Red Dog

By Will Veda

Red Dog is another game that kids sometimes play that is usually called Acey-Deucey.  There aren’t many casinos that offer the game, but I once played it at Slots-A-Fun (a small casino next to Circus Circus in Las Vegas) for $2 a hand. 

The game is played on a Blackjack-like table usually with six decks.  After the players place a wager, the dealer sets two cards face up on the table.  The players do not receive any cards.  The cards are ranked the same as in poker, with Aces as the highest card.  Suits do not matter. 

If the two cards are of a consecutive ranking (like a deuce and a three) the hand is a push and the wager is returned.  If the two cards are of equal ranking a third card is dealt.  If the third card is also of equal ranking, the payout is 11 to 1; any other card is a push.

If the two cards are of neither consecutive nor equal ranking, the game becomes a “spread.”  The dealer will then announce the number of card values in between the cards.  For example, if the cards include a deuce and six, the spread is three; cards three and ten, the spread is six.  After the spread is announced the players have the opportunity of increasing their bet up to the amount of the original wager.  A third card is then dealt and if it is in between the first two cards the players win according to a payout table.  If the third card matches or is outside of the first two cards the players lose. 

1-card spread pays 5 to 1

2-card spread pays 4 to 1

3-card spread pays 2 to 1

4 plus-card spread pays 1 to 1

The only recommended strategy is to raise the wager only on spreads of 6 or 7 or higher.  Anything lower is too much of a risk to take.   One thing that is unusual about this game is that the more decks that are used the element of risk decreases.  

Red Dog is a fast-paced novelty game and should be played just for fun, if you can find it anywhere.  Its bite is meaner than it’s bark.