https://experience.prfalken.dev/english/subway-poker/


The secret Poker Game You Can Play on the Subway!

2025/02/18

Categories: english

In the bustling world of urban commuting, where millions of people
ride the subway daily, a new and exciting game has emerged: Subway
Poker. This innovative game combines the thrill of poker with the
unpredictability of public transportation, offering a fresh and
engaging way to pass the time during your daily commute. Let's dive
into the rules and strategies of this captivating game.

[subway-20250218175214]

The Concept

Subway Poker is a two-player game that transforms your everyday
subway ride into a dynamic poker experience. The game utilizes the
seating arrangement of passengers to create poker hands, adding a
layer of excitement and unpredictability to your journey.

How to Play

Getting Started

 1. Find a Partner: To play Subway Poker, you need a partner. This
    could be a friend, colleague, or even a fellow commuter looking
    for a fun way to pass the time.

 2. Choose Your Rows: Each player selects a row of five seats on the
    subway train. These seats will serve as your "hand" for the game.

 3. Select the End Station: Before the game begins, both players must
    agree on a station where the game will end. This station serves
    as the deadline for evaluating your hands.

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Evaluating Your Hand

The core of Subway Poker lies in evaluating the passengers sitting in
your chosen row of seats. Each type of passenger corresponds to a
specific poker card value:

  * Child: Counts as a 10
  * Teenager: Counts as a Jack
  * Woman: Counts as a Queen
  * Man: Counts as a King
  * Elderly Person: Counts as an Ace

[subway-20250218180225]

Making a Hand

Using the values assigned to each passenger, players create the best
possible poker hand based on the traditional poker rankings. The goal
is to have the highest-ranking hand by the time the train reaches the
agreed-upon end station.

[subway-20250218182017]

Winning the Game

Once the train arrives at the end station, both players evaluate
their hands. The player with the highest-ranking poker hand wins the
game. In case of a tie, players can agree on a tiebreaker rule, such
as the closest player to the door wins.

Strategies and Tips

  * Observe Your Surroundings: Pay close attention to the passengers
    boarding and exiting the train. A keen eye can help you
    anticipate potential changes in your hand.
  * Choose Wisely: Selecting a row near the doors can increase the
    likelihood of passenger turnover, potentially improving your
    hand.
  * Predict Passenger Patterns: Consider the time of day, weather
    conditions, and other factors that might influence who sits in
    your row. For example, you might see more children during school
    hours or more elderly passengers during off-peak times. Use these
    observations to your advantage and make educated guesses about
    potential passengers.

Works in every major city!

Some cities might be more difficult to play though. I come from
France, and in Paris the subway looks like this:

[subway-20250218175809]

You might have to adapt depending on your city's layout, but overall
it works!

Conclusion

Subway Poker is more than just a game; it's a unique way to engage
with your surroundings and fellow commuters. A fun and interactive
way to make your subway ride more enjoyable. So, the next time you're
on the train, grab a partner and give Subway Poker a try - you might
just find yourself hooked!

Disclaimer: I didn't invent this game; I discovered it in a very old
article that no longer exists, and I have been playing with friends
ever since. If anyone has information about this game being played
elsewhere in the world, I would be delighted to hear from you!

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