A complete Teen Patti guide explaining how the game works, rules, hand rankings, bet types, and essential gameplay mechanics. Learn everything you need to understand this popular Indian card game.
Introduction
Teen Patti is one of the most popular card games in India and a staple of many real-money gaming platforms. Often compared to Three Card Poker, Teen Patti blends simple rules with fast-paced rounds, making it accessible for beginners while still offering enough depth for experienced players.
Although the game is easy to start, Teen Patti has specific hand rankings, betting rounds, and player actions that differ from Western poker games. This guide explains all core elements of Teen Patti, including the rules, ante structure, side bets, and the hierarchy of winning hands. After reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of how the game functions and what to expect when playing online or live.
What Is Teen Patti?
Teen Patti (“Three Cards”) is a card game traditionally played in India and South Asia. Each player is dealt three cards, and the goal is to have the strongest hand according to the Teen Patti hand rankings.
The game uses a standard 52-card deck, with cards ranked from Ace (highest) to 2 (lowest). Rounds revolve around making bets, comparing three-card hands, and deciding whether to play blind or seen.
How Teen Patti Works: Basic Rules
1. Ante (Boot Amount)
Before the cards are dealt, all players place a compulsory minimum bet called the boot. This forms the initial pot.
2. Dealing Cards
Each player receives three face-down cards.
3. Player Options
Players can be:
- Blind — playing without seeing their cards
- Seen — looking at their cards before betting
Action rotates clockwise, and each player must either:
- Bet (Chaal / Blind Bet)
- Fold
- Request a Show (in later stages)
4. Betting Progression
The bet size grows depending on whether the previous player was blind or seen. The table usually has minimum and maximum stake limits.
5. Showdown
When only two players remain, one may request a Show, comparing their cards to decide the winner.
Teen Patti Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)
| Hand | Description |
|---|---|
| Trail / Trio (Three of a Kind) | Three cards of the same rank (e.g., AAA). |
| Pure Sequence (Straight Flush) | Three consecutive cards of the same suit. |
| Sequence (Straight) | Three consecutive cards of mixed suits. |
| Color (Flush) | Three cards of the same suit, not in sequence. |
| Pair | Two cards of the same rank. |
| High Card | Highest individual card if no other hand is made. |
Important Notes
- Aces can be high (A-K-Q) or low (A-2-3), depending on the casino rules.
- Suits have no ranking—only card values matter.
Teen Patti Bet Types
1. Blind Bet
A blind player bets without seeing their cards.
Blind bets are usually smaller than seen bets due to uncertainty.
2. Chaal (Seen Bet)
A seen player places a higher minimum bet compared to blind players.
3. Sideshow (Requesting a Show)
A player may ask the previous seen player for a private comparison of hands.
- If accepted, the weaker hand folds.
- If declined, betting continues.
4. Final Show
When only two players remain, one may request a final show, leading to a full reveal.
Odds and Probabilities in Teen Patti
Understanding how likely each hand is helps players grasp the game structure.
Probability of Each Hand Type
| Hand Type | Probability |
|---|---|
| Trail (Trio) | 0.24% |
| Pure Sequence | 0.22% |
| Sequence | 3.26% |
| Color | 4.96% |
| Pair | 16.94% |
| High Card | 73.39% |
What This Means
- High-card situations dominate most rounds.
- Strong hands like a Trail or Pure Sequence are extremely rare.
- Many rounds end with folds before the showdown.
Gameplay Structure
1. Starting the Round
- Boot is placed
- Cards are dealt
- Betting begins with the first player left of the dealer
2. Mid-Round Decisions
Players decide whether to:
- Continue as blind
- Become seen
- Request a sideshow
- Fold
3. End of Round
When only two players remain:
- A final show may take place
- The highest-ranking Teen Patti hand wins the pot
Variations of Teen Patti
Many online casinos offer additional versions of the game. Popular variants include:
1. Joker Teen Patti (Wild Cards)
One or more cards become wild, increasing hand strength frequency.
2. Muflis (Reverse Ranking)
The weakest hand wins instead of the strongest.
3. AK47 Teen Patti
A, K, 4, and 7 are treated as wild cards.
4. 999 Teen Patti
The objective is to form a hand closest to 9-9-9.
5. Best-of-Four Teen Patti
Players receive four cards and must form the best three-card hand.
These variants change odds, pacing, and hand dynamics.
Why Teen Patti Is So Popular
Teen Patti remains widely played due to:
- Fast and simple rules
- High entertainment value
- Cultural roots in India
- Familiarity for poker players
- Many online versions and formats
Its mix of luck, reading opponents, and quick decision-making keeps the game exciting across all experience levels.
FAQ
Is Teen Patti the same as Three Card Poker?
No. The games share similarities but differ in rules, betting structure, and hand comparisons.
How many players can play Teen Patti?
Typically 3–6, but some tables allow more.
Do suits have a ranking in Teen Patti?
No. All suits are equal in value.
Is Ace always high?
Usually yes, but some casinos allow A-2-3 as the lowest straight.