How to Play Red Dog Poker

There are many online poker variants, some more and some less popular, while one of the simplest is red dog poker.

Red dog poker was invented in Europe and reached the US by trade ship. Once it was introduced to players in the States, it had many different names, such as “in-between” and “even then”. The card game got its present name back in the 1930s when it finally became popular in Las Vegas.

However, red dog poker is not as popular today as it was a couple of decades ago. Players seem to have lost interest in a simple game like this. It’s all about complex strategies these days, and when it comes to red dog poker, you really don’t need one at all.

If you like simple, yet action-packed games, then you should definitely try red dog poker. If you don’t know how then this is the right article for you.

How does Red Dog Poker work?

Red dog poker can be played with up to eight normal 52-card decks, using standard poker rankings. Each of the rounds starts with players placing their wagers. When it comes to betting options, most online casinos will allow you to bet anywhere between $1 and $200, while some offer even higher maximum stakes.

After bets are placed, the dealer will deal two cards. The cards are dealt face-up, while the dealer will be paying attention to two things.

If the cards you got are consecutive in numbers (for example, a 6 and 7, or a 10 and Jack), then your hand is a push, and the wager you placed will be returned to you.

If the two cards you received are of the same value, no matter the suit, then you’ll be given the third card. Receiving another card of the same value will result in a handsome prize since you’ll be paid 11:1. If not, your hand is a push.

Understanding What a Spread Is

If neither of these outcomes occurs, the dealer will announce a spread, which is the main factor when it comes to determining the size of your payout. Here’s how.

If the two cards you were dealt show a 3 and an 8, then you have a four-card spread, consisting of 4,5,6 and 7. If the next card you get is one of the cards from the spread, then you’ll receive a payout. Its value will be determined by the paytable.

However, before receiving the third card, you will be required to choose between to possible moves. You can opt to raise, meaning you’ll have to place an extra wager of the same size as your initial bet. You’ll also be able to call. This move doesn’t require an additional stake, and you will play the hand with the bet you made at the start.

Once you choose your move, the dealer will give you the third card, dealt face up. If the card is not within the spread, you’ll lose, but if it is, as we’ve already mentioned, you will receive a payout according to the following table:

• The one-spread card is paid 5:1
• The two-spread card is paid 4:1
• Three-spread card is paid 2:1
• Four-to-eleven-spread card is paid even