The six standard categories
Each player normally has three cards. First compare the hand category; only if both hands share that category do rank and kicker comparisons matter.
- Trail / trio / three of a kindThree cards of one rank, such as A♠ A♥ A♦. A higher trio beats a lower trio.
- Pure sequence / straight flushThree consecutive cards in one suit, such as 4♥ 5♥ 6♥.
- Sequence / run / straightThree consecutive ranks across more than one suit, such as 7♠ 8♦ 9♣.
- Colour / flushThree cards of one suit that are not consecutive, such as A♣ 9♣ 4♣.
- PairTwo matching ranks and one side card, such as Q♠ Q♦ 5♥.
- High cardNo higher category; compare the highest card, then the next card if needed.
“Trail,” “trio” and “three of a kind” can describe the same category. “Colour” is often called a flush. Use the meaning, not just the label.
How same-category hands are compared
| Category | Common comparison | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Trail | Compare the repeated rank | K-K-K beats 9-9-9 |
| Pure sequence / sequence | Compare the run under the table's sequence rule | Q-K-A versus A-2-3 needs a stated rule |
| Colour / high card | Compare highest, then second, then third | A-9-4 beats A-8-7 |
| Pair | Compare pair rank, then side card | J-J-3 beats 10-10-A |
Suit ranking and pot splitting are house-rule questions. Do not assume spades automatically beat hearts unless the table explicitly says so.
The A-2-3 and A-K-Q caveat
Teen Patti sources do not always present the top sequences in the same order. Some tables treat A-2-3 as the highest run; others put A-K-Q first. K-A-2 is generally not treated as a continuous run, but a variation may state otherwise.
A disagreement at showdown is usually a rules mismatch, not a ranking-memory problem. Read the room or mode instructions before using chips.
A quick way to remember the order
Think in layers: matching all three ranks is strongest; then consecutive cards with a matching suit; then consecutive cards; then matching suit; then matching two ranks; finally nothing matched. This pattern is easier to retain than six isolated names.
New to the betting flow as well? Read how a Teen Patti round works. If the table uses jokers or low-hand rules, continue to variation-by-variation differences.
Sources and evidence trail
- Teen Patti Gold publisher website — identifies the product’s card-game modes and common rule context.
- 3PattiOpen Teen Patti Gold page — used to identify recurring user vocabulary and questions; promotional and version claims were not adopted.
- Common Teen Patti convention — used for the six-category learning baseline; table-specific instructions remain controlling.
Published and last reviewed: 27 August 2026. Informational guidance for adults; no winning outcome is promised.