Sometimes it takes some real guts in poker. Maybe you have a decent hand but are facing a big bet or raise from an opponent.
Do you call or fold and live to fight another day?
One poker game seen often in home games brings plenty of that live-or-die action on every deal. It’s fittingly called “Guts” and usually played with Three-Cards.
Here’s a look at how to play Three-Card Guts for those looking to add a fun new twist to that next home game with friends.
Table of Contents
How to Play Guts
Three-Card Guts isn’t like a traditional poker game. There are some extra “match the pot” features built-in to make players decide whether to play or fold.
- To start, each player antes up a specific amount set by the players.
- They all then receive three cards.
There are nuances and varying versions of betting and gameplay (more on that below). But this section focuses on the most commonly played version.
- Each player must then decide if they want to play or fold, starting initially with the player to the dealer’s left.
- This first option then rotates around the table on each hand.
- Players declare if they are “in” or “out” (call or fold).
- Those who fold don’t lose any more money beyond their original antes.
Once the option to stay or fold has ended, the remaining players have a showdown to determine the winner.
How to Play Guts
It’s essential to note a few things:
- There are only THREE cards, so straights and flushes generally don’t count.
- Pairs are quality hands in Guts.
- Ace-high hands can be winners as well.
The winning player rakes the pot. Those who lose must match the pot, making for an interesting dynamic. The pot grows after each hand, where more than one player must match.
After players match the pot, another round begins. Those who folded in the last round are then back in the action.
As more players stay and match the pot, the amount a losing player has to match continues to grow.
| For example, if the pot is $3 and four people call, the winning player rakes the $3 in the pot. The losing three players then each put in $3, growing the pot to $9 for the next hand. |
As the pot sizes increase, it begins to take real “guts” to call with less than stellar hands. As the price to play goes up, fewer players call.
The game ends when only one player takes a card.
Acting last can be a decent advantage in this case. Other players may decide the price is too high, making for an easy call for the last player – in essence, “buying” the pot.
Alternative Gameplay and Rules
There are few alternative rules and gameplay thrown in some versions of Guts. One popular option is to eliminate the rotation around the table.
So, the conclusion isn’t on one player acting last - staying after the price gets too high for others.
Eliminating the Rotation
- Each player uses a chip in their hand to signal if they’re staying in or not.
- After all players receive their cards, each one motions a chip from their lap so other players can’t see.
- They either palm the chip to stay in or leave it in their lap or other hand under the table.
- All players then put a fist in the centre of the table and release their chips at the same time.
- Those who drop a chip are in, and players who have an empty hand are out.
The game then continues as usual.
Alternative Versions
Some versions have only the player with the worst hand (of those who called) matching the pot (or doubling it in some games).
Some players also like to cap the amount a player has to match. For example, the match may be capped at $10. A pot of $20 may see four callers, with three players who lose the matching $10 but the subsequent pot increases to $30.
Some players also vary the number of cards each player receives, from two to four cards.
In another version, an exposed card is added to the mix like Seven Card Stud. Players get to see some of their opponents’ upcards. In this version, players receive two cards down and one face up before determining if they want to stay or fold.
In yet another version, the dealer flips a community hand that all players can use.
Dummy Cards and Chicken Fees
Another common addition to Three-Card Guts is the use of a Dummy Hand. This rule is common in games where the option to stay or fold rotates around the table. It comes into play when only one player stays.
- In this case, the dealer then deals another three cards.
- The remaining players can decide if they want to play the dummy hand or not.
Some versions have the dummy hand automatically in play while others allow each player to decide. The losing players match the pot if the player beats the dummy.
The Chicken Fee is a common part of the game as well. When everyone “chickens out” and decides not to play, all players must pay a fee and ante again. So, the pot grows a bit even without any players staying.
- Some players even change the original format and make straights and flushes part of the game.
- Another version called Nuts has players trying to make the lowest hand possible.
There are many other versions with slightly differing rules to make for some unique game variants.
Strategy Considerations
When playing Three-Card Guts, a pair can be a strong hand. But a pair isn’t always a winning hand.
Sometimes an Ace-high is a winner, and even a King with another high card like a Queen or Jack may be worth keeping.
- In the two-card version of the game, a pair is super strong.
- Using four cards may mean your starting hands need to be stronger, with pairs more common.
As in traditional poker, position in Guts can play a part as well. Say a few players have folded ahead of you. It may be worth calling with a weaker hand that at least has a chance to win. The size of the pot, of course, comes into play.
Bigger pots may mean more callers.
Showing some confidence when calling may make players behind you think twice about calling, limiting the field even more.
There’s no raising in Guts. So, players must gauge their own hands against what others might play.
As in any game in poker, consider the real strength of your cards and trust your instincts.
*****
Three-Card Guts can be loads of fun for any home game. It has some unique twists not found in many other poker games.
Play your cards right, and you could pull in some big money.
