Zane | May 9, 2023 | Updated on: January 29th, 2025
4 Card Poker is an exciting casino game that blends the strategic elements of traditional poker with the fast-paced action of online casinos. Unlike Texas Hold’em or 3 Card Poker, this variant offers more opportunities to raise and win, making it a favorite among players looking for real money poker thrills.
Whether you’re new to 4 Card Poker or aiming to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through the rules, strategies, and online gameplay tips to help you maximize your winnings.
Understanding 4 Card Poker
4 Card Poker is a casino poker variant where players compete against the dealer. Unlike other poker games, you use four cards to make your best hand.
One of the key differences between 4 Card Poker and other variants is the betting flexibility—players can raise up to three times their ante, creating opportunities for bigger payouts and strategic decision-making.
Basic Rules of 4 Card Poker
The game follows a straightforward structure:
1. Place Your Bets
Players can make two types of bets:
- Ante Bet – Required to play the round.
- Aces Up Bet (Optional) – A side bet that pays based on the strength of your hand, regardless of the dealer’s cards.
2. Receive Your Cards
- Each player is dealt five cards.
- The dealer receives six cards, with one card face-up.
3. Decide: Fold or Raise
After viewing your cards, you must decide whether to:
✔️ Fold – You lose your ante bet.
✔️ Raise – You can bet 1x, 2x, or 3x your ante, depending on the strength of your hand.
4. Dealer’s Qualification Rule
Unlike some other poker games, the dealer always plays, meaning there’s no qualification requirement.
5. Showdown and Payouts
- The dealer reveals their hand, and the best four-card hand wins.
- If your hand beats the dealer’s, you win even money (1:1) on your ante and raise.
- If the dealer wins, you lose both bets.
- If you placed the Aces Up bet, you can still win based on the payout table.
Hand Rankings in 4 Card Poker
Since this game uses four cards instead of five, the hand rankings are slightly different:
| Hand | Description | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 1st |
| Straight Flush | Four consecutive suited cards | 2nd |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 3rd |
| Flush | Four cards of the same suit | 4th |
| Straight | Four consecutive cards | 5th |
| Two Pair | Two sets of paired cards | 6th |
| One Pair | Two cards of the same rank | 7th |
| High Card | Highest single card wins | 8th |
Unlike traditional poker, a Four of a Kind is the highest-ranking hand, outranking even a Straight Flush.
4 Card Poker Payouts
If you win, your ante bet and raise bet are both paid 1:1. However, if you make a strong hand, you can win bonus payouts.
| Hand | Ante Bonus Payout | Aces Up Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Four of a Kind | 25:1 | 50:1 |
| Straight Flush | 20:1 | 30:1 |
| Three of a Kind | 2:1 | 7:1 |
| Flush | No Bonus | 6:1 |
| Straight | No Bonus | 5:1 |
| Two Pair | No Bonus | 2:1 |
| One Pair (Aces) | No Bonus | 1:1 |
- Ante Bonus: You receive a payout on your ante bet if you make Three of a Kind or better, regardless of whether you win or lose.
- Aces Up Bet: This optional side bet pays out if you have at least a pair of Aces, even if you lose the main game.
Key Strategies for 4 Card Poker
To increase your chances of winning, follow these essential strategies:
1. Play Strong Hands Only
- Raise 3x your ante if you have a pair of Tens or better.
- Raise 1x your ante if you have a lower pair (6s-9s) or a high Ace.
- Fold if you have a weak hand (lower than a pair of 6s).
2. Consider the Aces Up Bet Wisely
- This bet has a higher house edge, so it’s not ideal for long-term play.
- However, if you’re feeling lucky, it can provide big payouts for strong hands.
3. Watch the Dealer’s Upcard
- If the dealer’s upcard is high (10, J, Q, K, A), you should only raise with a strong hand.
- If the dealer’s upcard is low (2-9), you can be more aggressive with your raises.
4. Manage Your Bankroll
- Set a budget before playing and stick to it.
- Avoid chasing losses—4 Card Poker is a game of strategic betting, not blind luck.
Playing 4 Card Poker Online for Real Money
Online casinos offer a fast and convenient way to enjoy real money 4 Card Poker. Some of the key benefits include:
✔️ Play Anytime, Anywhere – Enjoy the game from your computer or mobile device.
✔️ Lower Minimum Bets – Online poker sites allow you to start with smaller bets than land-based casinos.
✔️ Live Dealer Games – Some online casinos offer live-streamed 4 Card Poker with real dealers.
✔️ Bonuses & Promotions – Get welcome bonuses, deposit matches, and cashback offers to boost your bankroll.
Looking for the best online casinos to play 4 Card Poker for real money? Check out our recommended poker platforms for top-rated sites.
Explore More Poker Variants
Want to try other exciting poker games? Check out these alternatives:
- Texas Hold’em – The most popular poker game worldwide.
- Omaha Poker – Similar to Hold’em but with four hole cards.
- 3 Card Poker – A fast-paced casino poker game.
- Caribbean Stud – A poker game played against the dealer.
- Pai Gow Poker – A mix of poker and Chinese Pai Gow.
Check out our Poker Variants Guide to find the perfect game for you!
Conclusion
4 Card Poker is a fun and strategic casino poker game that offers big payouts and exciting gameplay. While luck plays a role, using smart tactics like the pair of Tens rule, managing your bankroll, and playing online for better odds can increase your chances of success.
✔️ Play strong hands aggressively
✔️ Use the Aces Up bet strategically
✔️ Take advantage of online casino bonuses
Whether you’re playing in a casino or online, 4 Card Poker offers endless excitement and real money opportunities. Ready to test your skills? The cards are waiting—good luck at the tables!
4 Card Poker FAQs
1. Is 4 Card Poker easy to learn?
Yes! It’s simpler than Texas Hold’em and offers fewer decisions per round.
2. What’s the best strategy for winning?
Follow the pair of Tens rule, fold weak hands, and bet aggressively when ahead.
3. Can I play 4 Card Poker online for real money?
Yes! Many online casinos offer real money 4 Card Poker with live dealers.