How to Play Flop Poker
Flop Poker is one of the least popular 5-card stud variant games. Only a limited number of casinos offer this game. And the plausible reason could be to avoid confusion. "Flop" exists as a term (one of the stages of gameplay in poker) and as an independent game variant. Many poker players are aware of the former but not the latter. But let's change that.
For those seeking a table game beyond the standard options, this article explains how to play Flop Poker, covering gameplay steps, rules, and winning strategies.
What is Flop Poker?
Flop Poker is a stud poker variant in which players aim to form a winning five-card hand using the six cards they are dealt. At the start of the game, players must place two bets: Ante and Pot. The Ante bet pits a player against the house's paytable, while the Pot bet creates competition among players for a pot prize. This varied betting structure, along with the addition of a sixth card, sets Flop Poker apart from other poker variants.
Flop Poker Rules
To learn how to play Flop Poker, one must master the rules first, which include:
Card Dealing Rules
A standard 52-card deck is used in Flop Poker, and up to six players can play. After shuffling, the dealer deals the three cards to each player, starting from left to right. The dealer also receives three cards. The other set of cards in this game is called the Flop cards. They are dealt face down and function similarly to community cards in standard poker.
Wagering Rules
Flop Poker gameplay kicks off with the placement of Ante and Pot bet. Afterward, three cards are given to the players. The ante bet size ranges from the table minimums to and maximums, while the pot wager size is often the table minimum in most casinos. As mentioned, the Ante bet sets players against the paytable, while the pot bet initiates player vs. player gameplay for a chance to win the pot. However, these are not the only available wage earners.
There is the Flop bet itself, which is optional. After the cards are dealt, each player will evaluate their hand and decide whether to raise by placing a Flop Bet equal to the Ante, or to fold. However, non-placement of the Flop wager leads to loss of the Ante bet only. The pot bet remains until the end of the game; players compete until the showdown.
The Flop bet lowers the casinos' odds of winning by allowing a pair of jacks to qualify for a win. But if the Flop wager isn't in place and a player has a pair of jacks, the house wins.
Gameplay Rules
After players have decided whether to fold or raise, the dealer turns the flop face up. Using the three initial cards and two or three of the flop cards, each player will form a winning hand, which will be evaluated using the standard poker hand rankings.
In case there is a tie, the value of the cards used in the formation of a hand will be considered. The highest-value card, known as the kicker, wins. However, should the cards' values match, the two players will split the pot bet prize evenly.
How to Play Flop Poker: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to play Flop Poker:
- Place an equal Ante and Pot bet.
- Received your cards: three face-up initial cards and three face-down flop cards
- Raise by placing a Flop bet equal to the Ante bet, or Fold to forfeit Ante and stick to the Pot bet competition.
- Form a five-card hand using three initial cards and two flop/community cards.
- The dealer ranks players' hands, and the highest-ranking hand wins.
From the highest to the lowest, here are the Flop Poker Hand rankings:
- Royal flush
- Straight flush
- Four of a kind
- Full house
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a kind
- Two pairs
- Pairs of Jacks or better
Payout and House Edge
In Flop Poker, the Ante bet offers an even-money payout (1:1), with a house edge of about 5%.
The Flop bet, if placed, is combined with the Ante wager, reducing the house edge to about 2.9%.
Pot wagers, on the other hand, have no house edge since the pot cash prize is a pool of the players' minimum table wagers. Below is the Flop Poker Pot bet payout:
| Hands | Payouts |
|---|---|
| Royal flush | 1000:1 |
| Straight flush | 500:1 |
| Four of a kind | 100:1 |
| Full house | 30:1 |
| Flush | 20:1 |
| Straight | 10:1 |
| Three of a kind | 4:1 |
| Two pairs | 2:1 |
| Pairs of Jacks or better | 1:1 |
Winning Strategies
The practical optimal strategy for playing Flop Poker is to raise when you have the following among your first three cards:
- At least one card jack or higher
- A pair
- Three to a flush
- Three to straight
More often than not, any of the cards above will be included in your hands.
Final Thoughts
Increase your knowledge of 5-card stud games by learning how to play Flop Poker. The game's rules are impactful but straightforward. Don't fold when you intend to raise, i.e, place a Flop bet to avoid losing your Ante bet. Use the listed optimal strategies to increase your chances of winning the Pot wager. Overall, like most poker games, Flop poker balances skill and chance.
FAQs
Is Flop Poker a game?
Yes, Flop poker is a 5-card stud variant. It differs from the term flop (one of the stages of gameplay in standard poker).
How can I win Flop Poker?
You can win Flop Poker by following optimal strategies, which indicate to raise, i.e, place a Flop bet when your hand contains: Any pair, Any three cards to a Flush or Straight, and Any single card that is a Jack or higher.
What is the Top Payout in Flop Poker
Royal Flush offers the best payout in Flop Poker, a whopping 1000:1.
How many wagers are in Flop Poker?
There are three bet types in Flop Poker: Ante, Pot, and Flop.
What is the house edge in Flop Poker?
Flop Poker house edge is about 5% for the Ante wager, 2.9% for Ante and Flop bet, and 0% for Pot wager.