Teen Patti is an intriguing, fast-paced game of cards that originated in India. It gets its name from the three cards that are dealt face-down to each player. Whoever has the best hand combination and survives till the end, wins the game.

To avid punters, Teen Patti and Poker might seem much of a muchness. Both games are played using the 52-cards deck. Stakes are prearranged in a pot before the session begins. Players compete for it and up the ante as the game proceeds. The results depend on preset hand rankings.

Yes, hand rankings in Teen Patti are the most important aspect of the game. They determine the relative strength of each hand you are dealt and come in handy while making in-game decisions. Whether you are learning the game or already love playing it, knowing these hand rankings is a must if you are dead set on winning.

As a general rule, Aces are ranked the highest and 2s the lowest in Teen Patti. You must remember this before we begin. If you want to skip the long text, here is a ready reckoner summarizing the Teen Patti hand rankings for you:

teen patti hand ranking
Source: Gambling Baba
  1. Trail, Set or Trio

A trail, set or trio in Teen Patti is formed by three cards that are of the same kind irrespective of their color or suit. For instance, three Aces – one each of hearts, spades and diamonds together make a trail – the highest one in this hand. Similarly, three Aces of hearts alone also belong to the same hand rank. Kings come second, followed by Queens, Jacks, 10s and the rest. 2s are ranked the lowest.

  1. Pure Sequence or Straight Flush

Indian players call it ‘pakki round.’ This hand formation in Teen Patti involves three consecutive cards belonging to the same suit. In the traditional game, an A-2-3 of hearts, diamonds, spades or clubs is the highest ranked hand in a pure sequence. However, there are variants where A-K-Q is awarded the highest rank. The sequence ends with 4-3-2 getting the lowest rank. Please note that 2-A-K is not a valid pure sequence and neither is K-A-2.

  1. Run or Straight

A run or straight sequence in Teen Patti slightly resembles the pure sequence. Three consecutive cards form the hand, but belong to different suits. Here, too, A-2-3 is the highest ranked hand in the traditional game. However, the variant sets it to be A-K-Q. The sequence ends with 4-3-2 as the lowest-ranked hand. Needless to say, 2-A-K and K-A-2 are not valid straight sequences.

  1. Color or Flush

A color or flush in Teen Patti is a hand of three cards that belong to the same suit, but are not in sequence. The highest-ranking hand in this sequence is A-K-J of either spades, clubs, diamonds or hearts, followed by A-K-10, A-K-9, and so on. The lowest ranking color or flush sequence is 5-3-2.

  1. Pair or Double

A pair or double in Teen Patti is formed by two cards of the same rank, irrespective of their color or suit. Two Aces of any color or suit form the highest-ranking pair in Teen Patti. In case two players are dealt the same pair, the value of the odd card determines whose hand ranks higher. A-A-K is the highest-ranked sequence here whereas 2-2-3 is the lowest.

  1. High Card

A high card in Teen Patti almost resembles a flush. The hand is formed by three cards belonging to different suits and not in sequence. Here, A-K-J is the highest-ranked hand whereas 5-3-2 is the lowest. If two players happen to share a common high card, the higher-ranking hand is determined by the next high card.

Isn’t this interesting?