3 Card Poker

3 Card Poker is one of the most popular poker variations found in casinos, known for its simplicity and fast-paced gameplay. Unlike traditional poker games where players compete against each other, in 3 Card Poker, the player competes directly against the dealer. The game uses standard poker hand rankings but is streamlined with only three cards dealt to each player and the dealer.

In this guide, we will walk you through the basic rules, gameplay, and strategies of 3 Card Poker so you can confidently sit down at the table and enjoy the game.

Objective of 3 Card Poker

The goal of 3 Card Poker is simple: to make the best possible poker hand using just three cards and beat the dealer’s hand. There are two primary ways to play the game: Pair Plus and Ante-Play. Players can choose to participate in either or both bets, each offering different payouts and objectives.

Game Setup

3 Card Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck. Before the cards are dealt, players must place their initial bets. The game revolves around two main betting options:

1. Ante Bet: This is the primary wager made against the dealer. Players place an ante bet if they want to play against the dealer’s hand.
2. Pair Plus Bet: This is an optional bet that pays based on the strength of the player’s hand. The player doesn’t have to beat the dealer to win this bet — it only depends on their hand.

How to Play 3 Card Poker

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a typical round of 3 Card Poker is played:

1. Placing Bets

Players must decide whether they want to place an Ante Bet, a Pair Plus Bet, or both. Once the bets are placed, the dealer proceeds to deal the cards.

• Ante Bet: This bet is placed to compete against the dealer.
• Pair Plus Bet: This is a side bet that pays if the player is dealt a pair or better, regardless of what the dealer’s hand is.

2. Dealing the Cards

Each player and the dealer are dealt three cards face-down. Players can look at their cards, but the dealer’s cards remain hidden until the end of the round.

3. Play or Fold

After viewing their cards, players who placed an ante bet must decide whether to play or fold.

• Play: To continue the game and compete against the dealer’s hand, the player must place a play bet equal to their ante bet.
• Fold: If the player believes they can’t beat the dealer’s hand, they can fold, forfeiting their ante bet.

4. Dealer Qualification

Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their cards. For the dealer to qualify, they must have a hand that includes at least a Queen-high or better.

• If the dealer doesn’t qualify, players who haven’t folded automatically win their ante bet, and their play bet is returned.
• If the dealer does qualify, the player’s hand is compared to the dealer’s hand to determine the winner.

Hand Rankings in 3 Card Poker

The hand rankings in 3 Card Poker are slightly different from standard poker games because only three cards are used. Here’s a quick breakdown of the hand rankings from highest to lowest:

1. Straight Flush: Three consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 5-6-7 of spades).
2. Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., 8-8-8).
3. Straight: Three consecutive cards of different suits (e.g., 4-5-6).
4. Flush: Three cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
5. Pair: Two cards of the same rank (e.g., K-K).
6. High Card: The highest card in your hand when no other hand is made.

Winning and Payouts

Once all hands are revealed, there are different ways to win in 3 Card Poker depending on the bets placed.

1. Ante and Play Payouts

If the dealer qualifies and the player’s hand is stronger, both the ante and play bets pay even money (1:1). If the dealer’s hand is stronger, the player loses both the ante and play bets.

If the dealer does not qualify, the player wins even money on the ante bet, and the play bet is a push (returned to the player).

2. Ante Bonus

Players who place an ante bet are also eligible for an ante bonus, which is paid out based on the strength of their hand, regardless of whether they win or lose against the dealer. The ante bonus payout structure typically looks like this:

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

3. Pair Plus Payout

The Pair Plus bet pays out based on the strength of the player’s hand, regardless of what the dealer has. The payout structure can vary slightly from casino to casino, but a typical payout table for the Pair Plus bet might look like this:

• Straight Flush: 40:1
• Three of a Kind: 30:1
• Straight: 6:1
• Flush: 4:1
• Pair: 1:1

Strategy Tips for 3 Card Poker

While 3 Card Poker is a simple game, there are a few strategies that can help improve your odds of winning:

1. Play Hands of Q-6-4 or Better: A common strategy in 3 Card Poker is to play hands where the highest card is a Queen or better. Specifically, many players use the guideline of continuing with hands that are Q-6-4 or higher. This improves the chances of beating the dealer when they qualify.
2. Avoid Chasing the Pair Plus Bet: While the Pair Plus bet offers the chance for big payouts, it also has a higher house edge than the ante bet. Use it sparingly as it doesn’t guarantee wins, even if the payouts are tempting.
3. Know When to Fold: If your hand is below the Q-6-4 threshold, it’s often better to fold rather than risk additional losses by making the play bet.
4. Bet Conservatively: Since the house edge is relatively low on the ante and play bets, sticking to these can offer a more consistent experience with better odds than chasing big Pair Plus payouts.

Conclusion

3 Card Poker is a thrilling and easy-to-learn casino game that offers a perfect balance of strategy and luck. With its simple hand rankings and straightforward betting structure, players can enjoy the fast-paced action while also having the chance to win big, especially with optional side bets like Pair Plus.

By following the rules outlined in this guide and adopting a few basic strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy this exciting game at the casino table.

You can find some tips on how to win here: