When it comes to card games, poker holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians. With a rich history, various variations, and exciting gameplay, it’s no wonder that it has become a favorite pastime for many across the country.
One particular variant of poker that has been catching the attention of many is Indian Poker. This game is quite similar to the traditional version but with some slight twists. In Indian Poker, players don’t get to see their own cards, and they can only guess what they have based on their opponents’ actions.
Like any other variant, Indian Poker requires an understanding of the different hands that players can make to win. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll take a closer look at Indian Poker hands to help you get started.
Understanding Indian Poker Hands: The Basics
Before we dive into the types of hands that you can make in Indian Poker, let’s first take a brief look at the game’s history.
A brief history of Indian Poker
Indian Poker, also known as Blind Man’s Bluff or Teen Patti, originated in India and has been a popular game for centuries. It was traditionally played with a deck of 52 cards, but now it is commonly played with a deck of 52 cards including jokers.
The game’s name, Blind Man’s Bluff, derives from the fact that players can’t see their own cards and must rely solely on their wits and intuition to make decisions.
The different types of Indian Poker hands
Like other poker games, Indian Poker’s objective is to make the best possible hand. Let’s take a look at the different types of hands that you can make in Indian Poker:
- High Card: This is the most basic hand, and it’s made up of the highest-ranked card in your hand. If nobody else has a pair or higher, then the player with the highest-ranking card wins.
- Pair: Two cards of the same rank, such as two queens or two nines.
- Two Pairs: Two sets of pairs, such as two jacks and two threes.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank, such as three sixes.
- Straight: Five cards in a sequence, such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. The suit doesn’t matter in creating a Straight.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit, such as five diamonds.
- Full House: Three of a kind with a pair, such as three tens and two jacks.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank, such as four aces.
- Straight Flush: Five cards of the same suit in sequence, such as 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
- Royal Flush: The highest-ranked Straight Flush, consisting of Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and ten of the same suit.
Strategies for winning at Indian Poker
Knowing the hands is just one part of the game. Success in Indian Poker also requires a sound strategy. Here are some tips to help you win:
- How to read your opponents’ hands: Since you can’t see your own cards, you must rely on your opponents’ actions to read their hand. Watch for signs of hesitation, or paying too much attention to their cards. These indications can help you determine whether they have a good hand or not.
- Bluffing techniques: Just like in traditional poker, bluffing is an essential part of Indian Poker strategy. You may not know your own cards, but you can still intimidate your opponents by acting as if you have a good hand. This can sweat your opponents and force them to fold, even if they have a better hand than yours.
