Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Russian Poker is a unique casino-style poker game where players compete against the dealer rather than each other. Each player is dealt five cards and has the option to exchange, buy extra cards, or split their hand to improve their chances of winning. The dealer must qualify with at least an Ace-King combination for the round to proceed. Players can make strategic decisions to maximize their payouts while managing risks. With its mix of luck and decision-making, Russian Poker offers an exciting twist on traditional poker. Learn the rules, betting options, and strategies to beat the dealer and win.

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How to Play Russian Poker

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Objective

The goal of Russian Poker is to form a higher-ranking poker hand than the dealer to win.

Setup

• Placing the Ante:Players place an Ante bet to start the game.
• Dealing Cards:Each player is dealt five cards face down.
  The dealer is also dealt five cards, four face down and one face up.

Card Values and Hand Rankings:

• Standard 52-card deck.
• Hand rankings follow traditional poker hierarchy: High Card, Pair, Two Pair, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, Royal Flush.

Gameplay

1. Player Options:
   • After reviewing their cards, players have the following options:
     • Fold: Forfeit the Ante and leave the game.
     • Play: Place a Play bet, which is twice the Ante.
     • Exchange Cards: Players can exchange up to five cards for a fee (usually equal to the Ante per card).
     • Buy a Sixth Card: Players can buy a sixth card for a fee (usually equal to the Ante).
2. Dealer Qualification:
   • The dealer must have at least an Ace-King high to qualify.
   • If the dealer does not qualify:
     • Ante bets are paid even money (1:1).
     • Play bets are returned to the players.
3. Comparing Hands:
   • If the dealer qualifies:
     • Player hands are compared to the dealer’s hand.
     • If the player’s hand beats the dealer’s hand, both the Ante and Play bets are paid according to the payout table.
     • If the dealer’s hand beats the player’s hand, both bets are lost.
     • If there is a tie, both bets push (are returned to the player).

Payouts

Payouts for winning hands vary but typically follow this structure:

• Pair or less: 1:1
• Two Pair: 2:1
• Three of a Kind: 3:1
• Straight: 4:1
• Flush: 5:1
• Full House: 7:1
• Four of a Kind: 20:1
• Straight Flush: 50:1
• Royal Flush: 100:1

Notes/Variations

• Surrender Option: After buying a sixth card, a player may surrender, forfeiting the Ante but recovering the Play bet.
• Insurance: Some versions of Russian Poker offer an insurance bet against the dealer not qualifying.
• Variations may include different rules for card exchanges, additional side bets, or changes in the payout structure. Be sure to check the specific rules of the game being played.

Russian Poker offers a unique blend of poker strategy and chance. It’s a game that requires careful consideration of hand rankings and betting decisions.