How to Play Teen Patti with Real Cards at Home

Quick answer: To play Teen Patti at home you need one standard 52-card deck without jokers, three to six players and something to use as chips, such as coins, buttons or matchsticks. Agree on a boot, a maximum bet and the house rules, deal three cards face down to each player, then bet clockwise until only one player is left or two players call a show.

What you need

• One 52-card deck, jokers removed (unless you are playing a joker variant).
• Three to six players works best; up to seven is possible. See players and deck rules.
• Counters for chips. Using chips instead of money keeps the game friendly.
• A printed or shared copy of the rankings chart.

Set-up in five steps

1. Choose a dealer for the first round; the role then moves clockwise.
2. Everyone puts the agreed boot into the middle.
3. The dealer shuffles thoroughly, offers a cut to the player on their right, and deals one card at a time clockwise until everyone has three.
4. Players leave their cards face down until they choose to see them.
5. The player to the dealer’s left acts first.

A sample round

Four players put in a boot of 1. Asha bets blind for 1. Ben looks, has a pair of 8s, and bets 2 (the seen minimum). Chirag looks, has a high card, and packs. Divya bets blind for 1. Asha looks, has a colour, and bets 4. Ben asks for a side show with Asha; she accepts; Ben’s pair loses to her colour and he packs. Divya and Asha remain; Divya calls a show, and Asha’s colour wins the pot.

House rules to agree before dealing

Use our house rules checklist to settle: A-2-3 position, tie handling, side show cost, the 2-3-5 rule and the maximum bet. Five minutes of agreement saves an evening of arguments.

Etiquette

• Do not look at your cards before the deal is complete.
• Act in turn, and say your action out loud.
• Keep cards on the table, not in your lap.

Our etiquette guide covers more.

Frequently asked questions

How many decks do you need?

One standard deck is enough for up to seven players.

Can two people play Teen Patti?

Yes, but it becomes a series of shows. Three or more is more fun.

Do we have to play for money?

No. Counters are the norm for family games, and playing for money may break local law.