Three Card Poker is becoming one of the most popular new table games. Players are discovering that Three Card Poker is not only easy to play but it is a lot of fun.
The game is played with a single deck of 52 cards. Three Card Poker is actually two games in one. There is the Play/Ante game where you are playing against the dealer to see who has the highest hand. There is also the Pair Plus game where you are wagering on whether or not you will be dealt a pair or better. In most casinos, you can bet on either of the games but some casinos require you to make an Ante Bet in order to bet the Pair Plus portion of the game.
The Play
There are three betting circles in front of each seat. The top betting circle is labeled Pair Plus where the player puts a wager on the pair plus game. Beneath that are two circles labeled Ante and Play for the base game. The game starts with the player making a wager in the Pair Plus and or Ante circle equal to the table minimum.
After all the players have made their bets the dealer will give each player a three card hand that is dealt by the Shuffle Master machine. Play begins with the first player to the dealer’s left and continues clockwise around the table.
Ante/Play
If a player has made a bet on the Ante they must make their decision to fold or play after looking at their hand. If the player folds he forfeits their Ante wager. If the players want to continue they must make an additional bet in the Play circle equal to their Ante bet.
After all the players have made their decisions, the dealer will turn over his three card hand. The dealer needs to “qualify” with a hand of Queen or higher for play to continue. If the dealer’s hand does not contain a Queen or higher all players still active in the hand will be paid even money for their Ante wager and their bet on the Play will be returned to them.
If the dealer’s hand does qualify then their hand is compared to the player’s hand. If your hand beats the dealers hand you will be paid even money for your Ante and Play bets. If the dealer’s hand beats your hand you lose both bets. In the rare event of a tie then the player wins the hand.
The Hand Rankings
Because you are only dealt three cards the hand ranking is a little different than with traditional five card hands. This is because of the mathematical probabilities of making certain hands. The hands are ranked for the highest to the lowest as follows:
Straight Flush. Three cards of the same suit in sequence. Example 6-7-8 of spades.Three of a Kind. Three cards of equal rank.Straight. Three cards in sequence of mixed suits.Flush. Three cards of the same suit.Pair. Two cards of equal rank.High Card. The highest card in your hand.
Ante Bonus
There is a bonus payout on the Ante bet for certain hands and the bonus does not require an additional wager. If you have a straight, three-of-a-kind or straight flush, you will be paid a bonus whether you beat the dealer or not. The bonus payout is paid based on the pay table posted at the table. The payout schedule for the Ante Bonus varies from casino to casino but not by much. For a straight flush, you will be paid 5 to 1 or 4 to 1. For three of a kind, you will be paid 4 to 1 or 3 to 1. For a straight you receive 1 to 1 for your Ante bet.
The payout structure for the Ante Bonus affects the overall house edge on the Ante/Play portion of the game. A payout of 5 -4 -1 has a house edge of about 3.4 percent. While the payout of 4 - 3- 1 has a house edge of 6.8 percent.
Strategy
The strategy for Ante portion of Three Card Poker is very simple. You should fold if you have a hand lower than Queen – 6 -4 and you should continue and make the Play bet if you hand is higher.
To determine if your hand is better than Q-6-4 start with your first highest card and compare it to the Queen, if it is higher you play. You ignore the other two cards. If your first card is a Queen and your second card is higher than 6 you would still play regardless of the ranking of your third card. If it is lower than 6 you don’t play.
Pair Plus
The Pair Plus wager is based only on whether your three card hand has a Pair or higher. It doesn’t matter if the dealer qualifies or even beats you if you have a bet on the Ante Game. If your hand has a pair or better you win. If it does not have at least a pair you will lose. On average you will be dealt a pair or better about 25 percent of the time.
The Pair Plus wager is paid based on the pay table established by the casino where you are playing. Some of the common pay tables along with their house edge are listed below.
Easy and Fun
Much of the popularity of Three Card Poker comes from the simplicity of the game. Since you are not playing against the other players a camaraderie can develop amongst the players as they root and cheer for each other to beat the dealer.
