WE EXPLAIN HOW TO PLAY FOUR CARD POKER

Four card poker has gained prominence over the past few years, and there are an increasing number of online casinos offering it.

Invented by Roger Snow and shfl entertainment, 4 card poker is based on other variations, such as three-card poker and poker with five cards.

In this version, a player wins with the best four card hand, so it is an inherently simple game.

Like other poker variants, the player’s hand will need to surpass that of the dealer, such as having both the aces, to win. And the card ranking is the same as other poker formats, including three card poker.

We will draw attention to the main rules, so you can see how four card poker works.

FOUR CARD POKER – WHERE’S THE TICK?

Four card generally follows some of the same traditions of other poker games, however, there is more than one side bet available:

• Ante
• Aces Up
• Ante and Aces up

The exact pay table will of course depend on the play wager, and what kind of four card poker hand you have, such as a two pair, straight flush, pair of aces, or three of a kind.

Naturally, the house edge will be greater, as the dealer will receive six cards (the sixth card face up), so a player loses more often than they win.

RULES FOR PLAYING FOUR CARD POKER

Playing the four card version isn’t that difficult as you merely have to better the dealer’s hand, and if you hold the best four card poker hand from a bet placed, you will be the winner.

In terms of key rules, your final hand must contain four cards, so a full house can be hard to come by. A royal flush isn’t always possible as you only have four cards for play bets.

Player bets will surpass the dealer if they have the best four card poker hand. The dealer receives six cards, five cards will be face down, while the sixth card will be face up.

Meanwhile, an ante wager will create a win if you receive a pair of aces or better with your starting bet. The odds of a payout for a player’s hand ranges from even money to 50/1.

In the next section, we have listed card poker hand rankings, including three of a kind and four of a kind.

HAND RANKING FOR FOUR CARD POKER

Let’s now remind us of the four card hand poker rankings, from the highest ranking card through to the lowest.

1. Four of a Kind
2. Straight Flush
3. Three of a Kind
4. Flush
5. Straight
6. Two Pair
7. Pair of Aces
8. High Card

HOW TO PLAY FOUR CARD POKER STEP BY STEP?

Let’s give you a quick run through of 4 card poker. The key stages have been outlined when you play and make a side bet.

ANTE WAGER

Starting with ante wagers, there are two components here — the ante bet and the aces up wager. Players will be required to play an ante bet on at least one of them.

You will be judged on your ante wager by whether you can beat the dealer’s hand. But remember, if you fold your bet, then you will lose your ante bet.

AUTOMATIC BONUS

There is a chance that some players can qualify for an automatic bonus, which includes lucrative bonus payouts depending on what strength of hand you have, such as a straight flush.

You may get paid more if a player at another table announces a royal flush, which represents a strong poker hand. The best four card hand will pay out handsomely, so keep your eyes peeled for special offers advertised.

ACES UP WAGER

The aces up component assumes that you have a hand which contains a pair of aces. With an aces up, you will get a payout of EVENS. The odds will vary if you have a three of a kind, four of a kind, or a straight flush, with the latter paying out at 40/1.

Some casinos will also offer a progressive wager where the bonus payout is much larger depending on the kind straight flush you have with your poker hand.

BEST POKER STRATEGY TIPS FOR FOUR CARD POKER

• Bet up to 3x your ante with a pair of tens or higher.
• Practice in demo mode to get a feel before you play wager games.
• Take advantage of bonuses. When players receive aces, they can be handsomely rewarded.
• Know when to raise when you play. Stick to the minimum with a weaker hand.

CONCLUSION

Mastering 4 card poker takes time, but you can place a bet or side bet with at least a pair to get the better of the dealer.

When players collect aces, that stands them in good stead. Knowing the difference between a two pair, an ordinary pair, and a three of a kind, will serve you well too, and you should follow our advice to get the most from the game.