Official Poker Rules BoardDocument OPR-639 · Updated 28 September 2026

Home game · Other

Indian Poker Rules

In Indian Poker, each player is dealt one card and holds it against their forehead without looking at it, so that everyone else can see it. After a round of betting, the highest card among the players who have not folded wins the pot. Players must judge their own card from the cards they can see and from how the others bet.

Also known as Blind Man's Buff, Blind Man's Bluff, Oklahoma Forehead, Indian Head

Players: 2 or more (usually 2 to 8)
Cards: 1 per player (basic game)
Betting rounds: 1
Pot: High only (low and high-low variants)

Article 1Players, deck and objective

1.1

A standard 52-card deck without jokers is used. Two or more players may take part; two to eight is typical.

1.2

The object is to win the pot by holding the highest card among the players who do not fold, or by making a bet that no one calls. Aces are normally high.

1.3

Each player can see every card except their own. A player shall not look at their own card before the showdown.

1.4

The name comes from the way the cards are worn on the forehead, which was likened to a feathered headdress. The game has no connection with India. It is also widely known as Blind Man's Bluff or Blind Man's Buff.

Article 2Antes and the deal

2.1

Before the deal, each player puts in the ante agreed for the game.

2.2

The dealer deals one card face down to each player.

2.3

Each player picks up their card without seeing its face and holds it against their forehead, face outwards, so that all the other players can see it.

Article 3Betting

3.1

There is one round of ordinary poker betting, in the group's usual order and structure. See betting structures.

3.2

If all but one player folds, the remaining player wins the pot.

3.3

Match-pot betting. Many groups play instead with the betting of Guts. Each player declares, in turn or simultaneously as agreed, whether they stay in or drop out. The best card among those who stay in takes the pot, and every other player who stayed in pays an amount equal to the pot.

Article 4Showdown

4.1

At the showdown, the highest card among the players still in wins the pot.

4.2

Suits have no rank. If two or more players tie for the highest card, they share the pot.

Example

Reading the other players' cards

Four players remain. Player A cannot see their own card but sees B's K♠, C's 7♦ and D's 7♥.

C and D each see a king opposite them and fold. A and B bet and call.

At the showdown A's card is revealed as Q♣. B's king is higher, so Player B wins the pot.

Example

Simultaneous declaration with match-pot betting

The pot holds 10. Player A sees 2♠ and 4♣ on the others and declares in. Players B and C also declare in.

The cards are J♦ for A, 2♠ for B and 4♣ for C. A wins the 10, and B and C each pay 10, making a pot of 20 for the next deal.

Article 5Common variations

5.1

Low or high-low. The lowest card may win instead, or the highest and lowest cards may split the pot. The dealer shall announce this before the deal.

5.2

More cards. Each player may be dealt two, three or more cards, all held facing outwards.

5.3

Indian Stud. Played as seven-card stud, except that each player holds their first card to their forehead without looking at it. That card, and every card of the same rank, is wild for its owner only, and the owner is the only player who does not know what it is.

5.4

Indian Hold'em. Played as Texas Hold'em, except that each player holds both hole cards to their forehead without looking at them. The flop, turn and river are dealt face up as usual.

Article 6Strategy notes

Every other player's card is known, so the only unknown is your own. Many low cards on other foreheads make it more likely that yours is higher, and the way opponents bet after seeing your card is often the best clue to its value. With simultaneous declaring, two players holding high cards may each see the other's card and drop out, which a third player can try to anticipate.

Article 7Frequently asked questions

Can you look at your own card in Indian Poker?

No. You hold your card against your forehead facing outwards, so everyone sees it except you. You only find out what it is at the showdown.

What wins in Indian Poker?

In the basic one-card game, the highest card among the players who have not folded wins. Suits do not count, so tied players share the pot.

Is Blind Man's Bluff the same as Indian Poker?

Yes. Blind Man's Bluff and Blind Man's Buff are other names for the same game, and it is also called Oklahoma Forehead in parts of the United States.

Final authority

Where any doubt remains in the application of this document, Rob is right.

Hand rankings, high to low: royal flush · straight flush · four of a kind · full house · flush · straight · three of a kind · two pair · one pair · high card. Suits never break ties.

Indian Poker Rules · OPR-639 · officialpokerrules.com/indian-poker/

OPR-639Uncontrolled when printed