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2 card poker is a simple casino game to learn but provides an exciting gambling experience for both beginners and more seasoned poker players. In this article, we explain everything you need to know from how to play two card poker to the 2 card poker hand rankings. You will also learn about the different variations of the game as well as some expert tips on how to win while playing.
What is 2 Card Poker?
Two card poker is a fairly new iteration of poker offered by online poker sites and retail casinos. There is no exact information on when it was first introduced, but it’s believed to be sometime shortly after Derek Webb released three-card poker in 1994.
While it is a poker game and shares many of the same qualities as other poker variants like stud and Texas Hold’em, it is very different. It also has elements of blackjack and other casino card games and is much more of a luck-based game rather than skill-based.
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2 Card Poker Hand Ranking
In the standard game of 2-card poker, there are far fewer winning poker hands than in most other variants of the game, as you would expect from there only being two cards in a hand. All bets are paid out at 1:1 if the player’s hand beats the dealer. Below, you can view the 2 card poker hands rankings.
- Pairs: Any two cards of the same value. Aces are the highest-ranked pair, and 2s are the lowest.
- Two-Card Straight Flush: Two cards of the same suit in sequential order, such as 9 of hearts and 10 of hearts.
- Two Card Flush: Two cards of the same suit not in sequential order, such as 3 of clubs and Jack of Clubs
- High Card: High cards are only used to determine the winner if the dealer and the player both have the same winning hand, such as a two-card flush, as dealers need to have at least a Jack high flush to qualify. An Ace is the highest-ranked card, and 2 is the lowest.
How to Play Two Card Poker – Understanding the Rules
Learning how to play two card poker is much more straightforward than many other poker games. There are fewer rounds in a hand and fewer winning 2 card poker combinations.
The standard game is played with a regular 52 card deck and no Jokers or wildcards are used. There are three stages to the game, which we run through below:
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2 Card Poker Bonus Wagers Explained
Many new online casinos give players the option of making bonus wagers before any cards are dealt. These bonus wagers can have some very high odds, and one of the best things about them is that they are paid out whether or not the dealer’s hand qualifies. The two primary bonus wagers you’ll find are the two card and four card bonuses.
Two Card Bonus
The two card bonus is paid out depending on your own hand. Below are the winning bonus two card poker hands, their payout odds, and probability
| Hand | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Red Aces | 20-1 | 63:1 |
| Black Aces | 15-1 | 63:1 |
| Mixed Aces | 10-1 | 31:1 |
| Kings | 5-1 | 20:1 |
| Queens | 4-1 | 20:1 |
| Jacks | 3-1 | 20:1 |
| Tens | 2-1 | 20:1 |
| 7s, 8s & 9s | 1-1 | 20:1 |
Four Card Bonus
The four-card bonus is paid out based on the combination of your two-card hand and the dealer’s two-card hand. Below, you can view the two-card poker winning hands for the four-card bonus wager, along with their payout and probability.
| Hand | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 200-1 | 3,583:1 |
| Four of a Kind | 50-1 | 595:1 |
| Straight Flush | 30-1 | 338: 1 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 5-1 | 29:1 |
| Flush | 3-1 | 6:1 |
| Two Pair | 1-1 | 3:1 |
2 Card Poker Strategy & Expert Tips
Although two-card poker is more a game of luck than skill, there are certain actions that players can do to improve their chances of success in the long run. Here are our top five tips on what 2 card poker strategy to use to give yourself the best chance of making a profit.
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Different 2 Card Poker Variants
In addition to the standard 2 card poker online free and real money games, there are some different variations of the games that have slightly alternate rules. Here are three popular 2 card poker variants.
2 Card Texas Hold’em
This is very similar to regular Texas Hold’em, with the only difference being players’ final hands are made up of two cards instead of five. In the game, players are dealt two hole cards; then five community cards are dealt over three stages; the flop (3 cards), the turn (1 card), and the river (1 card). If two or more players are still in the hand, the player with the best 2-card poker hand ranking wins.
Double Draw
Double draw uses the standard rules of 2 card poker mixed with draw poker. In this game, players have to pay an ante and then are initially dealt 2 cards in the first round. Players can then discard and draw one or both of their cards.
Then, there is a betting round followed by a second chance to exchange one or both of their cards again. It’s an exciting game with slightly more skill involved than the regular game, as players have to consider whether drawing cards will enhance their hand on two occasions.
War Poker
In this variant, “war” is declared when two players have two cards of the same rank. When war’s declared, all players place additional bets. Then, the dealer and the player at war are dealt a card from the deck, and whoever has the higher card wins the pot. In the result of a tie, the pot is shared amongst all other players.
Other Useful Guides for Poker Players
The Bottom Line
Learning how to play 2 card poker is incredibly simple, especially compared to other poker variations. The game may be simple, but it still maintains the excitement of other poker variations, and the fast-paced action means you can play a lot of hands within a smaller time frame.
The game is still relatively new and quite rarely featured at even the best online casinos. If you are interested in playing other fast-paced poker games, we suggest trying out Lucky Block. It has several games with rules similar to two-card poker rules, including triple-card poker and casino Hold’em. Lucky Block also has some of the biggest bonuses and thousands of other casino games.
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FAQs
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Responsible Gambling
Many people find poker to be a fun and relaxing way to spend their downtime; however, like all forms of gambling, it comes with potential risks. Gambling problems can lead to serious issues with mental and physical health as well as cause financial stress.
It’s important to practice responsible gambling whenever playing. Make sure to set a budget and make use of other self-help tools. Most importantly, if you suspect you or someone you know has an addiction, seek help. Here are some links to free organizations where you can get professional advice and support.
