What is Russian poker and how is it different from Texas Holdem? Let's take a detailed look at a little-known poker game, without any fluff or filler.
In Russian poker, the game is played against the dealer, not other players. As Holdem players know, a defining aspect is that you compete with other players, unlike games like blackjack. So, right away, Russian poker is quite different from traditional poker.
Also, only up to 4 people can participate, but online the most common format is one-on-one.
Let’s look at how to play Russian poker.
Russian Poker Rules
At first glance, the rules of Russian poker are not very different from classic Texas Holdem. A 52-card deck is also used here. At the beginning, all participants pay an ante, and the dealer deals five cards. The dealer opens the last card immediately. Each player can exchange any number of their cards once by paying one ante. By paying the ante, you can also order a sixth card.
Then the betting begins. A bet is placed in the pot (usually two antes). The players reveal their cards and compare their combinations.
How Russian Poker Combinations Work
The combinations in a game of Russian poker are almost identical to the hand combos in Texas Holdem.
- Royal Flush: Five cards of the same suit, ranking from Ten to Ace (e.g., TJQKA all Hearts).
- Straight Flush: Five cards of the same suit in rank order (e.g., 789TJ all Clubs).
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank (e.g., KKKK).
- Full House: Three cards of one rank and two of another (e.g., 666TT).
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit (e.g., J7A29 all Spades).
- Straight: Five cards in rank order (e.g., 56789).
- Set: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., JJJ).
- Two Pairs (e.g., 99TT).
- Pair: Two identical cards (e.g., JJ).
One subtlety – while unsuited AK is considered a very strong starting hand in Texas Holdem, in Russian poker this hand is the weakest.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many freerolls for Russian poker, but you’ll find plenty of Texas Holdem freerolls listed on our updated schedule.
More Rules of Russian Poker
When playing online in different rooms, the rules and subtleties may differ slightly.
Playing for a bonus is one possible difference. If a player is sure they will collect a stronger poker combination than the dealer, they can place a bet on the bonus before the cards are dealt. Since the cards aren't dealt yet, this is nothing more than guesswork. But those who love risk and excitement are attracted by the chance to earn extra money.
The payout amount depends on the combination collected and may differ between rooms. It usually looks like this:
- Royal Flush – 1:100
- Straight Flush – 1:50
- Four of a Kind – 1:20
- Flush – 1:5
- Straight – 1:4
- Set – 1:3
- Two Pairs – 1:2
- Pair – 1:1
In most rooms, you need to win the pot to get the bonus. But with a strong combination, that's not difficult. As a reward for your courage, you'll get a nice cash bonus.
Insurance against "No Game" is another interesting addition. If you have a strong combination and the dealer has weak cards ("no game"), you will receive only one ante from them. But you can insure yourself against this situation. The payout will be 1 to 1. Keep in mind – if the dealer plays, the insurance is lost.
Where to Play Russian Poker
Since this game is not very popular outside of Russia, it is not found in many large poker rooms, such as partypoker and GGPoker. But for Holdem and Omaha players, registration from GipsyTeam via links still provides players with the best conditions, including access to free tournaments, promotions, and 24/7 support.
There are gambling zones in Russia that allow you to play Russian poker with friends. They are located in picturesque places, so you can enjoy the casino and have a good rest while taking in the sights.
There are four play zones where Russian poker is available, although these are very far from most people reading this article. Krasnaya Polyana opened in 2017 on the site of the Winter Olympics. Primorye is located 50 kilometers from Vladivostok. The others are near Kaliningrad and in the Altai Territory.
Other poker variations are also available in gaming areas, including the beloved Texas Holdem. This is the game most often shown in poker movies. In luxurious Russian casinos, you can feel like James Bond, sipping whiskey and placing bets at the green felt. Or you can learn the basics, tactics, and strategy of poker online. Sometimes there are Texas Holdem competitions with prizes in the millions of dollars.
Poker rooms offer many varieties of poker. For example, draw poker is great for friendly gatherings. Badugi, invented in South Korea, mixes the rules of different poker games and is now very popular worldwide.
There are dozens of poker disciplines. Some are all about luck, while others require specific skills. There is something for everyone.
