Shanghai Poker for Beginners

Shanghai poker is one of the most common poker variations on the internet these days, and for good reason. It is similar to Three Card Poker and Pai Gow poker as it is played with a 52 card deck and a joker, which is used as a wild card.

Bets in Shanghai Poker

There are only a few bets when it comes to Shanghai poker, and the ones most commonly used are the Double Hand bet, the Taxpayer's Fortune and the Five-Card Bonus bet. Each player receives five cards total, with three cards dealt face-down and the other two face-up. Hands that players can attempt to build are similar to those in other poker variations and include the Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, Three of a Kind, Pairs and even the High Card if no one is able to build a sufficient hand.

The Double Hand Bet

In this bet, the player will receive two sets of cards on which to bet. When the dealer hands out the final cards, the player will place them on top of the two existing hands. If these cards are exactly the same, the dealer is the winner. In order for the player to win, all of the cards in the hand--not just the ones on top--must be of equal value. The odds of winning the bet are slim, but the payout is usually very rewarding.

Win and Loss Together

When the player has one winning hand and one losing hand, the term for this is a 'plush'. To decide the winner, the dealer will compare their own three cards to the value of the King. If the values are the same, the player wins. This is a great opportunity for a player to win and should be utilized as often as possible. If the three cards are less than the value of the king, however, the player will only receive half of the amount of their original bet.

Shanghai poker is fun and very exciting to play, but the rules are quite complex and require lots of study and practice in order for any player to become proficient.