Iron Cross
Also known as: Criss Cross, Southern Cross, Cross
A community card game where five shared cards are arranged in a cross (plus sign) pattern on the table. Each player receives two hole cards. Players must choose either the vertical row (3 cards) or the horizontal row (3 cards) of the cross to use as their community cards — they cannot mix cards from both rows.
Quick Rules
- Each player is dealt 2 hole cards face down.
- 5 community cards are placed face down in a cross (plus sign) pattern.
- Cards are revealed one at a time around the cross, with a betting round after each.
- The center card (shared by both rows) is revealed last.
- Players choose either the vertical 3-card row OR the horizontal 3-card row.
- Best 5-card hand using hole cards plus one row of the cross wins.
Strategy Notes
The center card is the most important since it appears in both rows. Evaluate both possible rows and choose the one that makes the best hand with your hole cards. Wait for the center card reveal before committing heavily to one row.
Home Game Tips
The physical layout of the cross on the table is part of the fun. Reveal the outer cards first (one from each arm) and save the center card for last — it creates the most drama. A great visual game that is easy to learn but has interesting decisions.