Pair Plus Payout
Common Pay Structures
Hand Type A B C D
Straight Flush 40-1 40-1 40-1 40-1
3 of –a kind 30-1 25-1 30-1 30-1
Straight 6-1 6-1 5-1 6-1
Flush 4-1 4-1 4-1 3-1
Pair 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1
House Edge 2.32 3.49 5.90 7.28
Watch Now: Ranking the Winning Poker Hands
How To Play Four Card Poker
How to Play the Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker Table Game
How to Play Flop Poker
How to Play Let it Ride
Which Casino Games Have the Best (and Worst) Odds?
21: How to Play Casino Blackjack
Texas Hold’em 101
Poker Betting Basics
How to Play 2-Card Poker
Poker Hands - What Beats What
How to Play Five Card Draw
Video Poker Strategy: How to Win at Video Poker
How to Play Blackjack Bonus Bets
How to Play Free Bet Blackjack
How to Play Mississippi Stud
Crazy Pineapple Poker Rules
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LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
Three Card Poker is becoming one of the most popular new table games. Players are discovering that Three Card Poker is not only easy to play but it is a lot of fun.
The game is played with a single deck of 52 cards. Three Card Poker is actually two games in one. There is the Play/Ante game where you are playing against the dealer to see who has the highest hand. There is also the Pair Plus game where you are wagering on whether or not you will be dealt a pair or better. In most casinos, you can bet on either of the games but some casinos require you to make an Ante Bet in order to bet the Pair Plus portion of the game.
The Play
There are three betting circles in front of each seat. The top betting circle is labeled Pair Plus where the player puts a wager on the pair plus game. Beneath that are two circles labeled Ante and Play for the base game. The game starts with the player making a wager in the Pair Plus and or Ante circle equal to the table minimum.
After all the players have made their bets the dealer will give each player a three card hand that is dealt by the Shuffle Master machine. Play begins with the first player to the dealer’s left and continues clockwise around the table.
Ante/Play
If a player has made a bet on the Ante they must make their decision to fold or play after looking at their hand. If the player folds he forfeits their Ante wager. If the players want to continue they must make an additional bet in the Play circle equal to their Ante bet.
After all the players have made their decisions, the dealer will turn over his three card hand. The dealer needs to “qualify” with a hand of Queen or higher for play to continue. If the dealer’s hand does not contain a Queen or higher all players still active in the hand will be paid even money for their Ante wager and their bet on the Play will be returned to them.
If the dealer’s hand does qualify then their hand is compared to the player’s hand. If your hand beats the dealers hand you will be paid even money for your Ante and Play bets. If the dealer’s hand beats your hand you lose both bets. In the rare event of a tie then the player wins the hand.
The Hand Rankings
Because you are only dealt three cards the hand ranking is a little different than with traditional five card hands. This is because of the mathematical probabilities of making certain hands. The hands are ranked for the highest to the lowest as follows:
Straight Flush. Three cards of the same suit in sequence. Example 6-7-8 of spades.Three of a Kind. Three cards of equal rank.Straight. Three cards in sequence of mixed suits.Flush. Three cards of the same suit.Pair. Two cards of equal rank.High Card. The highest card in your hand.
Ante Bonus
There is a bonus payout on the Ante bet for certain hands and the bonus does not require an additional wager. If you have a straight, three-of-a-kind or straight flush, you will be paid a bonus whether you beat the dealer or not. The bonus payout is paid based on the pay table posted at the table. The payout schedule for the Ante Bonus varies from casino to casino but not by much. For a straight flush, you will be paid 5 to 1 or 4 to 1. For three of a kind, you will be paid 4 to 1 or 3 to 1. For a straight you receive 1 to 1 for your Ante bet.
The payout structure for the Ante Bonus affects the overall house edge on the Ante/Play portion of the game. A payout of 5 -4 -1 has a house edge of about 3.4 percent. While the payout of 4 - 3- 1 has a house edge of 6.8 percent.
Strategy
The strategy for Ante portion of Three Card Poker is very simple. You should fold if you have a hand lower than Queen – 6 -4 and you should continue and make the Play bet if you hand is higher.
To determine if your hand is better than Q-6-4 start with your first highest card and compare it to the Queen, if it is higher you play. You ignore the other two cards. If your first card is a Queen and your second card is higher than 6 you would still play regardless of the ranking of your third card. If it is lower than 6 you don’t play.
