Before the first deal
Choose a social table, read the boot amount and confirm the hand-ranking order. Each player receives three cards. The boot is the starting contribution to the pot; it is separate from the later turn-by-turn action.
- Read the table’s rules and choose a comfortable virtual-chip limit.
- Receive three cards and decide whether to look at them.
- On your turn, follow the allowed chip action or fold.
- Continue until one player remains or the table allows a show.
Blind and seen: a worked example
A blind player has not viewed the cards; a seen player has. Many tables require a seen player to contribute twice the corresponding blind amount. For example, a table showing a 10-chip blind level may show 20 chips for the seen action. Raising ranges and caps depend on that table.
After looking at your cards, read the refreshed action amount. The previous blind amount can stop being available.
Why a sideshow may be unavailable
A sideshow is a private comparison request under the table’s rules. It can be limited to seen players, a specific neighbour or a minimum number of active players. The other player may be allowed to decline. A disabled button is therefore not proof of a technical fault.
Read the in-app rule panel for eligibility and ties. A sideshow differs from a final show between the last two players.
What happens at a show
A final show compares the remaining hands. Use category first and card rank second. Some rule sets make the requester lose an identical-hand tie; other tables document their own treatment. Check the table before assuming a split pot.
Three common beginner mistakes
- Comparing the highest card too early. A pair beats a high-card hand even when the high-card hand contains an ace.
- Confusing chips with money. A social-game balance is governed by the publisher’s virtual-currency terms.
- Chasing a lost hand. Deal outcomes remain uncertain. Set a session time and stop when it ends.