Teen Patti Rules: Complete Beginner's Guide to Indian Poker
Learn how to play Teen Patti (Indian Poker) with our comprehensive guide. Hand rankings, betting rules, and winning strategies for beginners.
Teen Patti (meaning "three cards" in Hindi) is one of India's most popular card games. Often called Indian Poker, it combines elements of poker with unique betting mechanics that make it thrilling and social.
Basic Rules
Teen Patti is played with a standard 52-card deck (no jokers) and 2-6 players. Here's how it works:
- Each player places an ante (boot amount) into the pot
- Three cards are dealt face-down to each player
- Players bet in turns, choosing to play "blind" or "seen"
- The round continues until all but one player folds, or a showdown occurs
- The player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot
Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)
Memorize these rankings to know when you're holding a winner:
1. Trail (Three of a Kind)
Three cards of the same rank. Three Aces is the highest trail, three 2s is the lowest.
Example: A♠ A♥ A♦ or 7♠ 7♥ 7♦
2. Pure Sequence (Straight Flush)
Three consecutive cards of the same suit.
Example: A♠ K♠ Q♠ or 5♥ 4♥ 3♥
3. Sequence (Straight)
Three consecutive cards of any suit.
Example: 9♠ 8♥ 7♦ or A♠ 2♥ 3♦
4. Color (Flush)
Three cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Example: K♥ 9♥ 4♥
5. Pair
Two cards of the same rank.
Example: Q♠ Q♥ 7♦
6. High Card
No matching cards. Ranked by highest card.
Example: A♠ J♥ 5♦
Blind vs Seen Play
This is what makes Teen Patti unique:
Playing Blind
- You haven't looked at your cards
- Minimum bet = current stake
- Maximum bet = 2× current stake
- Creates tension and psychological warfare
Playing Seen (Chaal)
- You've looked at your cards
- Minimum bet = 2× current stake
- Maximum bet = 4× current stake
- More expensive, but you know what you hold
Special Rules
Sideshow (Compromise)
A seen player can request a sideshow with the previous seen player. If accepted, both compare cards privately and the lower hand must fold. The requested player can refuse.
Show
When only two players remain, either can request a show. Both hands are revealed and the highest hand wins.
Teen Patti Strategy Tips
1. Start Blind
Playing blind early keeps your betting costs low and puts psychological pressure on opponents. Go seen only when the pot is worth the information.
2. Read Your Opponents
Watch for betting patterns. Sudden aggressive betting often indicates a strong hand (or a strong bluff).
3. Manage Your Bankroll
Set a session limit. Teen Patti pots can grow quickly, especially with multiple aggressive players.
4. Know When to Fold
Don't chase sunk costs. If you're seen with a weak hand against multiple blind players betting big, folding is often correct.
5. Use Sideshows Wisely
Request sideshows against players you suspect are weak. Refuse sideshows when you're strong.
Teen Patti at MPlay
MPlay offers real-money Teen Patti PvP where you play against other players, not the house:
- No house edge: You compete purely against other players
- Multiple tables: Stakes from $0.10 to $100
- Private tables: Create games for friends
- Mobile optimized: Perfect for playing anywhere
Ready to play? Join a Teen Patti table on MPlay
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