Xi To Rules - Complete Guide 🎴

Overview

Xi To (also known as Xì Phé or Hong Kong Poker) is a popular poker variant in Vietnam, played with a stripped 32-card deck. Unlike Texas Hold'em, Xi To is a game of pure psychology and calculation where players receive cards one by one and bet after each round. It is considered one of the most skill-intensive card games in Vietnamese culture.

Quick Facts

• Players: 2-6
• Deck: 32 cards (Rank 7 to Ace)
• Duration: 15-30 minutes
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Objective: Win the pot by having the best hand or forcing opponents to fold
• Type: Stud Poker Variation

The Deck & Card Rankings

Xi To uses a 32-card deck, removing all cards from 2 to 6.

Card Order (Lowest to Highest)

7 < 8 < 9 < 10 < J < Q < K < A

Suit Rankings

In Xi To, suits do matter when hands have equal rank.

♠ Spades (Highest) > ♥ Hearts > ♣ Clubs > ♦ Diamonds (Lowest)

Note: This suit order is different from Western poker.

Hand Rankings (Weakest to Strongest)

1. High Card (Mậu Thầu): No combinations.
   • Example: A♠-10♥-9♣-8♦-7♠
2. Pair (Đôi): Two cards of same rank.
   • Example: K♠-K♥-J-9-8
3. Two Pair (Thú): Two distinct pairs.
   • Example: J-J-9-9-A
4. Three of a Kind (Sám Cô): Three cards of same rank.
   • Example: Q-Q-Q-K-7
5. Straight (Sảnh): 5 consecutive cards (suits don't matter).
   • Example: 9-10-J-Q-K
6. Flush (Thùng): 5 cards of the same suit.
   • Example: 7♥-9♥-10♥-K♥-A♥
7. Full House (Cù Lũ): Three of a kind + Pair.
   • Example: 10-10-10-8-8
8. Four of a Kind (Tứ Quý): Four cards of same rank.
   • Example: K-K-K-K-9
9. Straight Flush (Thùng Phá Sảnh): Straight + Flush.
   • Example: 10♠-J♠-Q♠-K♠-A♠

Gameplay Flow

Setup

Each player places a small initial bet (Ante) into the pot.

1. Dealing (Round 1)

• Each player is dealt 2 cards:
  • 1 card Face Down (Hole card - only you can see)
  • 1 card Face Up (Door card - everyone sees)
• The player with the highest face-up card starts the betting.

2. Betting Rounds (Rounds 2, 3, 4)

• Players receive 1 more face-up card in each round.
• A betting round follows each deal.
• This continues until each player has 5 cards total (1 down, 4 up).

3. Showdown

• After the final betting round (4th face-up card), remaining players reveal their Hole card.
• The best 5-card hand wins the pot.
• If hands are identical, the suit of the highest card determines the winner.

Betting Options

On your turn, you can:

1. Check (Xem): Pass action to next player (if no one has bet).
2. Call (Theo): Match the current highest bet.
3. Raise (Tố): Increase the bet.
   • Limit: Usually capped at the total amount currently in the pot.
4. Fold (Úp): Discard your hand and forfeit the pot.
5. All-In (Tố Tất): Bet all your chips (rare in limit games).

Strategy Tips

• Protect Your Hole Card: Your face-down card is your secret weapon. If you have an Ace in the hole, showing an Ace face-up makes your hand terrifying.
• Read the Board: Since 4 cards are exposed, calculate the odds. If an opponent shows a Pair of Kings, can you beat it?
• Positional Play: Acting last allows you to see how others bet before making your decision.
• Bluffing: Critical in Xi To. Represent strength even when weak, but be wary of "calling stations."

Next Steps

✅ You know the rules. Now master the game!

• 📊 Strategy Guide - Advanced bluffing tactics
• ❓ FAQ - Common questions