Pair Plus
The Pair Plus wager is based only on whether your three card hand has a Pair or higher. It doesn’t matter if the dealer qualifies or even beats you if you have a bet on the Ante Game. If your hand has a pair or better you win. If it does not have at least a pair you will lose. On average you will be dealt a pair or better about 25 percent of the time.
The Pair Plus wager is paid based on the pay table established by the casino where you are playing. Some of the common pay tables along with their house edge are listed below.
Easy and Fun
Much of the popularity of Three Card Poker comes from the simplicity of the game. Since you are not playing against the other players a camaraderie can develop amongst the players as they root and cheer for each other to beat the dealer.
Pair Plus Payout
Common Pay Structures
Hand Type A B C D
Straight Flush 40-1 40-1 40-1 40-1
3 of –a kind 30-1 25-1 30-1 30-1
Straight 6-1 6-1 5-1 6-1
Flush 4-1 4-1 4-1 3-1
Pair 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1
House Edge 2.32 3.49 5.90 7.28
Watch Now: Ranking the Winning Poker Hands
How To Play Four Card Poker
How to Play the Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker Table Game
How to Play Flop Poker
How to Play Let it Ride
Which Casino Games Have the Best (and Worst) Odds?
21: How to Play Casino Blackjack
Texas Hold’em 101
Poker Betting Basics
How to Play 2-Card Poker
Poker Hands - What Beats What
How to Play Five Card Draw
Video Poker Strategy: How to Win at Video Poker
How to Play Blackjack Bonus Bets
How to Play Free Bet Blackjack
How to Play Mississippi Stud
Crazy Pineapple Poker Rules
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
Three Card Poker is becoming one of the most popular new table games. Players are discovering that Three Card Poker is not only easy to play but it is a lot of fun.
The game is played with a single deck of 52 cards. Three Card Poker is actually two games in one. There is the Play/Ante game where you are playing against the dealer to see who has the highest hand. There is also the Pair Plus game where you are wagering on whether or not you will be dealt a pair or better. In most casinos, you can bet on either of the games but some casinos require you to make an Ante Bet in order to bet the Pair Plus portion of the game.
The Play
There are three betting circles in front of each seat. The top betting circle is labeled Pair Plus where the player puts a wager on the pair plus game. Beneath that are two circles labeled Ante and Play for the base game. The game starts with the player making a wager in the Pair Plus and or Ante circle equal to the table minimum.
After all the players have made their bets the dealer will give each player a three card hand that is dealt by the Shuffle Master machine. Play begins with the first player to the dealer’s left and continues clockwise around the table.
Ante/Play
If a player has made a bet on the Ante they must make their decision to fold or play after looking at their hand. If the player folds he forfeits their Ante wager. If the players want to continue they must make an additional bet in the Play circle equal to their Ante bet.
After all the players have made their decisions, the dealer will turn over his three card hand. The dealer needs to “qualify” with a hand of Queen or higher for play to continue. If the dealer’s hand does not contain a Queen or higher all players still active in the hand will be paid even money for their Ante wager and their bet on the Play will be returned to them.
If the dealer’s hand does qualify then their hand is compared to the player’s hand. If your hand beats the dealers hand you will be paid even money for your Ante and Play bets. If the dealer’s hand beats your hand you lose both bets. In the rare event of a tie then the player wins the hand.
The Hand Rankings
Because you are only dealt three cards the hand ranking is a little different than with traditional five card hands. This is because of the mathematical probabilities of making certain hands. The hands are ranked for the highest to the lowest as follows:
Straight Flush. Three cards of the same suit in sequence. Example 6-7-8 of spades.Three of a Kind. Three cards of equal rank.Straight. Three cards in sequence of mixed suits.Flush. Three cards of the same suit.Pair. Two cards of equal rank.High Card. The highest card in your hand.
Ante Bonus
There is a bonus payout on the Ante bet for certain hands and the bonus does not require an additional wager. If you have a straight, three-of-a-kind or straight flush, you will be paid a bonus whether you beat the dealer or not. The bonus payout is paid based on the pay table posted at the table. The payout schedule for the Ante Bonus varies from casino to casino but not by much. For a straight flush, you will be paid 5 to 1 or 4 to 1. For three of a kind, you will be paid 4 to 1 or 3 to 1. For a straight you receive 1 to 1 for your Ante bet.
