Three Card Poker is a casino game based on traditional poker, with the main differences being the number of cards used and the fact that, like Blackjack, you’re playing against the house rather than other players.
The objective is simple: to make a better hand than the dealer using only three cards. Unlike games such as Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker uses simpler hand rankings and has a faster pace, making it very appealing to beginners.
In this article, we’ll explain how to play Three Card Poker, focusing on the essentials—from game setup to payouts and ways to beat the dealer.
Three Card Poker: Game Structure
A Three Card Poker table features the following layout:
- Three rectangular spaces in front of the dealer, where they’ll place their cards.
- Three betting areas, labelled Ante, Pair Plus, and Play, in front of each player.
- A payout table.
To start, you place an Ante bet, which is the initial bet to get the game underway.
Once this bet is placed, you’ll be dealt three cards face down. After reviewing your cards, you’ll decide whether to fold (forfeiting the Ante) or place a Play bet equal to the Ante. If you choose to play, the dealer’s hand is revealed and compared to yours to determine the winner.
Please note: In addition to the Ante bet, there is an optional side bet called Pair Plus. To win this bet, you only need to have a pair or better, regardless of whether you beat the dealer’s hand.
This setup makes Three Card Poker unique due to its simplicity and fast pace. With only three cards to manage, it’s a game of quick decisions and straightforward rules, ideal for both beginners and experienced players who enjoy fast-paced casino games.
Three Card Poker Hand Rankings
Even if you know the rules of traditional poker, it’s critical to learn Three Card Poker’s hand rankings, as the hand strengths are different from games like Texas Hold’em or Omaha (although the combinations are similar, they’re only made with three cards, changing its odds).
The unique hand rankings in Three Card Poker, from strongest to weakest, are as follows:
- Straight Flush: The strongest hand, consisting of three consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g. 8♠9♠10♠).
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g. A♠A♥A♣).
- Straight: Three consecutive cards of mixed suits (e.g. 3♥4♦5♥).
- Flush: Three cards of the same suit in any sequence (e.g. K♥2♥8♥).
- Pair: Two cards of the same rank (e.g. 7♥7♠A♦).
- High Card: If none of the above hands are made, the highest card in the hand determines its value (e.g. a K-X-X hand beats a Q-X-X hand regardless of other card values).
Dealer Qualification and How to Win Hands
Another key difference in Three Card Poker is the requirement for the dealer to meet minimum criteria to qualify to play against the player’s hand.
The dealer must have at least a Queen-high hand. If the dealer’s hand doesn’t qualify, the Ante bet wins (paid 1 to 1), and the Play bet is returned.
If the dealer qualifies, both hands are compared. If the player’s hand is stronger, the player wins the Ante and Play bets (each paid 1 to 1). If the dealer’s hand is stronger, the player loses both bets.
Example Scenario
- Let’s say you place a $10 Ante bet and a $10 Pair Plus bet.
- The dealer deals three cards to you and three cards to themselves.
- Your hand is revealed as Q♥Q♦5♣. Since you have a pair, your hand qualifies for the Pair Plus payout.
- You decide to play and place a Play bet equal to the Ante ($10).
- The dealer reveals their hand: 4♥4♠J♦. They qualify to play with their pair of fours, but it’s not enough to beat your hand.
- You are paid for the Pair Plus, Ante, and Play bets.
Round Results
You wagered a total of $30:
- $10 on the Ante
- $10 on the Play bet
- $10 on Pair Plus
Your hand beat the dealer’s hand and qualified for Pair Plus, so you win $60 for a total profit of $30.
Bonus Bets in Three Card Poker
The following bonus payouts are available in Three Card Poker:
- Pair Plus Bet
- Ante Bonus
As mentioned above, the Pair Plus bet only requires a pair or better to win, regardless of the dealer’s hand.
Pair Plus payouts are typically as follows:
- Pair: 1 to 1
- Flush: 3 to 1
- Straight: 6 to 1
- Three of a Kind: 30 to 1
- Straight Flush: 40 to 1
Some casinos also offer an Ante Bonus, which is paid if the player achieves a strong hand without having to place an additional bet to qualify.
Typical Ante Bonus payouts are:
- Straight: 1 to 1
- Three of a Kind: 4 to 1
- Straight Flush: 5 to 1
Please note that these payouts may vary from casino to casino.
Three Card Poker Basic Strategy
The optimal strategy is generally to play only when holding Q-6-4 or better. This approach strikes a balance between risk and reward, giving players the best chance of beating or tying the dealer.
Pair Plus Bet: This simple bet requires no further decision once placed. It’s an easy option for new players.
Those who enjoy high payout chances and are willing to take more risks may find Pair Plus enjoyable and rewarding. However, those looking for a more consistent, lower-risk approach may be better off sticking to the Ante/Play bet without Pair Plus. Many experienced players recommend using Pair Plus occasionally rather than consistently, treating it as a fun add-on rather than a reliable strategy.
Three Card Poker: How to Play - Summary
Three Card Poker is a fun, accessible game that allows players to make strategic decisions with simple rules and the added thrill of bonus payouts. Whether you prefer the basic Ante/Play bets or enjoy the added risk of Pair Plus, the game offers the perfect blend of strategy and luck.
As with other casino games like Baccarat, understanding the rules and managing your bankroll wisely can help you get the most out of your time at the tables.
So, remember these rules, play responsibly, and enjoy the excitement and fast pace of Three Card Poker!
