Sashimi Poker: The Fresh Take on Classic Poker

Sashimi Poker has carved out a devoted following among players looking for something beyond Texas Hold'em. Named after the Japanese delicacy known for its precision and purity, this variant strips poker down to its essentials while adding unique twists that reward skill and adaptability.

What is Sashimi Poker?

Sashimi Poker is a community card poker variant that combines elements of traditional draw poker with hold'em-style shared cards. The game earned its name from Japanese poker circles in the early 2000s, where players described the "clean cuts" of decision-making required as similar to preparing sashimi—precise, deliberate, and unforgiving.

Unlike Texas Hold'em where you receive two hole cards, Sashimi Poker deals players three cards face down. You must discard one before the flop, making your initial decision crucial. This "cut" mechanic is what defines the game and separates skilled players from novices.

The variant gained international popularity through online poker rooms in the 2010s and has since become a staple at home games, particularly among players who enjoy strategic depth without the complexity of games like Omaha.

Rules & Gameplay

Sashimi Poker follows a structured format that's easy to learn but difficult to master:

• The Deal: Each player receives three hole cards face down.
• The Cut: Before any community cards are revealed, each player must discard one card face down. This is done simultaneously to prevent information leakage.
• Pre-Flop Betting: Standard betting round with blinds, starting left of the dealer.
• The Flop: Three community cards are dealt face up.
• Flop Betting: Another betting round begins.
• The Turn: A fourth community card is revealed.
• Turn Betting: Betting continues.
• The River: The fifth and final community card appears.
• Final Betting: Last chance to bet or fold.
• Showdown: Best five-card hand wins, using any combination of hole cards and community cards.

The hand rankings follow standard poker hierarchy—royal flush at the top, high card at the bottom. The key difference is that initial "cut" decision, which forces players to commit to a direction before seeing any public information.

Winning Strategy

Success in Sashimi Poker hinges on mastering the discard phase. Here's how top players approach the game:

• Think in pairs: When dealt three cards, identify which two work best together. Connected cards (like 7-8) or suited combinations typically outperform three unrelated cards where you keep the two highest.
• Position awareness: Late position is even more valuable in Sashimi Poker. You'll see more betting action before committing chips post-flop.
• Avoid the "three broadway trap": Getting dealt K-Q-J looks great, but you must discard one. Many beginners agonize over this decision and often make the wrong cut.
• Suited connectors shine: Hands like 8♠-9♠-3♦ are easy—ditch the three. The suited connector gives you straight and flush potential.
• Read the discards: While you can't see what opponents discarded, their betting patterns post-flop often reveal whether they hit or missed their intended hand.

The psychological element is pronounced in Sashimi Poker. Players who appear confident during the cut phase often influence how opponents perceive the remaining action. A slight hesitation before discarding can signal uncertainty that alert players exploit.

Popular Variations

As Sashimi Poker spread globally, regional variations emerged:

• Double Sashimi: Players receive four cards and must discard two. This variation dramatically increases hand strength averages and leads to larger pots.
• Sashimi Hi-Lo: The pot splits between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand (8 or better). The discard decision becomes even more critical as you must choose your direction early.
• Speed Sashimi: A faster format where the cut and pre-flop betting are combined into a single phase. Popular for tournament play where time is limited.
• Sashimi Stud: Combines elements of 7-card stud with the discard mechanic. Players receive three down cards, cut one, then play proceeds with four up cards dealt individually with betting rounds.

Each variation maintains the core "cut" philosophy that defines Sashimi Poker while adding strategic layers for experienced players seeking fresh challenges.

Chip Setup for Home Games

Running a Sashimi Poker home game requires thoughtful chip distribution. Since the game tends to produce moderate-sized pots (larger than Hold'em but smaller than Omaha), consider these setups:

• For $0.25/$0.50 cash games: Start players with $50 in chips—100 white ($0.25), 50 red ($0.50), and 20 green ($1).
• For tournament play: 10,000 starting stacks work well. Distribute as 20×25, 20×100, 10×500, and 10×1000 chips.
• For higher stakes: Add black chips ($5 or $10 denomination) to handle the larger post-flop bets that Sashimi Poker generates.

Tracking chips accurately matters in Sashimi Poker because the discard phase creates mental load—players may lose track of pot sizes while focused on their cut decision. This is where a digital chip tracker becomes invaluable, handling the math so players can focus on strategy.

Whether you're hosting your first Sashimi Poker night or adding it to your regular rotation, the game rewards preparation. Set clear house rules about discard timing (simultaneous reveal is recommended), establish chip values before dealing, and make sure everyone understands the "cut" mechanic before blinds go up.