If you’ve outplayed all the classic card games and are looking for something new, challenging, and exciting to liven up your next game night, Polish Poker might be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Don’t be fooled by the name because this isn’t anything like the standard game of Poker.
The game aims to have the least points at the end, similar to games like Cambio and Swoop. These are known as card-shedding games.
Throughout this guide, I will take you through the steps of how to play and tell you what you need and how to get started.
Let’s play Polish Poker!
What You’ll Need to Play Polish Poker?
You’ll be glad to hear you don’t need much to play Polish Poker, just a standard deck of 52 cards.
I’m sure you’ve got one already; why else would you be here? However, if your old deck has seen better days, you can always impress your guests with something fancy like these gold Bicycle playing cards.
You’ll also need a group of people to play with, as Polish Poker can be played with anywhere from two to six players.
Card Values in Polish Poker
Before we get started, let’s check out the card values so you understand how to count your points.
- Face Cards = Zero Points
- Numbered Cards = Face Value
- Ace = One Point
You can also win bonus points throughout the game. For example, if you have nine cards of the same suit, you’ll get bonus points that equate to half your score. For instance, if your score at the end of the round is 30, you’ll receive an extra 15 points.
Rules and How to Play? Polish Poker Card Game
Each player is dealt nine cards, to begin with. These should be dealt facedown so nobody can see anyone else’s hand.
Place the rest of the deck in the middle of the table. It will be the stockpile. The card from the top of the stock is then turned over and presented to the group, beginning gameplay.
Now you can start taking your turns. It’s up to you how you decide who goes first. We usually pick the person with the next upcoming birthday.
Now, players can either take the card from the top of the deck or take one from another player; whatever card you pick needs to be discarded (you should have nine cards in your hand throughout the game.
Remember, the aim is to have the lowest score possible, so you’ll need to be strategic with discarding and trying to eliminate the higher-scoring cards.
Polish Poker – Handy Tips to Help You Win!
Below are some strategies that can boost your chances of winning Polish Poker.
- Play Smart: Use your cards wisely to disrupt your opponents’ plans or gain an advantage for yourself.
- Keep Track: Remembering which cards have been played can help you make more informed decisions. It will be especially useful when deciding whether to draw from the pile or play a card from your hand.
- Plan Ahead: Try to anticipate your opponent’s next moves and plan your moves accordingly. It can help you stay one step ahead of the game.
- Be Strategic: If you have any wild cards in your hand, consider saving them for the right moments when you need to change the suit or rank of the game. Timing is key!
- Watch Your Opponents: Pay attention to any subtle cues from your opponents. It can give you insights into their hand and help you make more informed decisions.
The End Game
Polish Poker is a brilliant way to bring something new to your next game night. It’s a simple game that people of all ages can enjoy.
How long you play for is down to you, you can play as many rounds as you want, but something to aim for is the first person to reach 150 points. If you’ve enjoyed learning how to play Polish Poker, you might also like Irish Poker. Give it a whirl!
