Quick facts

These are the common rules. Rankings, stake limits and variants differ between apps, so read the rules in the app you use.

Objective

Every player is dealt three cards. Players bet in turns, and the player with the strongest hand wins the pot at the end, or wins sooner if all the others fold.

How a round starts

1. Each player puts a fixed starting stake, called the boot, into the pot.
2. Three cards are dealt face down to each player.
3. Starting with the player next to the dealer, each player in turn chooses to bet or to fold.

Hand rankings (highest to lowest)

1. Trail (set): three cards of the same rank. Three Aces is the highest.
2. Pure sequence: three consecutive cards of the same suit, like 5♥ 6♥ 7♥.
3. Sequence: three consecutive cards of mixed suits.
4. Colour (flush): three cards of the same suit that are not in sequence.
5. Pair: two cards of the same rank.
6. High card: none of the above. The highest card decides.

In most versions A-K-Q is the highest sequence and A-2-3 is the second highest, but the order can differ by app. Check it before you play.

Betting and actions

• Blind: you play without looking at your cards. Blind players usually bet half of what seen players must bet.
• Seen: you look at your cards. A seen player usually has to bet at least the current stake, and often double the blind stake.
• Chaal: a normal bet to stay in the round.
• Pack: you fold and give up the chips you have put in.
• Show: when only two players are left, one pays to see both hands, and the better hand wins.
• Side show: a seen player asks the previous seen player to compare hands privately. The weaker hand is out. The other player can refuse.

Stake limits and the maximum pot differ between tables.

Common variants

Many apps offer versions such as Joker, Muflis (lowest hand wins) and AK47. Each changes which cards are wild or how hands are ranked. Read the variant’s rules before you start, because the same hand can win in one and lose in another.

Common beginner mistakes

• Playing blind for too long and losing track of how much has been bet.
• Calling a show or side show without knowing the rankings.
• Chasing a loss after a few bad hands.
• Assuming the rankings are the same in every app.

Risks and responsible play

Teen Patti is mostly a game of chance. Skill in reading opponents and managing bets helps, but you cannot control the cards you are dealt, and the stakes can rise quickly with each round.

Check that real-money games are allowed where you live, play only with money you can afford to lose, set a limit before you start and never chase losses. You can lose everything you deposit, and withdrawals are never guaranteed. See Responsible Gaming.

Check the law first. Real-money online games are restricted or banned in India under national and state laws. Read Is Rummy App Legal in India? before you play for money. Every risk of playing is yours.

Teen Patti FAQ