🂮 Four Card Poker: the real odds & smartest way to play
YOUR SHOT: FAIR
✅ Best bet
Ante & Play with correct strategy. Unlike Three Card Poker, the dealer always qualifies and gets an extra card, but you can raise 1x to 3x — and you should raise 3x on strong hands. There's also an Aces Up side bet that's optional.
🚫 Sucker bet to avoid
The Aces Up side bet carries a higher edge than the main game, and under-raising premium hands (betting 1x when 3x is correct) leaks value. Folding marginal hands you should play also costs you.
How the edge is computed
With optimal raise strategy (3x on a pair of aces or better, 1x down to a pair of twos, fold below), the Ante/Play house edge is roughly 3.4% of the ante. Because the dealer gets a fifth card and always 'qualifies,' the game leans on your raise sizing to stay competitive. Aces Up is a separate higher-edge wager.
Optimal strategy
Raise 3x with a pair of aces or better, raise 1x with a pair of twos through a pair of kings, and fold below a pair. The dealer's built-in card advantage is offset by your ability to bet up to 3x — so size the raise correctly. Treat Aces Up as a fun bet, not a value play.
What to expect
Similar feel to Three Card Poker but with four cards and a variable raise. Moderate edge (~3.4% of the ante) with correct play. The 1-to-3x raise gives it a touch more strategy than its three-card cousin.
Compare other games
Independent Las Vegas visitor guide — not affiliated with any hotel, casino, show, or the city. Prices, fees, shows, and hours change constantly; verify current details before you book.