Iron Cross Poker, also known as “Criss-Cross,” is an exciting variation of traditional poker that blends community card strategy with personal hand selection. The game is easy to learn and adds a layer of creative thinking, making it ideal for home games and casual settings.

This guide walks you through the essential rules and setup so you can enjoy Iron Cross Poker with your friends and family.

Basic Overview of Iron Cross Poker

Iron Cross Poker is a version of community card poker that uses a unique five-card cross-shaped layout of shared cards. Players are dealt hole cards, and they use the shared cross of community cards to form the best five-card poker hand possible.

The twist lies in how players can use only one line of the cross—either the vertical or the horizontal—to combine with their hole cards, which adds a strategic dimension to the game.

Setup and Equipment

To play Iron Cross Poker, you’ll need:

• A standard 52-card deck

• Poker chips or another betting currency

• A table or surface to arrange community cards in a cross shape

• 3 to 8 players for an ideal game experience

Each player receives two hole cards face down. Then, five community cards are placed in a cross shape on the table—one in the center, with one card above, below, left, and right of the center card.

Community Card Layout (Cross Shape):

These five cards make up the “Iron Cross.”

Rules of Play

Dealing

1. Each player is dealt two hole cards face down.

2. The dealer then places five community cards face down in the cross formation.

3. After the initial betting round, community cards are revealed in stages.

Betting Rounds

Iron Cross Poker typically has four betting rounds:

1. Pre-flop – After players receive their hole cards.

2. After the first three community cards are revealed – Usually the center and two arms of the cross.

3. After revealing the fourth card

4. After revealing the final community card

Standard poker betting rules apply. You can play no-limit, pot-limit, or fixed-limit based on player preference.

Making the Best Hand

Each player must use both of their hole cards and three of the five community cards, but only from one line of the cross:

• Horizontal line: Left – Center – Right

• Vertical line: Top – Center – Bottom

This rule limits options and adds complexity, especially when the revealed cards don’t favor one line significantly over the other.

Hand Rankings

Iron Cross Poker uses standard poker hand rankings, from high card up to royal flush. Since players are forced to use a specific line of the cross, you’ll see more diverse hands and close showdowns.

Example:

• Hole Cards: 8♠ 8♥

• Horizontal line: 3♦ 8♣ 10♠

• Vertical line: 4♥ Q♣ 5♦

You can use your pocket 8s + 3♦, 8♣, and 10♠ from the horizontal line to form a three-of-a-kind.

Strategic Tips

• Watch the board closely: As cards are revealed, anticipate whether the horizontal or vertical line is more promising.

• Bluff wisely: Players may not have the best line available, even if strong cards are on the board.

• Adapt as cards are revealed: Keep an open mind—your preferred line may change with each card reveal.

• Play tighter in early rounds: With limited information early, it’s often wise to be conservative until more cards are exposed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use cards from both lines of the Iron Cross?
No. You must choose only one line—either horizontal or vertical—to combine with your two hole cards for a total of five cards.

2. Is Iron Cross Poker better for casual or competitive play?
Iron Cross is best suited for casual home games. While strategy plays a role, the unique layout and card restrictions add unpredictability, making it more entertaining than high-stakes serious formats.

3. What happens in case of a tie?
Standard poker tie-breaking rules apply. If two or more players have the same ranked hand, the pot is split evenly between them.