Indian Poker
Make your next party unforgettable by introducing the one-card "Indian Poker" Drinking Game! With our easy-to-follow rules, strategies, and tips, we guarantee you'll keep your friends entertained and engaged all night long.
✍️ January 12, 2026
A great drinking game is like a good cocktail—it’s simple, fun, and brings people together.
Indian Poker is a one-card poker game with a twist: you stick a card to your forehead and try to guess if you have the highest card—without seeing your own! It’s perfect for game nights, parties, or casual hangouts where you want to mix luck, bluffing, and laughs.
Ready to test your luck and your poker face? Here’s how to play.
How to Play Indian Poker
Indian Poker is all about bluffing, reading your opponents, and hoping your card is the highest. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Equipment for Indian Poker
- Deck of cards – A standard deck works perfectly.
- Drinks – Beer, cocktails, or anything you like.
- Players – Works best with 4–7 people.
Gameplay Steps
1. Prepare your drinks
Everyone should have a drink ready. Choose whatever you enjoy—beer, wine, or a fun cocktail.
2. Choose a dealer
Pick a dealer to shuffle the deck and deal one card face-down to each player.
3. Stick the card to your forehead
Place your card on your forehead (or hold it there) so everyone else can see it—except you!
4. Decide to stay in or fold
Look at the other players’ cards and decide:
- Stay in: You think your card is high enough to win.
- Fold: You suspect your card is low and don’t want to risk drinking.
5. Reveal cards and assign drinks
- The player with the highest card wins—no drink for them.
- Players who stayed in but lost drink the difference between their card and the winning card.
- Folded players drink two sips if their card is lower than the winner.
- Folded players drink their card’s value if their card is higher than the winner.
6. Start a new round
Collect all cards and deal again. The winner of the last round can become the next dealer, or you can pass the deal clockwise. Repeat as long as you like!
Indian Poker Rules & Tips
Winning at Indian Poker is part strategy, part luck, and part poker face. Follow these tips to maximize the fun:
1. Use the visible cards to guide your decisions
You can’t see your own card, so pay attention to the cards everyone else has. High-value cards like Kings or Aces may mean you should fold; low cards might encourage you to stay in.
2. Read your opponents
Facial expressions, nervous movements, or overly confident gestures can give clues. Spotting these subtle tells is key to your strategy.
3. Bluff like a pro
Even a low-value card can feel intimidating if you bluff convincingly. Use confidence, gestures, or bold statements to trick others—but don’t overdo it!
4. Keep it fun and drink responsibly
Remember: the main goal is laughter and entertainment. Pace yourself, know your limits, and always drink responsibly.
All set? Gather your friends, grab a deck and drinks, and try your luck with Indian Poker—the one-card game that’s equal parts suspense, bluffing, and fun. Cheers!
🤓 Suggested read: "Beat the Dealer" Drinking Game: The Ultimate Guide