The payout structure for the Ante Bonus affects the overall house edge on the Ante/Play portion of the game. A payout of 5 -4 -1 has a house edge of about 3.4 percent. While the payout of 4 - 3- 1 has a house edge of 6.8 percent.
Strategy
The strategy for Ante portion of Three Card Poker is very simple. You should fold if you have a hand lower than Queen – 6 -4 and you should continue and make the Play bet if you hand is higher.
To determine if your hand is better than Q-6-4 start with your first highest card and compare it to the Queen, if it is higher you play. You ignore the other two cards. If your first card is a Queen and your second card is higher than 6 you would still play regardless of the ranking of your third card. If it is lower than 6 you don’t play.
Pair Plus
The Pair Plus wager is based only on whether your three card hand has a Pair or higher. It doesn’t matter if the dealer qualifies or even beats you if you have a bet on the Ante Game. If your hand has a pair or better you win. If it does not have at least a pair you will lose. On average you will be dealt a pair or better about 25 percent of the time.
The Pair Plus wager is paid based on the pay table established by the casino where you are playing. Some of the common pay tables along with their house edge are listed below.
Easy and Fun
Much of the popularity of Three Card Poker comes from the simplicity of the game. Since you are not playing against the other players a camaraderie can develop amongst the players as they root and cheer for each other to beat the dealer.
Pair Plus Payout
Common Pay Structures
Hand Type A B C D
Straight Flush 40-1 40-1 40-1 40-1
3 of –a kind 30-1 25-1 30-1 30-1
Straight 6-1 6-1 5-1 6-1
Flush 4-1 4-1 4-1 3-1
Pair 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1
House Edge 2.32 3.49 5.90 7.28
Watch Now: Ranking the Winning Poker Hands
Three Card Poker is becoming one of the most popular new table games. Players are discovering that Three Card Poker is not only easy to play but it is a lot of fun.
The game is played with a single deck of 52 cards. Three Card Poker is actually two games in one. There is the Play/Ante game where you are playing against the dealer to see who has the highest hand. There is also the Pair Plus game where you are wagering on whether or not you will be dealt a pair or better. In most casinos, you can bet on either of the games but some casinos require you to make an Ante Bet in order to bet the Pair Plus portion of the game.
The Play
There are three betting circles in front of each seat. The top betting circle is labeled Pair Plus where the player puts a wager on the pair plus game. Beneath that are two circles labeled Ante and Play for the base game. The game starts with the player making a wager in the Pair Plus and or Ante circle equal to the table minimum.
After all the players have made their bets the dealer will give each player a three card hand that is dealt by the Shuffle Master machine. Play begins with the first player to the dealer’s left and continues clockwise around the table.
Ante/Play
If a player has made a bet on the Ante they must make their decision to fold or play after looking at their hand. If the player folds he forfeits their Ante wager. If the players want to continue they must make an additional bet in the Play circle equal to their Ante bet.
After all the players have made their decisions, the dealer will turn over his three card hand. The dealer needs to “qualify” with a hand of Queen or higher for play to continue. If the dealer’s hand does not contain a Queen or higher all players still active in the hand will be paid even money for their Ante wager and their bet on the Play will be returned to them.
If the dealer’s hand does qualify then their hand is compared to the player’s hand. If your hand beats the dealers hand you will be paid even money for your Ante and Play bets. If the dealer’s hand beats your hand you lose both bets. In the rare event of a tie then the player wins the hand.
The Hand Rankings
Because you are only dealt three cards the hand ranking is a little different than with traditional five card hands. This is because of the mathematical probabilities of making certain hands. The hands are ranked for the highest to the lowest as follows:
Straight Flush. Three cards of the same suit in sequence. Example 6-7-8 of spades.Three of a Kind. Three cards of equal rank.Straight. Three cards in sequence of mixed suits.Flush. Three cards of the same suit.Pair. Two cards of equal rank.High Card. The highest card in your hand.
