- Updated Dec 13, 2023
Teen Patti: guide to the best Indian card game
Indian card games like Teen Patti are gaining recognition worldwide. This poker variant originates in India and has gained rampant popularity since its inception. Once you understand the rules of poker, learning the rules of Teen Patti is simple.
Depending on your region, you could also know this card game under a different pseudonym. For example, many places also call Teen Patti Tri-card, Flash, or 3 Patti.
So, where did this popular card game get its roots, and why is it so popular?
Our guide will help you understand everything you want about Teen Patti so you can decide if this card game is a good option for you.
History of Teen Patti
Even though Teen Patti comes from India, it took inspiration from the game three card brag, which originates in England. This card game also combines gameplay mechanics from poker with this three-card game.
People use this card game to socialize and celebrate occasions. These celebrations are where this game gained popularity. People didn’t take long to play these games outside of celebrations and create tournaments for fun.
Playing card games in India is an important aspect of socialization. That said, Teen Patti has a huge cultural impact on that region. So, if you’re planning to visit India anytime soon, it would be best to get familiar with this card game.
Variations of Teen Patti
Whenever our card game gets popular, it’s common for it to develop other variations that make it fun. For example, consider all the variations you can find in poker. The same idea can go for any card game; Teen Patti is no exception to this rule.
Below, we will discuss the most common variations of Teen Patti and why they’re popular. All of these variations follow the basic rules of this game.
999 Variation
This is the most popular variant of Teen Patti, so it’s the most important to learn. The number cards that range from 2 to 9 have the same value. Meanwhile, face cards and the ten card don’t have any value assigned to them. Finally, the ace card has a value of one point.
The person who wins the 999 variation of Teen Patti is the number closest to 999 in the game round. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a hand that’s all nines you win.
Auction Variation
This game variant allows players to auction off cards to get the ideal round. Players with a decent hand don’t need to participate in the auction. Bidding for cards can be a fun practice which is why this variant is so popular.
Joker Hunt Variation
After the dealer gives cards to each player, they will open other cards and designate jokers. If you enjoy poker, you’ll prefer this variation over any other one. It’s the closest one to poker due to its discard ability.
Rules of Teen Patti
Once you get the hang of the basic Teen Patti rules, you’ll have an easy time playing this game. The rules may seem overwhelming initially, but they make sense as you go. Follow these steps to initiate your three-card game.
- Choose the variant you want
- Choose the card dealer
- Choose the ante
These are the basic steps you need to follow during the setup of your game. After establishing your gameplay session and the type of variant you want, continue with these steps.
- Dealer gives three cards to each player face down
- Player on the left side of the dealer chooses to play blind or seen
- Player makes a bet based on how they play
- The player clockwise to the initial one can follow suit
- Acting player requests the previous player to sideshow
- Acting player initiates the showdown
- Winner takes the chips
You aren’t required to initiate a showdown every round, and you should only do so if you’re confident. Otherwise, you’ll lose your money.
How To Play Online Teen Patti
You can play many Teen Patti tournaments online before going to an in-person table. Many people prefer playing online when they’re new to a card game because it’s easier to learn the rules. However, putting money on the line for a game you’ve never played can be intimidating and lead to frustration.
You can choose an online game session that consists of real players or allows you to play against a computer. You can play some online games for free, but others cost money. If you choose an online casino to play the game, you’ll need to ensure that you play on a trustworthy website. Legitimate online casinos need to follow gaming regulations for fair play.
Strategies for Playing Teen Patti
Unlike slot machines, whenever you play a card game, it would be best to have a strategy in place. These games are not usually based on chance; strategies can take you to the top of the round. In addition, if you put money into these games, which many people do, a strategy can help you protect your finances.
Below, we will discuss people’s most popular strategies while playing Teen Patti. You need to execute an equal amount of caution and aggressiveness if you want to win. However, your opponents also have strategies they employ during these sessions, so these aren’t guaranteed ways to win.
Consider Your Body Language
Of course, if you’re playing Teen Patti online, you don’t need to worry about body language because no one else can see you. However, whenever you play an in-person card game that works similarly to poker, it’s important to be mindful of what your body language says about your hand.
◾ Keep your posture straight: the number one tell people have when they don’t have a good hand is their posture. When you subconsciously deflate your back, other people at the table can notice and pick up on this body language.
◾ Keep a carefree attitude: Conversing with other players could show them that you’re not afraid of your hand. You want to look as confident as possible while you play this game.
◾ Minimize your fidgeting: Of course, you don’t need to keep completely still when you play this game, but you don’t want to fidget too much, either. For instance, if you’re the type of person who takes a drink when you’re nervous, other people at the table will learn this.
It could be helpful to play a couple of rounds with your friends before going to a tournament. Your friends know you better than anybody else and can tell you about obvious changes in your body language. Then, during the preceding rounds, you can adjust your body language appropriately to control your feelings.
Keep Opponents Guessing
Although strategizing is important, you don’t want to stick too firm to a formula. Making too many predictable moves gives other players the advantage and will compromise your wins. However, that doesn’t mean you should always fluff to keep people guessing. While it’s good to bluff occasionally, bluffing too often will not be beneficial as it would be during a poker match.
Pay Attention to Others
You already know why it’s important to be mindful of your body language when playing card games like Teen Patti. However, paying attention to other people’s body language and behaviors throughout a game is also important. For example, you might notice someone laugh as a nervous tick or speak louder than normal when they’re not forthcoming.
You need to pay extra attention to these quirks when you play a tournament with people you’re unfamiliar with. It can be obvious when friends are family members give these indicators and not obvious when other people do. It could be beneficial to do some body language research to know the indicators of strangers.
Don’t Let Winning Get To Your Head
When you win multiple rounds in a row, getting caught up in the moment can be easy. Endorphins start flooding your brain, and you feel invincible. However, as quickly as you get on a winning streak, you can also get on a losing streak.
Don’t let yourself get careless if you’re on a winning streak by chasing every hand. Sometimes, losing is inevitable, and you need to know when to fold. Remember that you’re at the mercy of your hand and the hands of others at the table.
Keep in mind that card games are a way to socialize with others. When you let winning get your head, and you’re new to this game, that behavior doesn’t want to make people help you.
Final Thoughts
Teen Patti is an extremely popular game that is similar to poker. You can try plenty of variants to determine which gameplay method works best for your playstyle. However, you might still have questions after reading through this article because it’s hard to understand a game without playing it.
You don’t have to put money down during your first few play sessions of Teen Patti. There are plenty of free online options you can use to learn more about this game before placing bets. You can also play this game with friends or family to save some money.
