Post and Pair 1579

This Poker-type game clearly derives from Primero. It was popular in England in the 17th century. It is very similar to the later 3 Stake Brag.

Each player lays three separate stakes, set by the dealer, which need not be equal. Every player gets two cards facedown and a third one which is revealed.

1. The first stake (the "seat")goes to the player who has the best card among the revealed cards. Ace of Diamonds beats everything.

2. The second (the "pair") goes to the player with the best hand. There is no drawing or opportunity to improve your hand. Bluffing is key. These are similar to poker hands, but with only 3 cards, the odds are different, and the "prial" (pair royal) or 3 of a kind, is the best hand. There are an unlimited number of betting rounds, as in Brag. Each player must match or exceed the previous bet. All bets go into the pot as they are laid. This is much more dangerous than poker betting. Betting continues round and round until only 2 players are left, and can continue until one player pays to "see" the other by putting double the last bet into the pot. Hands are then compared.

Hands, Best to Worst:

Prial 3's (3-3-3) Prial - 3 of a kind - 3 cards of the same rank Running Flush or Run on the Bounce (Straight Flush) - all same suit, numbers in sequence Run (Straight) - numbers in sequence Flush - all same suit Pair - 2 cards of the same rank High card - highest ranked card. Aces are high, Ace of Diamonds beats other aces.

The winner takes the pot.

3. The third stake (the "post") goes to the player who can make 31 points. Royalty and Aces are both worth 10 points. Closest on the low side to 31 wins. (in some later versions, 21 points). A total of more than 31 "busts" and the player is out. If tied, highest card wins. Ace of Diamonds beats other aces. Some rules allow players to draw ONE card only to improve their hand.