Updated on: November 27th, 2024
Three card poker is a poker variation that has been around for over 2 decades. The table game was invented by Derek Webb in 1994 and has since become a popular favourite in the US. Players can enjoy 3 card poker games in live casinos and at internet casinos across the states. The poker game is easy to play, and the house edge gives players a good chance at winning. Played at the speed of most casino games, three card poker requires players to be at the top of their game when taking a seat at the table. With a good strategy at hand, players stand to walk away to loads of money.
Like most casino games, learning how to pay the poker game can help reduce the house edge. However, unlike many US based casinos that rely on luck, 3 card poker requires skill when selecting your hand. Before placing real money bets, take some time to play free three-card poker games to practice. In no time, you will be ready to hit the money tables. Learn how to play 3 card poker below.
How to play Tri-Card Poker
In three card poker players are up against the dealer rather than against other players. The game starts once the player places their ante. The card game is played using a 52-card deck. Both the dealer and the player will receive three cards face down. The player will then see their hand and decide to fold or play bet.
If you choose to fold your hand, you will lose the ante and the pair plus wager if it was placed. If you decide to continue playing, you will have to place a play wager, and the cards will be turned face-up, and a winner will be determined. Should your hand beat the dealers your bet will pay 1 to 1 on the play bet, 1 to 1 on the ante, and if the game ends in a tie it is a push.
The hand rankings used in 3 card poker are based on the standard real poker hands with only six hand types used. Based on the nature of the poker game hands such as four of a kind, royal flush and full house fall away.
How to Bet on Three Card Poker
Betting in three card poker is limited to only two types of bets. The bets can be played at the same time using similar or different amounts.
Bet 1: Ante
The ante is the main bet and is also known as play. The ante is the bet you make against the dealer’s hand.
Bet 2: Pair Plus
The pair plus additional wager is a standalone bet made on the hope that you be dealt a hand that has a pair or better. The pair plus bet is paid out according to a pay chart and depends on the hand you hold.
3 Card Poker Bonuses
The poker game has an additional bonus feature that players can take advantage of. The Ante Bonus is paid on the initial ante bet for straight or better hands. Our standard bonus 3 card poker payouts chart looks at the ante bonus and the pair plus bonus. It is essential to remember that the pair plus bet is independent and about double the house edge up to 7% and the chance of losing money in the long term is high.
| Hand Rankings | Ante Bonus | Pair Plus Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Flush | 5: 1 | 40: 1 |
| Three of a kind | 4: 1 | 30: 1 |
| Straight | 1: 1 | 6: 1 |
| Flush | 4: 1 | |
| Pair | 1: 1 |
3 Card Poker Strategy
Three card poker uses a pretty simple Optimal Strategy. The strategy suggests that if your hand has a Queen, six or four or better, on one hand, you should play bet. If the hand is less than that, then you should fold.
The average of hitting a pair plus is about 25% when looking at the odds:
- Straight flush: 0.22%
- Three of a Kind: 0.24%
- Straight: 3.26%
- Flush: 9%
- Pair: 16.94%
As tempting as it may be, making pair plus bets players stand to lose more money making this bet and it increases the house edge.
Other Recommended Poker Guides:
