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What Is Four Card Poker?

Four Card Poker is an exciting casino table game that offers players the opportunity to compete against the dealer while winning big through bonus payouts and progressive jackpots. Unlike traditional poker games, Four Card Poker allows players to make strategic betting decisions after seeing their cards, adding an extra layer of excitement.

How to Play Four Card Poker

Four Card Poker follows a simple structure combining skill and luck elements. Players receive five cards and must create the best four-card hand possible. The dealer, however, receives six cards and forms their best four-card hand, giving them a slight advantage. Unlike some poker-based casino games, the dealer does not need a qualifying hand, meaning every round results in a definitive outcome. Players can choose to fold or place an additional wager to continue, with winning hands determined by standard poker rankings.

Objective of the Game

Four Card Poker aims to form a higher-ranking four-card hand than the dealer's. Players can raise their bet after seeing their cards, providing more opportunities to maximize winnings. Additional bonus bets and progressive jackpots can further enhance payouts, making the game a dynamic alternative to traditional poker.

Four Card Poker Round Progression

Four Card Poker is played in a series of structured betting rounds, allowing players to make decisions that can influence the outcome. Play proceeds as follows:

1. Place the Ante Bet

The game begins with players placing an ante bet, which is required to receive cards and enter the hand.

2. Cards are Dealt

The player is dealt five cards, while the dealer receives six cards, with one card face up. The player then evaluates their hand.

3. Player Decision

After seeing their cards, the player can either fold, forfeiting their ante bet, or place a play bet to continue in the round. The play bet can be up to three times the ante, giving players flexibility in their wagering strategy.

4. Dealer Reveals Hand

The dealer reveals their six cards and selects the best possible four-card hand.

5. Winning Hand Determined

The player's hand is compared to the dealers, and the highest-ranking hand wins. If the player wins, they receive payouts based on the strength of their hand and their bets.

6. Bonus Payouts

If the player's hand qualifies for any bonus payouts, such as the ace-up bonus, they receive an additional payout regardless of whether they beat the dealer.

Betting Options

Four Card Poker offers multiple betting options, allowing players to engage in different wagering strategies and potentially increase their winnings. Betting options include:

Ante Bet

The ante bet is the required wager that allows a player to participate in the hand. Players who fold forfeit this bet, while those who continue have the opportunity to raise their wager.

Play Bet

If a player chooses to continue after receiving their cards, they must place a play bet. This wager can be equal to or up to three times the ante bet amount, allowing for more aggressive betting when holding a strong hand.

Progressive Jackpot and Bonus Wagers

Some versions of Four Card Poker include optional side bets, such as a progressive jackpot or an ace-up bonus bet. These wagers can provide payouts for hands that meet specific ranking criteria, even if the player loses to the dealer. These side bets add an extra layer of excitement and the chance to win large payouts beyond the standard gameplay.

Four Card Poker Payouts and Odds

Payouts in Four Card Poker vary depending on the bets placed and the strength of the player's hand. The ante and play bets pay even money if the player wins against the dealer. The blind bet offers larger payouts for premium hands, with a common paytable awarding higher payouts for hands like four-of-a-kind, straight flushes, and three-of-a-kind. If a player loses to the dealer, the blind bet is forfeited unless their hand qualifies for a payout based on the paytable. Some game variations include a progressive jackpot, which can provide massive payouts if the player's hand meets the jackpot criteria.

Four Card Poker Hand Rankings

Four Card Poker follows a standard ranking system based on four-card hands, with the strongest hands providing the highest payouts. The highest-ranking hand is four-of-a-kind, followed by a straight flush, three-of-a-kind, flush, straight, two pair, one pair, and a high card. Unlike traditional poker, where a five-card hand is required, the game only considers the best four-card combination, which can affect betting decisions and strategy.

Why Play Four Card Poker?

Four Card Poker offers an exciting and fast-paced alternative to traditional poker games. The ability to raise up to three times the ante after seeing the player's cards provides more strategic opportunities compared to similar table games. The absence of a dealer qualifying hand ensures that every round has a definitive winner, increasing the chances of payouts. Bonus bets and progressive jackpots add an extra layer of excitement.

Four Card Poker FAQs

 

Can I Raise My Bet After Seeing My Cards?

Yes, players can place a play bet after seeing their cards. The play bet can be equal to or up to three times the ante, depending on the player's confidence in their hand.

What Is the Dealer's Qualifying Hand in Four Card Poker?

Unlike some poker-based casino games, the dealer does not need to qualify with a minimum hand. The dealer always plays their best four-card hand, and the round results in a definitive outcome.

How Are Winning Hands Determined?

Winning hands are determined by comparing the player's best four-card hand to the dealer's best four-card hand. The highest-ranking hand wins, and payouts are awarded based on the strength of the hand and any bonus bets placed.

What Happens in the Case of a Tie?

If the player and dealer have the same four-card hand, the game results in a push and the player's bets are returned.

What Is the House Edge in Four Card Poker?

The house edge in Four Card Poker varies depending on the player's strategy and betting decisions. When using an optimal strategy, the house edge on the main game is around 2.8 percent.

Play Four Card Poker at Cache Creek Casino Resort

Cache Creek Casino Resort offers an exciting Four Card Poker experience with professional dealers, comfortable tables, and rewarding payouts. Experience the thrill of casino poker and the chance to win big with strategic play and optional bonus bets at Four Card Poker, available at Cache Creek Casino. Stop by Cache Creek Casino today to put your skills to the test at the Four Card Poker table.