Red Dog

Red Dog is a card game which is also known as Red Dog Poker or Yablon. It is a variation of Acey-Duecey or In-Between. While its popularity has diminished somewhat in the last few years, the game is still widely available, especially at online casinos.

A 52-card deck is used to play Red Dog, and casinos may choose to use anywhere from 1 to 8 decks (but each additional deck decreases the house edge). With one deck of cards, the house's advantage is 3.155%. When 8 decks are used, this advantage falls to 2.751%. This is somewhat different from most casino card games where more decks equal a higher house edge.

Only 3 cards are used at a time, and the card's suit does not matter. The value of the cards is the same as poker, with 2 being the lowest and the ace being the high card.

To begin the game, each player places his or her wager. After this has occurred, the dealer then places 2 cards face-up on the table for everyone to see. At this point, there are three different things that can happen.

1. Consecutive Cards

The cards are consecutive (a 2 and 3, or an 8 and 9). If the cards are consecutive in nature, then the hand is considered a push and all wagers are returned.

2. The Two Cards Have The Same Value

If the 3rd card also happens to be of the same value, then the player receives a payout equal to 11 to 1 odds. If the 3rd card is not of the same value, then the hand is considered a push and all bets are returned.

3. Spread is Greater Than One

If the difference between the 2 cards in greater than one (2 and 4, or a 3 and 10, for example), then a 3rd card will be dealt to determine the payout. The dealer announces the spread, which is the number of card values in-between the cards. If the value of the 3rd card falls between the value of the first 2 cards, the player will receive a payout equal to the following spread:

A 1 card spread pays out at 5 to 1 odds.

A 2 card spread pays out at 4 to 1 odds.

A 3 card spread pays out at 2 to 1 odds.

A 4 card or greater spread pays out at 1 to 1 odds.

If the value of the 3rd card does not fall between the other two cards (for example, the first 2 cards are a 6 and 10, and the 3rd card is a 5), then the player loses his bet. Before the 3rd card is dealt, the player will also have the option of doubling his or her initial wager. The player can also bet less than his initial wager. Many experts suggest that raises only be made when the spread offers a statistical advantage for the player, such as when the spread is 7 cards or greater.

When compared to many other casino games of chance, Red Dog does not offer favorable odds for the player. It is difficult to utilize strategy, as only three cards are involved, and the player has no control over them.

The high house edge is no doubt a contributing factor to the falling popularity of this card game. Still, if you're looking for a break from the usual games of Hold'Em or Blackjack, Red Dog can certainly provide a change of pace. Just don't get too attached to the money you're wagering.