Last Updated on April 1, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

“Red Dog” (also known as “High Card Pool”) is a simple yet exciting casino-style card game where players bet on whether the next card will fall between two previously dealt cards. Players are dealt two cards, and they can place a bet on whether the value of a third card will fall between those two cards’ values. If the third card does, the player wins, and the payout increases based on the spread. The game is easy to learn and offers quick, thrilling action. Learn the rules, betting strategies, and how to maximize your chances of winning!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.

How to Play Red Dog / High Card Pool

---

Objective

The goal of Red Dog (also known as High Card Pool) is to bet on whether the value of the next card drawn will fall between the values of two cards dealt initially.

Card Values

• Cards are ranked from 2 (lowest) to Ace (highest). Suits do not affect the rankings.
• Ace is high, and 2 is low.

Gameplay

1. Placing Bets:
   • Players place their initial bet in the designated betting area.
2. Dealing Initial Cards:
   • Two cards are dealt face up to the dealer.
3. Determining the Spread:
   • Check the rank of the two cards. The spread is the number of cards between them. For example, if the cards are 4 and 8, the spread is 3 (5, 6, 7).
4. Placing the Red Dog Bet:
   • Players place a Red Dog bet, which is a side bet on whether the next card drawn will fall between the two initial cards. If the two initial cards are consecutive (e.g., 5 and 6), the bet is automatically a push.
5. Drawing the Third Card:
   • A third card is drawn from the deck.
6. Outcome:
   • Win: If the third card falls between the two initial cards in rank, the player wins. Payouts are typically based on the spread:
     • Spread of 1 card: Pays 5 to 1
     • Spread of 2 cards: Pays 4 to 1
     • Spread of 3 cards: Pays 2 to 1
   • Push: If the third card is the same rank as either of the two initial cards, or if the initial cards are consecutive, the bet is a push and the player’s bet is returned.
   • Loss: If the third card does not fall between the two initial cards, the player loses their bet.

Payouts

• Winning bets are paid according to the payout table based on the spread of the initial cards.

Notes/Variations

• Red Dog: If the first two cards dealt are consecutive in rank (e.g., 4 and 5), it’s a “push” and no bets are won or lost.
• Pairs: If the first two cards dealt are a pair, a third card is drawn. If the third card matches the pair, the payout is typically 11 to 1.
• Aces: Aces can be high or low.

Red Dog / High Card Pool is a simple yet exciting game that offers quick rounds and the potential for big payouts.