How to win at card games in Red Dead Redemption 2

Set in 1899, players of Red Dead Redemption 2 take on the part of Arthur Morgan: An outlaw trying to earn a living by various means and these means include card games.

It’s no surprise that the version of card game played in Red Dead Redemption 2 is the world’s most popular.  However, this isn’t the kind of card game you’ve played at a friend’s place on a Friday night! Games take place around a beaten, wooden table, surrounded by other players of questionable character.

The Game Format

In this format, each player is dealt two cards and must use these, in combination with the table (“community”) cards laid out by the dealer, to create a winning hand.  The dealer will start by dealing each player two cards, which only that player can view and, after the first round has taken place, three cards will be placed face-up on the table.  This process repeats for a further two rounds, with players raising or folding, until there are five community cards displayed face-up on the table. Remaining players aim to make the best possible five-card hand by using their own cards and the community cards.

For a more detailed breakdown of the game and some handy tips, check out this simple guide. 

Where to Play

Playing (and winning) cards in Red Dead Redemption 2 is a great way to make some money and there are a few locations where it can be played.  These include:

• Camp
• Valentine
• Tumbleweed
• Blackwater
• Flatneck Station

You can play any time you’re back at camp, so sitting down to a game is a great way to replenish your finances!

Playing Like an Outlaw

You’re in this world for roleplay, so you’re probably hoping there’s some way that you can beat the system, trick your opponents and walk out with the pot.  However, we’ve bad news – Unlike in the first game, the Red Dead Redemption 2 offers no opportunity to cheat (so far, maybe that’ll come in DLC later), so your only option is to play like a choir boy.

Playing Fair

Without an option to circumvent the rules of the game (see above), you’re left with no choice but to win fair and square.

The opening games are relatively predictable and it’s most likely you’ll be dealt a Queen and a 10.  These cards will allow you to make two pairs with the community cards dealt by the dealer, which will most likely be:

• An 8
• Another Queen
• A 7
• An Ace
• Another 10

The important thing in this hand is not to scare your opponent off by being over-confident. 

Once the initial hand is over the cards become completely randomized and playing in a digital world can make it even harder to read other players’ “emotions” and pick up on tells, so it’s important to learn the best hands you can make and raise when you have strong hands. Here’s a list of the hands you could be dealt, starting with the strongest:

• Royal Flush – An Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10, all in the same suit
• Straight Flush – A sequence of five cards, all in the same suit
• Four of a Kind – Four cards, all of the same value
• Full House – Three cards of the same value with a pair of cards.
• Flush – Five cards of the same suit
• Straight – A sequence of five cards
• Three of a Kind – Three cards, all of the same value
• Two Pair – Two sets of two cards, all of the same value
• One Pair – One set of two cards, all of the same value
• High Card – The highest card in your hand

Finally, as with any card game, if you think you’ve got a dud hand then fold and away.