Unraveling the Rules of 3 Patti Card Game
3 Patti, also known as "Teen Patti" or "Indian Flush," is a highly popular card game in South Asia, especially in India where it is often played during festivals and family gatherings. It bears similarities to the British game of three - card brag. Here are the comprehensive rules for playing 3 Patti:
1. Deck of Cards
- A standard 52 - card deck is typically used. In some cases, jokers may be optionally included as wild cards.
2. Number of Players
- The game can be played with 2 to 10 players, though it is most commonly played with 5 to 6 players.
3. Dealing the Cards
Deck Preparation: The dealer prepares the deck, which may or may not include jokers depending on the agreed - upon rules.
Shuffling and Dealing: The dealer thoroughly shuffles the deck and then deals three cards face - down to each player, one at a time.
Rotation: After each hand, the deal rotates clockwise to the next player.
4. Objective
- The main goal is to have the best - ranked three - card hand among all the players at the table.
5. Hand Rankings (from highest to lowest)
Trio/Trail (Three of a Kind): This consists of three cards of the same rank, for example, three Kings.
Pure Sequence (Straight Flush): Three consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 7♣8♣9♣.
Sequence (Run): Three consecutive cards that are not necessarily of the same suit, like 4♠5♦6♣.
Colour/Flush: Three cards of the same suit but not in sequence, for example, 2♥5♥8♥.
Pair: Two cards of the same rank, for instance, JJ♣K♠.
High Card: When none of the above combinations are present, the player with the highest - ranked card wins. For example, K♣Q♠J♦ beats 10♣9♠7♦.
6. Gameplay
Blinds: In certain variations, two players are required to post mandatory bets known as 'blinds' before seeing their cards. Usually, the player immediately to the left of the dealer places the small blind, and the next player places the big blind.
Chaal/Play: Starting with the player to the left of the big blind, each player has the option to:
Fold: This means forfeiting the round.
See: Matching the current bet to stay in the round.
Raise: Increasing the current bet.
Betting Round: Players keep betting until all but one player folds or the last remaining player calls the final bet.
Show: Once only one player remains, or after the final betting round, players disclose their hands. The player with the best hand wins the pot.
7. Variations and Side Bets
Ante: All players place a small bet before the cards are dealt.
Joker: If jokers are used, they can function as wild cards to complete any desired combination.
Pack/Boot: There are special bonus payouts for certain combinations, like holding three specific high - ranking cards.
8. Etiquette
- Players should uphold proper decorum and be careful not to accidentally reveal their cards.
- Cheating or collusion is strictly forbidden and can result in serious consequences, including being barred from future games.
It should be noted that in many regions, 3 Patti is often played for money in informal settings. However, in some places, gambling - related activities may be subject to legal regulations. These are the fundamental rules and structure of 3 Patti, and as with many card games, regional variations and house rules might slightly modify how the game is played.