Quick answer
How to play
- Each player receives three cards face down. The round begins with an agreed starting contribution.
- In turn, a player either continues or leaves the round. A player may choose to look at their own cards before acting.
- When only two players remain, either player may request a show. The hands are then compared by the ranking order.
Teen Patti round rules
Before a round, players agree the format, starting contribution and whether blind play or sideshows are used. The dealer gives three cards face down to every player, then play moves clockwise.
Blind and seen play
A blind player acts without looking at cards. A seen player looks at the hand before acting. Groups should agree how these choices affect the next contribution before the first deal.
Show and comparison
When two players remain, a show compares the hands using the published rank order. Compare the hand category first; when hands share a category, use the agreed rank comparison for that category. Suits do not normally give equal cards priority.
Hand ranks
| Rank | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Trail | Three cards of the same rank, such as 7-7-7. |
| Pure sequence | Three consecutive cards in the same suit. |
| Sequence | Three consecutive cards in mixed suits. |
| Colour | Three cards of the same suit, not consecutive. |
| Pair / high card | Two equal ranks, or otherwise the highest card. |
Rank builder
Choose a sample hand to see where it sits. This lesson explains rankings; it does not play a round or calculate outcomes.
What does this hand make?
Common questions
Does a player have to look at their cards?
No. The choice to view the hand is part of the round structure and should be clear to everyone playing.
What happens at a show?
The two remaining hands are compared using the agreed ranking order. See also Dragon Tiger for a one-card comparison game.