Guts Card Game - How to Play, Rules & Variations

Introduction

The Guts game is known for testing players' wits and decision-making skills. The game revolves around betting, bluffing, and gutsy decisions.

Here’s everything you need to know about this classic card game.

What is Guts?

Guts is a simple yet intense poker-style card game that revolves around players’ willingness to stay in the hand and ‘guts’ to continue or fold.

Objective

The goal is to have the best hand or to outlast other players without folding. If you remain in the hand and win, you collect the pot. If you lose, you must match the pot to continue the game.

How to Play Guts Card Game

Deck: A standard 52-card deck is used.

Players: 2-10 players can play.

Antes: Each player places an ante in the pot before the hand begins.

Card Distribution: The dealer deals two cards (or sometimes three, depending on the variation) to each player, face down.

Rules:

1. Declare: After dealing the cards, players must declare whether they are ‘in’ or ‘out’. This declaration happens simultaneously. Each player makes his choice secretly; then, everyone reveals his choice at the same time.
2. Showdown: Players who are ‘in’ reveal their cards. The player with the best poker hand wins the pot.
3. Losing Players: If you were ‘in’ but did not have the best hand, you must match the pot (i.e., add the same amount already). If only one player remains ‘in’, he automatically wins the pot.

Variations of Guts Card Game

Below are some of the most common variations of Guts:

Two-Card Guts

Each player is dealt two cards, with the highest combination wins. Hands are ranked similarly to poker, where a pair is the best possible hand, followed by high card values. After seeing their cards, players must decide whether to ‘stay in’ or ‘drop out’. If you stay in and lose, you must match the pot, doubling it for the next round.

Three-Card Guts

Each player is dealt three cards instead of two. The hand rankings mirror traditional poker rules but with the added possibility of trips (three-of-a-kind), straights, and flushes.

Pass the Trash Guts

Each player is dealt three cards, but after viewing their hand, they must pass one card to the player on their left before making their ‘stay in’ or ‘drop-out’ decision. The passing mechanic allows you to pass weak cards or try to guess what others might be passing.

Double Guts

After the cards are dealt, if only two players stay in, they must match the pot if one loses. However, if one player wins and the other loses, both players match the pot. This version increases the stakes, as more players are forced to match the pot, making it grow faster.

One-Card Guts

Players receive only one card, and the highest card wins. The ranking is based purely on the card’s value, with aces being the highest.

In-Between Guts

Each player is dealt two cards, and the third is dealt face-up. Players must decide if the third card will fall in between the values of the two they hold. If correct, they stay in. Otherwise, they fold.

Multi-Pot Guts

Multiple pots are in play, each choosing which pot he is playing for after the cards are dealt. After choosing, players reveal their hands, and the best hand in each pot takes it.

Three-Card Hi-Lo Guts

Players are dealt three cards, and two pots are formed: one for the highest hand and one for the lowest hand. Players declare whether they are playing for the high or low pot before revealing their hands.

Four-Card Guts

Each player is dealt four cards. The best possible hand rankings are similar to Omaha, with high-value hands like straights and flushes being possible.

Strategies to Win in Guts Card Game

Here are some strategies to improve your chances of winning in Guts:

Be Selective with Your ‘In’ Calls

Since the cost of losing in Guts can be high (matching the pot), only commit to staying ‘in’ if you feel confident about your hand. Weak hands should fold early to avoid building up a massive debt. In two-card or three-card Guts, stick to solid hands like pairs, and in three-card variations with straights and flushes, wait for those stronger combinations.

Bluffing Intelligently

Bluffing is a powerful tool in Guts, especially when you are facing opponents who are more risk-averse. A well-timed bluff can make opponents fold, allowing you to scoop the pot even with a mediocre hand. Bluff when the pot is small, as players are less likely to risk matching it. Players become more cautious as the pot grows, and bluffs become riskier.

Exploit Opponents’ Patterns

Pay attention to how your opponents play. If a player has been folding often, you can take advantage by staying ‘in’ with weaker hands and betting aggressively, as he may continue to fold. For players who tend to stay ‘in’ with every hand, play your strongest hands to win big when they eventually lose.

Pot Size Awareness

• When the Pot Is Small: This is a good time to be more aggressive, as the penalty for losing and matching the pot is minimal. You can take more risks early on to build your chip stack.
• When the Pot Grows: Be more conservative as the pot gets larger. Only commit to ‘in’ if you have a hand with a strong chance of winning. Losing in a large pot can be devastating, as you must match it.

Play Conservatively Early On

Don't be afraid to fold more often when the pot is small in the early rounds. Players tend to overestimate the importance of staying ‘in’ during these early stages, but folding conservatively can save you from losses and keep you in the game longer as the stakes grow.

Timing the Showdown

If you are always quick to declare ‘in’, your opponents might start to read your style of play. Mix up your speed when declaring ‘in" or "out" to keep your strategy unpredictable.

Managing Losses

• Don’t Chase Losses: If you have had a bad streak, don’t keep staying ‘in’ out of frustration or to ‘win back’ what you lost. Stick to your strategy, even if you have had to match the pot several times.
• Minimize Losses: Sometimes, folding and not matching the pot is better, especially if your hand is weak and multiple players are still staying "in." Managing your bankroll and avoiding big losses is essential.

Watch for Bluffs

Guts are often about the mental game and detecting bluffs. Pay attention to how your opponents react when they declare ‘in’ or ‘out’. If someone who usually folds suddenly declares ‘in’, he might be bluffing or holding a strong hand. Conversely, if someone aggressive suddenly folds, they might be wary of the growing pot size. Use these tendencies to guide your decisions.

Table Position Matters

If you are sitting near the end of the declaration order, you can gather more information about how other players are declaring. Use this position to your advantage, as you will know how many players are staying ‘in’ and can decide accordingly. Being last can help you capitalize on folding opponents or avoid challenging a strong hand head-to-head.

Vary Your Playstyle

If you always play the same way (e.g., only declaring ‘in’ with pairs or stronger hands), your opponents will adjust and start exploiting your predictability. Mix in the occasional bluff or aggressive play with weaker hands to keep opponents guessing.

Pot Control in Multiple Rounds

If you have matched the pot once after a loss, try to keep the pot size under control in the following rounds by folding often unless you have strong hands. Repeatedly matching large pots can quickly deplete your resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players can play Guts?

Guts is best with 3 to 8 players. The game is versatile and can accommodate a range of group sizes.

How is 3 Card Guts played?

In 3 Card Guts, each player is dealt three cards instead of two. The rules are similar: players decide whether to stay or fold, and the best three-card hand wins the pot.

What is the best hand in Guts?

The best hand in Guts is a Royal Flush, consisting of A, K, Q, J, and 10 of the same suit. This hand beats all other possible hands.

Conclusion

The simplicity of the Guts card game makes it easy to learn, yet the strategy involved in reading opponents and managing risk keeps the gameplay exciting. Whether you are bluffing or betting on a strong hand, the tension of deciding to stay ‘in’ or fold creates a unique experience that separates it from other card games.