High Card Flush: A Guide to Game Rules, Instructions & Strategy Tips

Introduction

High Card Flush is a relatively new card game that’s been making its way into casinos globally. It’s a simple game based on flushes—the more cards you have of the same suit, the better your chances of winning. Unlike traditional poker, High Card Flush focuses solely on the suit of the cards, not the ranks.

The game was invented by a card dealer and first hit casino floors in 2011. Since then, it’s become popular for its easy rules and fast-paced play. I find that it’s a game that’s nice and easy to learn, but can keep you hooked for a fair few hands.

Rules for playing High Card Flush

The game is played with a standard 52-card deck. Each player and the dealer get seven cards. The goal is to have a better flush than the dealer. A flush is a hand where all cards are of the same suit.

Here’s how the game breaks down:

1. Players start by making an Ante wager.
2. Optional side bets can be placed on the Flush and Straight Flush.
3. After receiving seven cards, players decide whether to fold or continue playing by making a Raise bet.
4. The Raise bet must be equal to or greater than the Ante bet, depending on the number of flush cards in the player’s hand.
5. The dealer qualifies with a 3-card flush, 9-high or better.
6. If the dealer does not qualify, Ante bets are paid even money, and Raise bets push.
7. If the dealer qualifies, the hands are compared. The highest flush wins.
8. If the player wins, both Ante and Raise bets pay even money.
9. If the dealer wins, the player loses both Ante and Raise bets.
10. In the event of a tie, all bets push.

Understanding these rules is essential to play High Card Flush effectively.

Paytable in High Card Flush

The paytable for different hand ranks typically looks like this:

Hand Rank	Payout
7-Card Flush (Royal)	100 to 1
7-Card Flush (Straight)	50 to 1
7-Card Flush (Non-Straight)	25 to 1
6-Card Flush	9 to 1
5-Card Flush	7 to 1
4-Card Flush	5 to 1
3-Card Flush	3 to 1
2-Card Flush	2 to 1
1-Card Flush	1 to 1

As always, note that these payouts can vary depending on the specific casino or online platform where you’re playing High Card Flush. Check the game rules and paytable provided by the casino or game provider for precise payout information.

Equipment and Setup for High Card Flush

To play High Card Flush, you need a standard deck of 52 cards and chips for betting. The game is typically played on a blackjack-style table with spots for up to six players. Each player has three betting spots: Ante, Raise, and optional side bets. The dealer also has a space for their cards and the community cards.

How to Play High Card Flush

Playing High Card Flush involves a few key steps:

1. Key Game Mechanics: The main mechanic is creating the longest flush possible.
2. Setup: Players make their Ante bet and any optional side bets.
3. Gameplay: After receiving cards, players decide to fold or make a Raise bet.
4. End of the Game: Hands are compared, and bets are settled.

During gameplay, these are the phases:

1. Dealing: Each player and the dealer receive seven cards face down.
2. Decision: Players examine their cards and decide to fold or continue.
3. Betting: If continuing, players place their Raise bet.
4. Reveal: The dealer shows their cards, and hands are compared.

How to Win at High Card Flush

To win at High Card Flush, you need a good understanding of odds and probabilities. The house edge varies based on the strategy but is generally around 2-3%. Winning is about making smart Raise bets and knowing when to fold. Beginners should focus on playing hands with at least a 3-card flush. Intermediate players can start to play more aggressively with 4-card flushes or higher. Advanced players will pay attention to the dealer’s qualifying odds and adjust their strategy accordingly.

In standard High Card Flush games with typical rules and payouts, the house edge is typically around 2% to 3%.

Best Strategies for playing High Card Flush game

The best strategies for High Card Flush involve a balance of risk and reward. Here are some strategic plays I recommend:

Here’s a basic strategy table for High Card Flush, indicating when to raise and when to fold based on the number of cards in your flush:

Number of Cards in Flush	Raise/Fold Strategy
7	Always raise
6	Raise if at least one card is a 10 or higher
5	Raise if at least two cards are 10 or higher
4	Raise if at least three cards are 9 or higher
3	Raise if at least four cards are 8 or higher
2	Raise if both cards are 9 or higher
1	Always fold

Also, pay attention to the dealer’s qualifying odds. The dealer’s hand must qualify with at least a 3-card flush for the round to proceed. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, players win even money on their ante bet, and the raise bet pushes (returns the wager to the player without winning or losing).

The odds of the dealer not qualifying in High Card Flush depend on several factors, including the number of decks in play and the specific rules of the game. However, a general estimate of the dealer not qualifying is approximately 17% to 20%.

Variations

While High Card Flush is relatively new, variations exist. Some casinos offer different side bets or bonuses for high-ranking flushes. Always check the rules at your local casino.

Scenarios

Good scenarios include having a 5-card or higher flush. In these cases, raise your bet confidently. Bad scenarios involve having no flush or a very low-ranking flush. Here, it’s often best to fold and conserve your chips.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing High Card Flush game

Q: What is the minimum hand to play?
A: A 3-card flush, 9-high is typically the minimum hand to make a Raise bet.

Q: Can I win with a straight?
A: No, High Card Flush only considers flushes.

Q: What happens if I tie with the dealer?
A: All bets push, and you keep your chips.

Q: Are side bets worth it?
A: Side bets have higher house edges, so they’re riskier. They can pay off big, though.

Q: How many players can play?
A: Up to six players can play at a High Card Flush table.

External Links

High Card Flush Online Simulator (free, no registration)

High Card Flush adds easy table games option