Russian poker is a unique variation of poker that was popularized in Russia in the 1990s.
The rising popularity of the game in Russia helped it to make its way to Europe and other parts of the world. During the 2000s, it became one of the most-played poker variations in all casinos worldwide. Different poker variations such as Ultimate Texas Holdem, Caribbean Stud, and 3 cards poker may be more famous in recent times, but Russian poker still has a considerable fanbase.
Basic Russian Poker Rules
The game’s objective, just like any other poker variation, is to win against the dealer.
Your concern is to stack up higher than the dealer’s hand, irrespective of other players on the table. The high card is considered the lowest hand, and then it is followed by one pair, double player, or three of the same kind up to the royal flush.
The deal begins when you place an ante bet in the specially designed box. And then, the poker deal lay five cards facing down to every participating player. They will also take five faced-down cards for themselves and will expose one of their cards.
Russian Poker Showdown & Payouts
You lose all wagers if a dealer qualifies and has a more substantial bet than you. Here is the paytable:
- 1 to 1 for one pair and Ace king.
- 2 to 1 for two pairs.
- 3 to 1 for three similar kinds.
- 4 to 1 for straights.
- 5 to 1 for flushes.
- 7 to 1 for full houses.
- 20 to 1 for Quads.
- 50 to 1 for straight flushes.
- 100 to 1 for the Royal flush.
Therefore, the dealer must qualify to benefit you if you have a strong hand. Otherwise, the payout will be only based on your ante bets.
Special Bets in Russian Poker: Insurance & Replace a Dealer’s Card
You can buy the insurance and at least get paid 1 to 1 if your dealer does not qualify. But if the dealer qualifies, the insurance amount is lost.
Otherwise, you can exchange their highest card for another card from the face-down deck with the ante price. The payment will be based on the paytable.
Russian Poker Bonus Bets
Some casinos allow you to place a bonus bet in Russian Poker. It will assist you in betting three of the same kind or something better than the original deal. The paytable for bonus bets is 50 to 1 for trips and can go as high as 1500 to 1 for a royal flush.
Getting Paid on Two Hands
You can buy a sixth card in Russian poker, allowing players two hands. This is a rare occasion, but you get both combinations distinctly if this happens. For instance, you get 14 to 1 on two pairs of boats. Two hands are always beneficial.
Russian Poker Strategy
Russian poker is an exciting game, and its rules are somewhat a bit more complex than the other game variations. Hence, your strategies for playing this game can be a bit more complicated. Some profitable strategies are mentioned below.
Exchanging Cards
Properly exchanging of cards is one great way to win Russian poker. You have to keep your senses right and make the correct call at the appropriate time. If you have commenced with a non-starter, exchanging the other cards will be pointless.
For example, exchange the three remaining cards if you have an ace-king.
Buying the Sixth Card
While you already have a strong hand, try to buy a sixth card to improve the payout further. You must fold, and don’t even think of buying a sixth card if you have a weak hand. It is advisable to buy the sixth card if you have a straight open-ended draw or a flush.
Strategy after the Deal
After the initial buying and exchanges, continue normally if you have a strong card and fold if you don’t. You can force the dealer to trade their card if you have an enormously big hand like quads.
Conclusion
So, these were the fundamental strategies and rules of Russian poker. The game may not be as popular as its closest poker variations, but it still has a colossal fanbase across the world. If you are an ardent fan of poker, the Russian variation of the game will surely get you hooked.
F.A.Q.s
How do you deal Russian poker?
The deal begins when you place an ante bet in the specially designed box. And then, the poker deal lay five cards facing down to every participating player. They will also take five faced-down cards for themselves and will expose one of their cards.
Why is it called Russian poker?
As the name clearly suggests, Russian poker originated in Russia about three decades ago, in the 1990s. It began to gain massive popularity in Russian casinos and later found its way to Europe and other parts of the world. The game often gets confused with the Chinese version of Poker, but it is different.