Four Card Poker is one of the newer additions to the family of casino poker games, designed to give players more flexibility, more betting options, and more opportunities to win. Unlike traditional poker, this game pits players directly against the dealer while offering unique twists that make it stand out.
Its fast pace and balance of luck and strategy have made it increasingly popular in casinos around the world, both in physical venues and online platforms.
Origins of Four Card Poker
Four Card Poker was created by Roger Snow, a well-known game inventor and executive at Shuffle Master (now part of Scientific Games). Introduced in the early 2000s, it was designed to be simple enough for new players while still offering depth for experienced gamblers.
Because of its approachable rules and exciting payouts, it quickly became a mainstay in Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos.
How Four Card Poker Works
Despite the name, Four Card Poker uses five cards for the player and dealer — but each must form the best four-card hand instead of the traditional five.
The Setup:
- Each player places an Ante bet (and optionally a Bonus bet).
- The dealer deals five cards face-down to each player and six cards to themselves (one face-up).
- Players may raise up to three times their Ante bet or fold.
- Dealer does not need to qualify — all hands play out.
- Both player and dealer make the best four-card poker hand from their cards.
Hand Rankings in Four Card Poker:
The hand rankings are slightly different from five-card poker since only four cards are used:
- Four of a Kind (best)
- Straight Flush
- Three of a Kind
- Flush
- Straight
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card (worst)
Payouts in Four Card Poker
If the player’s hand beats the dealer’s, the Ante and Play bets are paid even money. If the dealer wins, both are lost.
The game also offers Bonus bets that pay extra for premium hands, regardless of the dealer’s outcome. A common bonus pay table includes:
- Four of a Kind → 25 to 1
- Straight Flush → 20 to 1
- Three of a Kind → 2 to 1
Additionally, some casinos offer progressive jackpot versions, making the game even more enticing.
Why Players Enjoy Four Card Poker
- Flexible Betting – Players can raise up to three times their Ante, giving more control over risk.
- Dealer Always Plays – Unlike Caribbean Stud or Three Card Poker, there’s no qualification requirement.
- Multiple Winning Paths – Standard play and bonus payouts offer plenty of excitement.
- Strategic Decisions – Knowing when to fold and when to triple your bet adds skill to the game.
- Unique Hand Rankings – Using only four cards makes the game feel fresh compared to other poker variants.
Basic Strategy for Four Card Poker
While luck dominates, strategy can improve your chances:
- Always play if you have a pair of tens or better.
- Fold if you have weaker than a pair of twos.
- Raise three times with a pair of Aces or better.
- Raise one time with lower pairs (like 2s through 9s).
Following this strategy helps minimize the house edge, which sits around 2.8%, making it more favorable than Caribbean Stud.
Online and Live Dealer Four Card Poker
Online casinos have embraced Four Card Poker, offering both digital versions and live dealer formats. Live dealer games are particularly popular because they replicate the social and interactive feel of real casino tables while letting players enjoy the game from anywhere.
Some online platforms also enhance the game with side bets, multipliers, or linked progressive jackpots, giving even more ways to win.
The Future of Four Card Poker
Four Card Poker has carved out a solid niche among casino table games. Its mix of strategy, flexibility, and exciting bonus opportunities ensures it will continue to attract both casual and serious players.
As online casinos expand their live offerings, Four Card Poker is poised to grow in popularity, especially among players looking for something more strategic than Three Card Poker but less intimidating than Texas Hold’em.
Conclusion
Four Card Poker is a clever casino twist on traditional poker, offering players 789club tài xỉu control over their bets, easy-to-learn rules, and multiple opportunities for payouts. With its unique four-card ranking system and flexible betting structure, it manages to combine the thrill of poker with the accessibility of a casino table game.
For anyone seeking a poker variant that balances simplicity with strategy, Four Card Poker is an excellent choice both in casinos and online platforms.