How to Play Teen Patti — Rules & Hand Rankings
India's most definitive, beginner-friendly guide to three-card poker. Master every hand ranking, understand blind vs seen strategies, and play with confidence.
What is Teen Patti?
Teen Patti (literally meaning “Three Cards” in Hindi) is India's quintessential social card game. Evolving from traditional English three-card brag and poker, it is played with a standard 52-card deck (excluding jokers) among 3 to 6 players.
The objective is simple yet deeply psychological: construct the strongest 3-card hand according to established rankings, or use smart betting tactics to prompt opponents to fold before the final showdown.
Teen Patti Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)
In standard Teen Patti, card rankings from highest to lowest are: A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.
Trail / Trio (Three of a Kind)
Set / TeenThree cards of the exact same face rank. A-A-A is supreme, followed by K-K-K down to 2-2-2.
Pure Sequence (Straight Flush)
Pakki SequenceThree consecutive cards belonging to the exact same suit. Highest is A-K-Q, followed by A-2-3.
Sequence (Straight)
Normal RunThree consecutive cards with mixed suits. A-K-Q is the highest sequence; 4-3-2 is the lowest normal run.
Color (Flush)
Rangat / FlushThree cards of the identical suit not in numerical sequence. Evaluated by highest card down.
Pair (Double)
JodiTwo cards of identical rank combined with one kicker card. A-A-K is the highest pair.
High Card
No PairThree mismatched cards in rank and suit. Compared from the single highest card down.
How a Teen Patti Round Works
Every hand follows an orderly progression from ante to showdown.
The Boot / Ante
Before cards are distributed, every active participant contributes an equal agreed amount (the “boot”) into the pot. This creates the starting pot value.
The Deal
The dealer distributes three cards face down to each player one at a time, moving clockwise around the table.
Action Begins (Blind or Seen)
The player situated clockwise from the dealer acts first. Players decide whether to play “Blind” (without peeking) or “Seen” (Chaal).
Sideshow & Challenge
Seen players can challenge the preceding seen player to a private card comparison (Sideshow). The player with the weaker hand folds immediately.
The Showdown
When only two players remain, either may pay for a “Show”. Both players reveal their cards, and the highest-ranking hand scoops the pot!
Blind vs. Seen Play Explained
Understanding the stake relationship between Blind and Seen players is essential to proper bankroll and table control.
Blind Player Rules
- Has not viewed their hole cards.
- Wagers exactly 1x the current stake amount.
- Can peek at cards at any turn, immediately transitioning to Seen.
Seen Player Rules
- Has looked at their hand.
- Must wager 2x the current blind stake (Chaal).
- Eligible to request sideshows from the previous seen player.
Sideshow (Backshow) Rules
A Sideshow (also referred to as a Backshow or Compromise) allows a seen player to privately compare cards with the seen player sitting immediately before them in the betting circle.
- Both participants must be Seen players.
- The requester pays the standard Chaal stake before asking.
- The preceding player has the right to accept or decline.
- If accepted, the player with the lower hand must fold quietly. In the case of an exact tie, the requesting player folds.
Popular Teen Patti Variants
The entire hand ranking order is reversed: 5-3-2 beats a Trail of Aces!
All Aces, Kings, 4s, and 7s act as wildcards to form monster combinations.
One card rank is designated as a wild joker for all players at the table.
Arrange your 3 digits to form the mathematical number closest to 999.
Beginner Strategy Tips That Actually Work
Teen Patti Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Teen Patti Master points game, rules, and download.