Three Card Poker is a fairly straightforward card game you can find in many online casinos. It's a perfect choice for beginners who may want to dip their toes into poker but don't want anything too complicated.
The game is played with a single deck of cards, and the aim is to get a better hand than the dealer.
In this blog post, we'll walk through the basic rules of Three Card Poker, how to place your bets, and what the different hands are. You'll also learn about the potential payouts you may receive if you win. Whether you're new to poker or just curious about this version, we've got you covered. Let's dive in.
What Is 3 Card Poker?
Three Card Poker is a popular casino game that merges elements of traditional poker with a simple, easy-to-learn format.
In Three Card Poker, you play against the dealer, not against other players. The goal is to use three cards to create a better poker hand than the dealer. There are two main bets you can place: the Ante and the Pair Plus.
The Ante bet is made before any cards are dealt. If you think you can beat the dealer's hand, you place a Play bet to continue. On the other hand, the Pair Plus bet allows you to win based on the strength of your hand alone, regardless of what the dealer has.
With straightforward rules and quick gameplay, it offers a great pseudo-introduction to the world of poker for beginners.
How Does 3 Card Poker Work?
Three Card Poker starts with each player placing an Ante bet. This is a required bet to get the game going. Additionally, you can place a Pair Plus bet if you think you can make a pair or better.
Once all bets are placed, both you and the dealer are dealt three cards each. Your cards are face-up so you can see what you have, while the dealer's cards are face-down.
Next, you need to decide whether to fold or play. If you fold, you lose your Ante bet. If you choose to play, you need to place an additional bet equal to your Ante bet; this is the Play bet.
After everyone has made their decision, the dealer reveals their cards. The dealer needs at least a Queen high to qualify. If the dealer does not qualify, you win even money on your Ante bet, and your Play bet is returned.
If the dealer does qualify, then the hands are compared. If your hand is better, you win even money on both bets. If the dealer's hand is better, you lose both bets. If there's a tie, both bets push, meaning you get your money back.
3 Card Poker Hand Rankings
In Three Card Poker, hands are ranked a little differently compared to traditional poker. Here are the hand rankings from highest to lowest:
- Straight Flush: Three cards in sequence, all of the same suit. For example, 5-6-7 of hearts.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank. For example, 8-8-8.
- Straight: Three cards in sequence, but not all the same suit. For example, 4-5-6 of mixed suits.
- Flush: Three cards of the same suit, but not in sequence. For example, 2-6-9, all spades.
- Pair: Two cards of the same rank. For example, a hand made up of Q-Q-3.
- High Card: If no other hand ranking applies, the highest card in the hand is considered. For example, a King-high hand would beat a Queen-high hand.
Understanding these hand rankings is crucial because they determine the outcome of the game. Make sure to familiarise yourself with them to know if you've got a strong hand.
Payouts In 3 Card Poker
In Three Card Poker, there are different types of payouts depending on the bets you place and the hand you hold. Let's break them down.
Pair Plus Payouts In 3 Card Poker
The Pair Plus bet pays based on the strength of your hand alone. You don't need to beat the dealer. You bet on your hand containing a pair or higher. Here's how the payouts generally work:
- Straight Flush: 40 to 1
- Three of a Kind: 30 to 1
- Straight: 5 to 1
- Flush: 4 to 1
- Pair: 1 to 1
Ante Bonus Payouts In 3 Card Poker
The Ante Bonus is an extra payout you get if you have a strong hand, even if the dealer qualifies and beats you. These are typically:
- Straight Flush: 5 to 1
- Three of a Kind: 4 to 1
- Straight: 1 to 1
6 Card Bonus Payouts In 3 Card Poker
The 6 Card Bonus is another optional bet. It uses your three cards plus the dealer's three cards to make the best five-card poker hand. Typical payouts are:
- Royal Flush: 1000 to 1
- Straight Flush: 200 to 1
- Four of a Kind: 50 to 1
- Full House: 25 to 1
- Flush: 20 to 1
- Straight: 10 to 1
- Three of a Kind: 5 to 1
Progressive 3 Card Poker Payouts
Some versions of Three Card Poker offer a Progressive side bet. This bet contributes to a growing jackpot. However, these are very rare. Payouts for this can include:
- Mini Royal Flush (A, K, Q of the same suit): Progressive Jackpot
- Straight Flush: 70 to 1
- Three of a Kind: 60 to 1
- Straight: 6 to 1
These different payouts make the game even more exciting and offer various ways to win. Be sure to check the specific rules at the casino you're playing, as they can vary on whether they offer such additional bets or not.
Rules In 3 Card Poker
Playing Three Card Poker is simple once you understand the basic rules. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Placing Your Bets
Before any cards are dealt, you need to place an Ante bet. This is mandatory if you want to play. You can also place an optional Pair Plus bet at this time.
Dealing the Cards
Both you and the dealer are dealt three cards each. Your cards are face-up, while the dealer's cards remain face-down.
Folding or Playing
After looking at your cards, you decide whether to fold or play. If you fold, you lose your Ante bet. If you play, you need to place a Play bet equal to your Ante.
Dealer's Hand
The dealer reveals their cards. For the dealer to qualify, their hand must be at least a Queen high.
Comparing Hands
If the dealer does not qualify, you win even money on your Ante bet, and your Play bet is returned. If the dealer qualifies, hands are compared. If your hand is better, you win even money on both bets. If the dealer's hand is better, you lose both bets.
Additional Bonuses
Some hands, like a straight or higher, can earn you an Ante Bonus in some variations, regardless of whether you beat the dealer or not.
Odds Of Winning 3 Card Poker
Understanding the odds in Three Card Poker can help you set realistic expectations and potentially make better decisions while playing. The odds of winning depend on the type of bets you place and the hands you aim for.
Your chance of getting a hand that's better than the dealer's is roughly 44%. The dealer's chance to win is around 56%. Knowing these numbers can help you decide whether to play or fold when evaluating your hand.
For the Pair Plus bets, the odds vary depending on the specific hand you're wondering about. For instance, the odds of getting a Pair are about 16%, while getting a Straight is about 3%, and a Straight Flush is less than 1%.
What Is The House Edge In 3 Card Poker?
The house edge is the casino's advantage over players in the long run. In Three Card Poker, the house edge for the Ante and Play bets is about 3.37%. This means that for every £100 wagered, the casino expects to make around £3.37 on average.
For the Pair Plus bet, the house edge is slightly higher at around 7.28%. This reflects the lower odds of winning this bet but it is balanced with the potentially bigger payouts if you win.
Understanding these odds and house edges can help you manage your expectations and make more informed decisions if you choose to play Three Card Poker.
3 Card Poker FAQs
Is 3 Card Poker a Good Game?
Yes, Three Card Poker is a great game for both new and experienced players. Its simple rules and fast pace make it easy to learn and play. Plus, there are various betting options to keep the game exciting.
Where Can You Play 3 Card Poker?
You can play Three Card Poker in many online casinos as well as in many land-based casinos. Look for the game in the table games section of your favourite online casino or ask at the casino pit in a physical venue.
Can You Play 3 Card Poker For Real Money?
Absolutely. Three Card Poker is available for real money play at many online and land-based casinos. Just make sure to choose a reputable casino that is licensed and regulated by the relevant governing body, such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.
What Are The Best Hands In 3 Card Poker?
In Three Card Poker, the best hands you can make are a Straight Flush, a Three-of-a-Kind, and a Straight.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.