What is a Showdown (Show)
A showdown only happens when **only two active players remain** and all other players have folded. One player pays the show cost to force both players to reveal their three cards and compare hands.
### Show Cost Rules
1. **Blind player asks for show**: Pays 1× current stake. A blind player can call a show against a seen player.
2. **Both players are seen**: The player requesting the show pays 2× current stake.
3. A seen player **cannot demand a show from a blind player**.
4. Once the show is paid, both hands are opened; the stronger hand wins the whole pot.
> Important difference: **Sideshow vs Final Showdown**
> Sideshow is a private comparison between two seen players while others are still active. If sideshow ties, the player who asked for sideshow loses. This is different from the final showdown tie rule.
Standard Hand Ranking (Strongest → Weakest)
Trail > Pure Sequence > Normal Sequence > Colour > Pair > High Card
A higher category always beats a lower category, no matter the card ranks.
Example: 2-2-2 Trail beats A-K-Q Pure Sequence.
Step-by-Step Tie-Breaking Rules (Same Hand Category)
### 1. Trail (Trio)
Compare the rank of the three matching cards.
A-A-A > K-K-K > Q-Q-Q … > 2-2-2
If both have identical trail (rare), it is a perfect tie.
### 2. Pure Sequence (Pakka Run)
Compare the run value. Most apps follow:
A-K-Q (same suit) > A-2-3 (same suit) > K-Q-J > Q-J-10 … > 4-3-2
K-A-2 is **not a valid sequence**.
### 3. Normal Sequence (Run)
Same ranking order as pure sequences. Any pure sequence beats any normal sequence.
### 4. Colour (Flush, same suit, not sequential)
Compare cards one by one: highest card first, then second, then third.
Example: A-K-7 colour beats A-Q-J colour.
In standard Teen Patti, suits **do NOT break ties** unless the table has special house rules.
### 5. Pair
First compare the pair rank. If pairs are equal, compare the single kicker card.
Example: K-K-9 beats K-K-7.
### 6. High Card
Compare highest card, then second, then third.
A-Q-8 beats A-J-10.
Perfect Tie (All three ranks exactly match)
This is the most confusing rule, and platforms vary:
1. **Most modern Teen Patti apps**: Split the pot equally between the two players.
2. **Some traditional house rules**: The player who **did not pay for the show wins the pot** (the requester loses on tie).
✅ Always check the in-game table rules before you start playing.
Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Mixing sideshow tie rule with final showdown tie rule: Sideshow tie → requester folds; final show may split pot.
2. Thinking suit decides tie: Suit is ignored for tie-breaking in almost all standard versions.
3. Trying to call a show when more than two players are still active.
4. Believing a high normal sequence beats a low pure sequence: Category always wins.
Quick Cheat Sheet
✅ Show only available with 2 players left
✅ Blind show cost = 1 stake; seen vs seen show cost = 2 stakes
✅ Compare category first, then ranks
✅ Trail: match rank
✅ Sequence: A-K-Q > A-2-3 > K-Q-J downwards
✅ Colour / High Card: highest → second → third card
✅ Pair: pair rank first, then kicker
✅ Perfect tie: split pot (most apps) or requester loses (some house rules)