Pyramid poker is a game of chance and strategy that is a little different from the traditional poker game. The game is played with a 52-card deck that does not have jokers. You can either play in a brick and mortar casino or an online casino. Understanding odds and probabilities help you learn the best way to win.
What is Pyramid Poker
The pyramid is a direct offshoot of Pai Gow Poker, but instead of seven cards, pyramid poker uses three. This is a different poker game variation that uses communal cards that are dealt in threes faces down. The game is played with a 52-card deck with no jokers. For pyramid poker, always remember that ace cards are always high. This is a poker game where cards are arranged in the shame of a pyramid, hence the name; pyramid poker. It can be played with a minimum of two players, but an ideal player number is eight or nine.
Before the game begins, a random dealer is chosen, and he or she deals everyone, including him or herself three cards. Each player has a 1-card hand and a 2-card hand. Once the dealing is done, players then check the cards they have. The 1-card hand is supposed to have a low-value card, and the dealer always deals cards clockwise after each hand has been played. Each player is supposed to use just one card from each row.
Rules of the Game
In pyramid poker, there is usually a round of betting that is followed by turning over of cards. At the beginning of the game, there is around of betting starting from the dealer’s left, after which, the middle row of cards is turned over. The second round of betting then follows after which the top cards are turned over. There is a third round of betting after which the last two cards are turned over.
The final poker hand is played by one of two cards for each player. The final wagering is done by the player four seats left of the dealer where he or she reveals his cards and declares his hand. Understanding the rules is the first towards learning how to play pyramid poker. If a hand has been declared, it ca1,2,3nnot be changed, and incorrect declaration lowers your chances of winning the pot. The player with the best poker hand wins the entire pot.
Pyramid Poker Strategy
Optimal player strategy increases your chances of winning the pot. For three singletons, you are to play the middle card in your 1-card hand. If you are playing the lowest card on your 1-card hand, use the following guideline;
- 1,2,3 and card five or greater.
- 2,2,4 and queen or greater.
When you have a pair and singleton in your 2-card hand, play the pair except for the following scenarios;
- 2-4 singleton and a pair of jacks or higher.
- 5-7 singleton and a pair of queens or higher.
- 8-9 singleton and a pair of kings or higher.
- 10 or jack singleton and a pair of aces.
Pyramid Poker Tips
For pyramid poker, each player gets four hole cards. It is six cards arranged in the shape of a pyramid. There are three horizontal levels with the lowest having three, the middle having two cards and the top level has only one card. As a player, you make your hand with two hole cards and one from each level. The top card is of greatest importance, and it has to be included for a hand to be made. The top card also dictates the winner of the entire pot as it can ruin or make a promising draw. Having multiple possibilities of winning when dealing a hand is your best shot at winning.
Pyramid poker uses elements of chance and strategy to determine the highest scoring hand. For such a high-low split game, your odds of winning should be better than pot odds. Since you are playing as a group, you should learn to study the tendencies and patterns of fellow players, so you make educated guesses about your opponents’ holdings. Remember to control your emotions as they can easily distract you from the game. A stable mindset enables you to improve your gaming strategy.
Conclusion
Pyramid poker is a fun offshoot of Pai Gow Poker. You can have two players, but the ideal player number is eight or nine.