranking hand wins. If both hands tie, the player who called for the show loses. It’s worth noting that you can request a partial showdown if at least three players are left in a game. The acting player can request a showdown with the player who last acted, and if that player accepts, they must secretly reveal their cards to each other. Whoever has the worst-ranking hand is then eliminated.
Teen Patti hand rankings
The hand you’re dealt in Teen Patti determines whether you win or lose unless you’re able to bluff your way to victory. For this reason, it’s vital that you understand what cards make a good hand, so you know how to play the game effectively and what strategies to apply.
This is the best hand you can have in a Teen Patti game. A trio or three-of-a-kind is a hand comprising three cards of the same rank, e.g. 10♣️ 10♦️ 10♥️. The highest-ranking trio is three aces, while three 2s is the lowest-ranking combination. Having a trio almost certainly guarantees you a win, unless an opponent has a trio with a better value.
A straight flush, also called a Pakki round or pure sequence, is the next best hand in Teen Patti. This hand consists of three consecutive cards of the same suit, e.g. 7♣️ 8♣️ 9♣️. An Ace, two and three of the same suit is the highest-ranking straight flush hand you can have, while a four, three and two of the same suit is the lowest sequence.
Also called a normal run, a straight is a hand comprising three consecutive cards of different suits, e.g. A♠️ 2♥️ 3♠️. The highest and lowest hands are the same as those in a straight flush.
In Teen Patti, a flush refers to a hand with three cards of the same suit that are not sequential, e.g. A♥️ 2♥️ K♥️. If two players have a flush, the one with the higher-ranking flush hand wins.
A pair is a hand where two of the three cards are of the same rank. It’s one of the lowest hands in Teen Patti, but as discussed above, can still be enough to win if you’re good at bluffing. The highest pair is two aces and a king, while the lowest is two twos and a three.
This hand comprises cards that don’t form any winning combination. It’s the weakest hand in Teen Patti, though there have been instances of players winning with a high card. The highest-ranking high card hand is an ace, king, and jack of mixed suits.
Teen Patti rules explained
Before you play Teen Patti, it’s important that you understand the rules. When playing Teen Patti online, you can revisit the rules at any time by visiting the game’s information menu. We’ve covered the basics that apply to most variations:
Between three to six players can play Teen Patti. When playing RNG versions of the game, it’s worth noting that a computer will represent the other players. However, in live dealer Teen Patti games, you play against real players, who you can also engage with via the live chat function for a more social experience.
In Teen Patti, players must decide on a minimum stake to pay before the start of the game. This is known as the Ante bet and forms the initial pot of funds that is eventually paid out to the winner. All bets placed after the Ante must be 1x or 2x for “blind” players and 2x or 4x for those playing “seen”.
Teen Patti is played with a 52-card deck, and cards are dealt face-down in a clockwise direction, starting with the player to the dealer’s left. Due to the nature of the game, the gameplay time is unlimited. However, it’s worth noting that in online Teen Patti games, you will likely have a set time frame to decide whether to call, fold, or raise.
Whether playing Teen Patti at land-based or online casinos in India, you wager chips instead of coins. Each chip has an assigned monetary value, and when betting, you must place your chip(s) at the centre of the table (known as ‘the pot’) to raise.
Players can choose to play “seen” or “blind” in Teen Patti. As per the rules, you can’t look at your cards when playing blind, but can check if you’re betting as a seen player. If the first player is playing blind, they must equal or double the Ante to continue play. A seen player must bet double or more than the previous player wagered to stay in the round.
Teen Patti game variations
There are several variations of Teen Patti. Some variations impose rules on how many times a player can play blind, while others reverse the hand rankings, meaning traditional low-value cards are higher in value. Here are the three most popular Teen Patti variations:
Muflis
In Muflis, or Lowball, hand rankings are reversed, meaning that traditional low-value cards have the highest value. So, a three-of-a-kind becomes the weakest hand, while a high card is the strongest hand. As you may have guessed, the aim is to form the lowest-ranking hand to win.
Joker hunt
In this thrilling Teen Patti variation, you hunt down the Joker during gameplay. After the cards are dealt, twice the number of cards to players plus three are placed face-up on the table. So, if there were three players in a game, a total of 9 cards (3 x 2 + 3) would be placed face-up. Each player takes turns discarding a card from their hand and picking another card from the centre until three cards are left face-up, which represents the jokers each player can use.
Auction
Jokers are also important in this variation and can be used to form strong hands. After each player receives three cards, two piles of three cards are placed on the table with a face-up joker. Players can then bid for the joker piles, and the highest bidder can choose whether to replace their cards with those in the pile.
Playing Teen Patti at land-based casinos
Teen Patti tips & strategies
Teen Patti is a thrilling card game that combines skill and luck. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can employ various strategies, such as those we’ve highlighted below, to improve your gameplay. Even if you’re a pro, brushing up on your skills will help you maintain an edge over your opponents.
Play blind. While you won’t be able to see your cards, it reduces your risk as you don’t have to bet as much as when playing seen. It also allows you to raise the stakes for your opponents by calling for a show.
Play Teen Patti online casino games in demo mode before wagering cash bets at real money casinos to familiarise yourself with the gameplay and try out new variations. After that, start with low-stakes Teen Patti games until you’re more confident in your skills.
Master the art of bluffing to outsmart your opponents and trick them into folding when you have a weak hand.
Always gamble responsibly and set a budget to ensure you manage your bankroll, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Best casino bonuses in India
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, it is legal to play Teen Patti in India. If playing Teen Patti for real money, make sure you’re doing so at a licensed online or land-based casino.
Absolutely. For the chance to win real money playing Teen Patti online, make a deposit at a Teen Patti casino, load the game, and place your bets. You must play the real money version of the game, as demo versions are played with virtual chips and cash.
In traditional Teen Patti, the trio, also called the three-of-a-kind, is the highest-ranking hand. The highest trio you can have is three aces and the lowest is three twos.
Teen Patti is played with a 52-card deck. Each player in the game is dealt three cards in a clockwise rotation.
Teen Patti is typically played in a group of three to six people.
In Teen Patti, also called 3 Patti, a high card is the lowest-ranking hand. A high card is used to classify hands that do not make any other specified combination.
