Spit in the Ocean is a fun and easy-to-learn poker variation that blends elements of Five Card Draw and wild card play. It’s popular in home games due to its relaxed nature and potential for surprising hands. The addition of a wild card mechanic makes it both unpredictable and entertaining, especially for casual players looking to add some variety to their poker nights.
This guide walks you through the rules, gameplay, and key strategies to enjoy and succeed in Spit in the Ocean Poker.
Game Setup and Basic Rules
Spit in the Ocean is best played with 4 to 7 players using a standard 52-card deck. Each player is dealt five private cards, and one community card is placed face up in the center of the table. This single card, known as the “spit card,” becomes wild and can be used as any card by any player.
The game typically follows a basic draw poker format with one betting round before and one after the draw.
Understanding the Wild Card
The defining feature of Spit in the Ocean is the wild card element. The face-up community card acts as a wild card for all players. For example, if the card is the 8♠, then all 8s are wild for every player.
Wild cards significantly increase the possibility of strong hands like four-of-a-kinds and full houses, so be prepared for bigger hands than in traditional poker games.
Step-by-Step Gameplay
1. Deal the Cards
Each player receives five face-down cards. The dealer places one card face up in the middle of the table—this is the spit card and is wild.
2. First Betting Round
After viewing their cards and the wild card, players begin the first round of betting, starting from the left of the dealer.
3. The Draw
Players may discard up to three cards (or fewer) and receive new ones from the deck, just like in Five Card Draw. In some house rules, players may choose to discard and draw fewer cards.
4. Second Betting Round
After the draw, there is another round of betting. Players can bet, check, raise, or fold based on the strength of their hands.
5. Showdown
All remaining players reveal their hands, and the best five-card hand wins. Remember, wild cards can represent any card to help create the highest-ranking hand.
Hand Rankings in Spit in the Ocean
Standard poker hand rankings apply in this game, from high card up to royal flush. However, because of the wild card, players should expect to see more strong hands than in a regular draw game.
Here’s a quick refresher from strongest to weakest:
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Royal Flush
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Straight Flush
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Four of a Kind
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Full House
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Flush
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Straight
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Three of a Kind
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Two Pair
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One Pair
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High Card
Strategy Tips for Winning
Use the Wild Card Wisely
Plan your draw around the wild card. If the wild is a card you already have, you’re in a strong position. Aim for high-ranking hands like full houses or quads.
Pay Attention to Betting Patterns
Since wild cards increase the chance of big hands, observe how aggressive your opponents are. Bold betting after the draw often signals strong hands.
Don’t Overplay Mediocre Hands
Even though you have wilds, don’t assume a two-pair is strong enough. The average winning hand in Spit in the Ocean is often much stronger than in regular poker due to the wild card.
Variations of the Game
Some home games tweak the rules by:
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Allowing two community wild cards instead of one
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Changing the draw limit to four or even five cards
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Making the wild card only apply to the same rank, not the suit
Always clarify house rules before the game starts.
FAQ
What makes Spit in the Ocean different from Five Card Draw?
The major difference is the wild card mechanic. In Spit in the Ocean, the face-up community card acts as a wild for all players, making it easier to form high-value hands compared to traditional Five Card Draw.
Can I win Spit in the Ocean with a low-ranking hand?
It’s unlikely. Due to the wild card, most winning hands are strong—often full houses or better. Bluffing can still work, but strong hands dominate the game.
How many cards can I draw during the draw phase?
Typically, players can discard and draw up to three cards. However, some house rules may allow different limits, so always confirm before playing.