How to Play 444 Poker

There are some poker players out there that view Seven-Card Stud Poker as a game that is too traditional and too bland. For those poker players that feel that way, 444 Poker is a game that was created just for you. Each player receives one more card than in the traditional Seven Card Stud Poker. 444 Poker even introduces a wild card into play.

Things You'll Need

• Playing cards
• Opponents
• Playing surface, such as a table
• Poker chips
• Food

Instructions

1. Organize a home poker night for you and your friends and include 444 Poker in the mix of games that are dealt. 444 Poker is a great game to deal in between games that require a lot of strategy and concentration to let players relax. Due to the large number of cards each player receives, only six players can play 444 Poker. It is not recommended to play 444 Poker with fewer than five players at the table.

2. Deal four cards to each player face down. Announce that all fours in the deck will be wild for the player that receives them, and instruct each player to view their own four-card hand.

3. Conduct the first wagering round, with the player sitting to the left of the dealer beginning the wagering.

4. Deal a face-up card to each player, starting with the player to the dealer's left. Conduct another betting round with the player sitting two seats to the left of the dealer starting the wagering.

5. Deal three more rounds of one face-up card to each player. After each round of face-up cards, conduct a wagering round with the player starting the wagering rotating clockwise around the table each round.

6. Reveal the cards and declare the hands. Each player that has not folded now reveals his cards and declares his poker hand. Each player makes his or her best five card poker hand from their eight card hand -- do not forget that fours are wild. The player with the best poker hand wins the entire pot.

Tips & Warnings

• Having eight cards total in your hand allows players to chase flushes, straights, and even higher hands all at the same time. It tends to keep players in more often until the showdown.

• Remember that each player has eight cards to make their best poker hand. A pair is not enough to win in 444 Poker. Generally you must have at least a flush, and even flushes are rare winners.