Guts
Also known as: Guts Poker, Guts to Open, Two-Card Guts, Three-Card Guts
A fast-paced game where each player receives two or three cards (house rule) and simultaneously declares whether they are in or out. Players who stay in compare hands — the loser must match the pot. The game continues with new deals until only one player declares in (or all declare out). Pots can grow exponentially.
Quick Rules
- Each player antes and is dealt 2 or 3 cards (house rule).
- All players simultaneously declare in or out (hold cards over table = in, drop = out).
- If two or more players are in, they compare hands. Best hand wins the pot.
- The loser(s) must match the pot (creating the pot for the next round).
- If only one player declares in, that player wins the pot.
- If everyone is out, the pot carries over and a new hand is dealt.
- Game continues until someone wins undisputed.
Strategy Notes
Know the approximate strength of your hand relative to what is possible with 2-3 cards. Pairs are strong in two-card guts; three-of-a-kind is a monster in three-card. The pot-matching penalty means the risk escalates each round — a run of bad luck can be expensive.
Home Game Tips
Pots can grow very large very fast due to the matching mechanic. Consider capping the match amount or the number of rounds. The simultaneous declare is the social heart of the game — use a clear countdown. A great game for quick rounds between longer games.