The “Side Show” rule is a feature in some variations of Teen Patti that allows a player who is not involved in the current hand to request a comparison of their hand with one of the active players. The Side Show rule is an optional rule and may not be present in all Teen Patti games.
Here’s how the Side Show rule typically works:
- Triggering the Side Show: After the betting round is complete, but before the showdown, a player who is not one of the active players (those involved in the current betting round) can request a Side Show.
- Requesting a Side Show: The player requesting the Side Show selects a player involved in the current betting round, usually the player who placed the last bet or raise. They indicate their desire to have a Side Show by saying “Side Show” or using a designated hand signal.
- Consent: The player who was requested for a Side Show has the option to accept or decline the request. If they accept, the Side Show is initiated. If they decline, the Side Show does not take place, and the requesting player cannot make any further Side Show requests during that hand.
- Comparison: If the Side Show is accepted, the requesting player and the active player involved in the Side Show privately compare their hands without revealing them to the other players. The player with the lower-ranking hand among the two involved in the Side Show must fold their hand.
- No Impact on Pot: The Side Show does not affect the pot or the outcome of the main showdown. It is solely a comparison between the requesting player and the active player to determine who has the better hand. The pot is eventually decided by the main showdown between the remaining active players.
It’s worth noting that the Side Show rule can add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game, as players have the opportunity to gain information about the strength of their opponents’ hands. However, since the Side Show is an optional rule, it’s essential to clarify whether it will be allowed before starting a Teen Patti game.