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Manila Poker Rules (Seven up Poker)

Manila Poker, otherwise known as 'Seven Up Poker' is very similar to Spanish Poker for the reason that each of the board cards are dealt one at a time. This variation uses a reduced deck with only 32 cards (Seven through Ace). Again the ace acts as a high and low card, as in any standard game of Texas Hold'em and much like in the Spanish variant, a flush beats a full house (due to a reduced deck being used - flushes are harder to acquire than with a standard deck) - see graphic on the right (ignoring any cards under 7 - used just for illustration). This game is most popular poker game played in Australia (apparently in the Star City casino in Sydney).

The game starts with all players being dealt 2 private hole cards. This is followed by 5 community cards being dealt one at a time, with a round of betting after each card. Note that the first round of betting begins when all players have been dealt their two hole cards and the first of the community cards has been dealt (meaning there will only be 5 betting rounds in any one hand - note there is no betting round as soon as players are dealt their hole cards, as illustrated below).

At the Showdown players turn their cards and make the best possible 5 card poker hand however MUST use BOTH cards in their hands (like in Omaha) and any 3 out of the 5 community cards. In any case - if you don't like all the rag cards (see definition for 'Rags') that you get dealt in a game of Hold'em, well maybe this is the game for you (as you won't get dealt any card under 7). Manila and its variants are not often played high-low split which is usually the case for stripped deck games.

This Hold'em variation has gained popularity and now features in the Aussie Millions Australian Poker Championship held each year at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.

Here is the order of play:

Each player dealt 2 hole cards

First card dealt on the board (round of betting)

Second card dealt on the board (round of betting)

Third card dealt on the board (round of betting)

Fourth card dealt on the board (round of betting)

Fifth and last card dealt on the board

Showdown- Best hand wins
(using 2 in your hand and any 3 on board)

3 Card Manila

The only difference with the 3 card variation is that three hole cards are dealt to each player. There are no other differences in the order of play. Note that you must still use 2 of the 3 hole cards in combination with any three cards on the board to make the best hand.

To date there is no online room that offers an online version of this game but it is a fun game and would be a great addition or alternative at any home game.

Alternatively - Check our Games section for listings of games played online.