Telesina

Telesina, also known as Italian Poker, is a variant of Five Card Stud that has got a series of distinguishing features from other poker variants.

Players

• The maximum number of players in this variant is six.

Deck

• Telesina is played with a 32-card deck, running from seven to ace. This is the difference it makes when compared with most other poker variants that have taken into application the full 52 card deck.

Origins

• It finds its roots in the 19th century, the name being evoked from a valley called Telesina in the Benevento Province of Italy. Of course, the game had to gradually assume the more structured dealer format once poker started gaining widespread popularity.

Ante and Betting

• There is an initial bet, called the ante, before any cards are dealt. Most, if not all other variants of poker, involve blinds; Telesina does not.
• After the cards have been dealt, the first “bring-in” bet is made by the player with the highest visible card. The bring-in bet is usually no higher than twice the ante. 
• Further rounds of betting are made, firstly after the first two cards have been dealt and then after each dealt card.

Betting Rounds

• In total, there are five rounds of betting:
  • After the first two cards are dealt.
  • After the third, fourth, and fifth face-up cards.
  • After the Vela card has been revealed.

Showdown

• If after the last card, no more betting occurs, then a showdown takes place. The player with the best hand wins the pot.
• If a tie happens, then the pot is divided up evenly. If there is an odd chip left over, it usually goes to the player who is seated the closest to the chip box, as it was in early games of Telesina.
• The player who made the last aggressive action (e.g., a bet or raise) reveals their hand first. If no bets were made, the player with the highest hand among the visible cards shows their hand first.

Strategy and Appeal

• Telesina requires great skill and loads of observing the opponents because faces-up cards of each player are indicating the strength of his or her hand. Yet another important card in this process is Vela, which not only changes hand rankings radically but also alters the course of the game.
• Telesina’s simplified deck and structured betting rounds make it really fast-paced, strategic gameplay. Without the blinds, and by adding in the common card, it has a different rhythm than a number of the variants.

Worldwide popularity

Over the years, Telesina has steadily gained popularity, particularly in Europe. However, it remains underrepresented in major online casinos, likely due to the misconception that it has a small player base. While the game has yet to attract a large following in Asia or the Americas, it has found a dedicated audience among players seeking new challenges and strategic depth. 

Where is Telesina Popular? 

• Italy: As the game’s country of origin, Telesina is widely played in Italy. Most offline and online casinos in the region feature it as a staple poker variant. 

• Russia: Surprisingly, Telesina has built a strong following in Russia, with many online platforms and casinos offering it as part of their poker selection. 

As more players discover its unique gameplay, the game has the potential to expand into new markets and online platforms worldwide. 

EvenBet Gaming offers more than 40 interactive poker games, including Telesina.

Try it out for yourself!