Please be advised that all user accounts and related data will be securely deleted after 8/30/23. The reason for these slight changes in  strategy is that if the player makes a good hand with the Across Raise, then he is less likely to make a good hand after his Down Raise. That is, the outs used by hitting good cards on the Across Raise removes those outs for the Down Raise. Conversely, if the player’s Across cards are a bust, then he is more likely to hit good Down cards, improving the odds for his Down Raise. Not sure if a casino is right for you? Let our writers and experts give you the inside scoop of each online casino. The in-depth reviews will give you all the information you need to make the right choice. Criss Cross Poker is named for the game’s odd layout of cards. Five community cards are laid out in a cross pattern, and players must manage two five-card hands at the same time using the cards they’re dealt.