Teen Patti, often called "Indian Poker," is a popular card game in South Asia. Similar to poker, it’s played with a standard deck of 52 cards and typically involves 3 to 6 players. Here’s a guide to the basic rules and gameplay for Teen Patti:

Objective of the Game

The main goal in Teen Patti is to have the best three-card hand or to convince others to fold, leaving you with the highest-valued hand. Players bet into a pot, and the player with the best hand or the last remaining player wins the pot.

Basic Gameplay

1. Ante (Boot Amount):

   • Each player contributes an initial amount, known as the “boot,” to the pot. This is the minimum amount for betting and begins the game.

2. Dealing the Cards:

   • The dealer shuffles the deck and distributes three cards to each player face down.

3. Placing Bets:

   • Players take turns betting on whether their hand is strong enough to continue. Betting starts with the player to the left of the dealer and continues clockwise.
   • Players can choose to play either as “Seen” (viewing their cards) or “Blind” (not viewing their cards).

4. Blind vs. Seen Play:

   • Blind Player: Places a bet without looking at their cards. Blind bets are typically smaller than seen bets.
   • Seen Player: Looks at their cards and places a bet that’s usually double the minimum bet.

5. Options for Betting:

   • Chaal: If you want to stay in the game after seeing your cards, you can place a bet. A seen player places a Chaal, which is a specific amount based on the current stake.
   • Raise: You can increase the bet, which other players must match or raise to continue.
   • Fold: If you don’t want to continue, you can fold and forfeit any chance to win the pot. Folded players can no longer participate in that round.

6. Showdown:

   • When only two players remain, either player can request a "show." The players reveal their cards, and the one with the better hand wins. If one player folds, the other automatically wins the pot.

Hand Rankings in Teen Patti (from highest to lowest)

1. Trail or Trio: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., 3 Aces).
2. Pure Sequence (Straight Flush): Three consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4-5-6 of Hearts).
3. Sequence (Straight): Three consecutive cards, not necessarily of the same suit (e.g., 5-6-7 of any suit).
4. Color (Flush): Three cards of the same suit, not in sequence (e.g., 2-5-10 of Clubs).
5. Pair: Two cards of the same rank (e.g., two Queens). In case of a tie, the highest third card decides the winner.
6. High Card: If no one has any of the above hands, the player with the highest card wins. If there’s a tie, the second and third cards are considered.

Tips for Playing Teen Patti

• Observe Other Players: Pay attention to their betting style and betting amounts.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget and avoid betting large amounts on weak hands.
• Know When to Fold: It’s crucial to understand when to stay in the game and when to fold to avoid losing more money.

Popular Variations of Teen Patti

1. Muflis (Lowball): The weakest hand wins the game instead of the strongest.
2. Joker: Certain cards are selected as jokers, acting as wild cards.
3. AK47: Only Aces, Kings, 4s, and 7s are considered jokers.
4. 999: The goal is to form a hand closest to a value of 9-9-9.

Conclusion

Teen Patti is a fun and fast-paced card game that combines elements of strategy, luck, and psychology. Mastering the basic rules and understanding the hand rankings can make the game enjoyable, whether you’re playing casually with friends or at a competitive level.