A SINGLE CHANCE TO CHANGE YOUR STORY
Swap Hold’em.
Your hand gets one optional fresh start.
THE DEFINING TWIST
On your turn, once per hand, swap one or both private cards before acting; unavailable when all-in.
Once-per-hand swap
Know the twist.
Enjoy the table.
Illustrative hand · explore the result in Read the Table
YOUR GUIDE TO THIS VERSION
Know your table.
The rules that matter.
- One swap opportunity used per player per hand.
- A swap does not replace calling, checking, raising or folding.
From first card to final reveal.
- Prepare. Use 52 cards; agree Hold’em blinds and limits.
Give everyone a marker to record their one swap.
- Deal two. Post blinds; deal two private cards each.
Keep swapped-out cards face down and permanently dead.
- Pre-flop. Bet after the big blind. Before acting, eligible players may swap one or both cards.
Swapping is optional and free; mark it immediately.
- Flop. Burn; reveal three shared cards. Bet.
First active seat after button begins. Unused swaps remain available.
- Swap correctly. Only swap on your turn before your normal action; then act normally.
Never swap again, and never swap while all-in.
- Turn. Burn; reveal the fourth shared card. Bet.
A saved swap may still be used now.
- River. Burn; reveal the fifth shared card. Bet.
This is the last betting opportunity for an unused swap.
- Showdown. Best five from current private cards and board wins. Split ties.
Do not use either discarded private card.
Where these rules come from.
Established variation; this guide follows the linked rules and stated table conventions. Explanatory presentation and examples by Deal Different.
PokerStars: Swap Hold’em rules ↗Curated by Maanas Chopra · reviewed October 2026 · session times are estimates