How To Play Three Card Poker: Easy Rules And Strategy

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Essential Rules and Tips for Success in Three Card Poker

If you’re looking for a fun and easy poker game to try with friends or at a casino, Three Card Poker is a great choice. It’s quick, simple to learn, and you don’t play against other players you play against the dealer. That’s what makes it different from most poker games. It’s kind of like Blackjack but with poker hands and no card exchanges.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about this exciting game, step-by-step.

What Is Three Card Poker?

Three Card Poker is a fast-paced poker variation that uses only three cards per player instead of five. The goal is simple: beat the dealer’s hand. Since there are only three cards in play per hand, the rankings are a little different from classic poker games.

You’ll need just:

• A 52-card deck
• Chips or something to bet with
• 2 or more players (one acts as dealer)

Hand Rankings in Three Card Poker

The poker hands in this game are slightly different. For example, a straight beats a flush, which is the opposite in traditional poker. Here’s how the hands rank, from best to worst:

1. Straight Flush – Three cards in order, same suit (like 9-10-J of Spades)
2. Three of a Kind – All cards the same rank (like 8-8-8)
3. Straight – Three cards in a row (any suit)
4. Flush – Three cards of the same suit (any order)
5. Pair – Two cards of the same rank
6. High Card – No matching cards or sequence; highest card wins

Placing Bets in Three Card Poker

Before cards are dealt, players place bets. You have a few betting options:

• Ante – This is your main bet to play against the dealer.
• Pair Plus – You bet that your hand will have a pair or better. The dealer’s hand doesn’t matter here.
• Six Card Bonus – You try to make the best five-card hand using your 3 cards plus the dealer’s 3. This is optional.

Note: Different casinos may have slightly different rules, so always check before you start playing.

Dealing the Cards

Once all bets are made:

• The dealer gives three cards to each player, including themselves.
• All cards are dealt face down.
• Players can look at their own cards.

Playing the Hand

Now players decide whether to fold or continue playing:

• If you fold, you lose your ante and side bets.
• If you choose to play, you place a Play bet, equal to your Ante bet.

The dealer then reveals all hands.

To qualify, the dealer needs a Queen high or better.

Results:

• If the dealer doesn’t qualify, the player gets 1:1 on the Ante, and the Play bet is a push (returned).
• If the dealer qualifies and you beat their hand, you win 1:1 on both Ante and Play.
• If the dealer wins, you lose both bets.
• If it’s a tie, all bets are returned.

Ante Bonus Payouts

You may get a bonus if your hand is strong no extra bet is needed for this:

• Straight Flush – Pays 5:1
• Three of a Kind – Pays 4:1
• Straight – Pays 1:1

Pair Plus Payouts

If you made the Pair Plus bet and get a strong hand, you win even if you fold. Dealer’s cards don’t matter. Some typical payouts:

• Pair – 1:1
• Flush – 3:1
• Straight – 6:1
• Three of a Kind – 30:1
• Straight Flush – 40:1
• Mini Royal (A-K-Q same suit) – 50:1 or more in some casinos

Six Card Bonus

This side bet uses your three cards and the dealer’s three to create a five-card hand. Payouts vary, but here’s a sample list:

• Three of a Kind – 8:1
• Straight – 9:1
• Flush – 15:1
• Full House – 20:1
• Four of a Kind – 100:1
• Straight Flush – 200:1
• Royal Flush – 1,000:1

Basic Strategy for Three Card Poker

Here are some simple tips to improve your odds:

• Play hands that are Q-6-4 or better.
• Always play hands with an Ace or King.
• Don’t skip Pair Plus it can pay off big with one lucky hand.
• In some variations, if you see one of the dealer’s cards and it’s Jack or lower, make the Play bet.

How It Compares to Other Poker Games

Three Card Poker is simpler and quicker, making it great for beginners or casual play.

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