Ante Bonus
There is a bonus payout on the Ante bet for certain hands and the bonus does not require an additional wager. If you have a straight, three-of-a-kind or straight flush, you will be paid a bonus whether you beat the dealer or not. The bonus payout is paid based on the pay table posted at the table. The payout schedule for the Ante Bonus varies from casino to casino but not by much. For a straight flush, you will be paid 5 to 1 or 4 to 1. For three of a kind, you will be paid 4 to 1 or 3 to 1. For a straight you receive 1 to 1 for your Ante bet.
The payout structure for the Ante Bonus affects the overall house edge on the Ante/Play portion of the game. A payout of 5 -4 -1 has a house edge of about 3.4 percent. While the payout of 4 - 3- 1 has a house edge of 6.8 percent.
Strategy
The strategy for Ante portion of Three Card Poker is very simple. You should fold if you have a hand lower than Queen – 6 -4 and you should continue and make the Play bet if you hand is higher.
To determine if your hand is better than Q-6-4 start with your first highest card and compare it to the Queen, if it is higher you play. You ignore the other two cards. If your first card is a Queen and your second card is higher than 6 you would still play regardless of the ranking of your third card. If it is lower than 6 you don’t play.
Pair Plus
The Pair Plus wager is based only on whether your three card hand has a Pair or higher. It doesn’t matter if the dealer qualifies or even beats you if you have a bet on the Ante Game. If your hand has a pair or better you win. If it does not have at least a pair you will lose. On average you will be dealt a pair or better about 25 percent of the time.
The Pair Plus wager is paid based on the pay table established by the casino where you are playing. Some of the common pay tables along with their house edge are listed below.
Easy and Fun
Much of the popularity of Three Card Poker comes from the simplicity of the game. Since you are not playing against the other players a camaraderie can develop amongst the players as they root and cheer for each other to beat the dealer.
Pair Plus Payout
Common Pay Structures
Hand Type A B C D
Straight Flush 40-1 40-1 40-1 40-1
3 of –a kind 30-1 25-1 30-1 30-1
Straight 6-1 6-1 5-1 6-1
Flush 4-1 4-1 4-1 3-1
Pair 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1
House Edge 2.32 3.49 5.90 7.28
Watch Now: Ranking the Winning Poker Hands
Watch Now: Ranking the Winning Poker Hands
How To Play Four Card Poker
How to Play the Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker Table Game
How to Play Flop Poker
How to Play Let it Ride
Which Casino Games Have the Best (and Worst) Odds?
21: How to Play Casino Blackjack
Texas Hold’em 101
Poker Betting Basics
How to Play 2-Card Poker
Poker Hands - What Beats What
How to Play Five Card Draw
Video Poker Strategy: How to Win at Video Poker
How to Play Blackjack Bonus Bets
How to Play Free Bet Blackjack
How to Play Mississippi Stud
Crazy Pineapple Poker Rules
How To Play Four Card Poker
How To Play Four Card Poker
How to Play the Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker Table Game
How to Play the Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker Table Game
How to Play Flop Poker
How to Play Flop Poker
How to Play Let it Ride
How to Play Let it Ride
Which Casino Games Have the Best (and Worst) Odds?
Which Casino Games Have the Best (and Worst) Odds?
21: How to Play Casino Blackjack
21: How to Play Casino Blackjack
Texas Hold’em 101
Texas Hold’em 101
Poker Betting Basics
Poker Betting Basics
How to Play 2-Card Poker
How to Play 2-Card Poker
Poker Hands - What Beats What
Poker Hands - What Beats What
How to Play Five Card Draw
How to Play Five Card Draw
Video Poker Strategy: How to Win at Video Poker
Video Poker Strategy: How to Win at Video Poker
How to Play Blackjack Bonus Bets
How to Play Blackjack Bonus Bets
How to Play Free Bet Blackjack
How to Play Free Bet Blackjack
How to Play Mississippi Stud
How to Play Mississippi Stud
Crazy Pineapple Poker Rules
Crazy Pineapple Poker Rules
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LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
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Home
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Careers
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About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy
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Advertise
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Contact
Terms of Use
EU Privacy
Entertainment
Careers
Activities
Humor
LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
