Crazy 4 Poker: A Guide to Rules, Instructions & Winning Strategy
Introduction
Crazy 4 Poker is a casino card game that’s been around since the early 2000s. It’s similar to other poker games I’ve written about, like Four Card Poker and Three Card Poker but with its own twist. The game was invented by Roger Snow and is played with a standard 52-card deck.
The main goal is to beat the dealer with the best four-card poker hand. I find it’s a fast and engaging variety of poker that combines elements of strategy with the luck of the draw. Over the years, Crazy 4 Poker has gained popularity and you’ll find it in a lot of casinos worldwide.
Quick Tip for Crazy 4 Poker
Always make the Super Bonus bet if you have a pair of Aces or better. It pays out even if you lose the hand!
Rules for playing Crazy 4 Poker
The rules of Crazy 4 Poker are straightforward. To start, each player makes two initial bets – the Ante and the Super Bonus. There’s also an optional Queens Up side bet. After placing the bets, everyone, including the dealer, gets five cards. The players look at their cards and decide to either fold or play. If you play, you must place a Play bet, which is equal to your Ante.
Then, you choose the best four cards to make your hand. The dealer reveals their hand after all players have made their decisions. To qualify, the dealer must have a King high or better. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you win even money on the Ante and the Play bet is a push. If the dealer qualifies, the best hand wins. The Super Bonus and Queens Up bets are paid out according to a paytable, regardless of the dealer’s hand.
Equipment and Setup for Crazy 4 Poker
The game is played on a table similar to a blackjack table with spots for the Ante, Super Bonus, and Queens Up bets. You’ll need a single 52-card deck and chips for betting. Each player should have a spot at the table with the three betting areas clearly marked.
How to Play Crazy 4 Poker
Here’s how you play the game:
- Key Game Mechanics: Make your bets, get your cards, and decide whether to fold or play.
- Setup: Place your Ante and Super Bonus bets. The Queens Up bet is optional.
- Gameplay: After receiving five cards, pick the best four to make your hand. If you play, place a Play bet.
- End of the Game: The dealer reveals their hand, and the best hand wins. Payouts are made according to the paytable.
How to Win at Crazy 4 Poker
Winning at Crazy 4 Poker involves understanding the hand rankings and making smart decisions about when to play or fold depending on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. The odds and probabilities are important to know, as well as the house edge, which varies depending on the bets you make. Basic strategy suggests you should always play with a pair of threes or better and fold with less than a pair of threes.
House Edge in Crazy 4 Poker
Here’s a table explaining the approximate house edge for Crazy 4 Poker:
| Hand/Round Outcome | Approximate House Edge |
|---|---|
| Dealer Doesn’t Qualify | 5.22% |
| Dealer Qualifies, Player Wins | 1.29% |
| Dealer Qualifies, Player Loses | 3.42% |
Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific rules and variations of Crazy 4 Poker being played, as well as the strategy employed by the player. The house edge can be influenced by factors such as the number of decks used, paytable variations, and other game rules. It’s essential to consult the specific game rules and paytable for precise information on the house edge.
Best Strategies for playing Crazy 4 Poker game
To increase your chances of winning, you should learn the hand rankings and odds (explained below), make the Super Bonus bet when you have a strong hand, and be cautious with the Queens Up bet as it has a higher house edge.
Here’s a table of hand rankings and approximate odds in a Crazy 4 Poker game:
| Hand Rank | Hand Description | Approximate Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 of same suit | 1 in 649,740 |
| Straight Flush | Five cards in sequence, same suit | 1 in 72,192 |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of same rank | 1 in 4,165 |
| Full House | Three of a Kind + a Pair | 1 in 694 |
| Flush | Five cards of same suit | 1 in 509 |
| Straight | Five cards in sequence | 1 in 255 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of same rank | 1 in 47 |
| Two Pair | Two sets of pairs | 1 in 21 |
| Pair | Two cards of same rank | 1 in 2.37 |
| High Card | No matching cards | 1 in 2.32 |
These odds may change based on the number of decks used and other factors so i’s essential to consult the specific game rules at the venue for precise odds.
Here’s some basic strategy I recommend, depending on your hand, and how you can bet depending on the dealer’s upcard:
Pairs (Q-Q or Better): Always play pairs of Queens or better. Consider raising with a pair of 4’s if the dealer’s up card is lower than your pair.
Three of a Kind: Always play three of a kind. Consider raising if the dealer’s up card is lower than your triplet.
Flush or Straight Draws: Play any hand with a flush or straight draw. If the draw is strong and the dealer’s up card is low, consider raising.
High Cards (Queen or Better): Play any hand with at least a Queen. Consider raising if your high card is an Ace or King, and the dealer’s up card is low.
6-4 Low Hand: Play any hand with a 6-4 low (meaning you have at least a 6 and a 4, with the highest card being a Queen or lower). Consider raising if the dealer’s up card is low and complements your low hand.
Other Hands: Fold all other hands that do not meet the above criteria. Avoid playing weak hands like high cards below Queen without accompanying low cards.
Variations
Some casinos might have slight variations in the paytables or offer additional side bets. It’s important to read the rules at each casino before playing.
Scenarios
If you find yourself with a weak hand, it’s often better to fold and save your money for the next round. With a strong hand, make the Play bet and hope for the best!
Frequently Asked Questions about playing Crazy 4 Poker game
Q: What should I do if I have a pair of twos? A: It’s on the edge, but most strategies suggest playing the hand.
Q: Is the Queens Up bet worth it? A: It can be fun but remember it has a higher house edge.
Q: How can I tell if the dealer qualifies? A: The dealer needs at least a King high to qualify.
Additional Tips
Remember to manage your bankroll and don’t chase losses. It’s also a good idea to watch a few hands before jumping in if you’re new to the game.
External Links
Crazy 4 Poker – Free Online Simulator (no registration)
CRAZY 4 CARD POKER GAMEPLAY – at Green Valley Ranch [Video]
Eve Brownlee was a gamer before gaming communities on the internet were a thing. Eve grew up playing traditional, standard deck card games like Rummy and Bezique, taking an interest in the classics Backgammon and Chess. Parlor card games like Bridge continue to keep Eve active in the community. After a long career, primarily in horticulture for USDA in Maryland, Eve now travels and writes on The Pineapple (pineapples.info) and contributes to Quora/Pinterest topics. Contact Eve via email.
