How to Play 3-Card Poker: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Casino Classic

Aim of the Game

The objective of three-card poker is to have a better hand than the dealer. Hand rankings in 3-card poker differ from five-card poker, with all hands consisting of a maximum of three cards. The ranking of three-card poker hands is as follows:

  • Straight flush: Three cards of consecutive value in the same suit (e.g., Ace, King, Queen of hearts)
  • Three of a kind: Three cards of equal value (e.g., three 10s)
  • Straight: Three cards of consecutive value (e.g., 9-10-Jack)
  • Flush: Three cards of the same suit
  • Pair: Two matching cards
  • High card: Three cards in no consecutive order or matching suits

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing 3-Card Poker

  1. Ante: The game begins with the ante, which is the player’s opening bet placed before the cards are dealt.
  2. Side Bets: Optional side bets include Pair Plus and 6-card Bonus, both of which must be made at the same time as the ante. These side bets offer fixed odds and pay out even if the player folds their hand before placing the play bet.
  3. The Deal: The dealer deals three cards face up to the player and three cards face down to themselves.
  4. Fold or Play? The player checks their cards and decides whether to fold or play based on the strength of their hand. If the player decides to play, they make a second bet on the outcome of the hand, equal in value to the ante.
  5. The Reveal: Finally, the dealer reveals their 3-card poker hand. If the dealer’s hand is queen-high or better, the player’s ante bet is paid out at evens. If the dealer’s hand is worse than queen-high, the player’s play bet is lost.

Ante Bonus

Many online casinos offer an ante bonus that can be won without the need for any additional bet. This bonus is paid if the player makes the play bet and gets a straight flush, three of a kind, or straight from the three cards they are dealt. Ante bonus win odds may vary from one casino to another but are typically the following:

  • Straight flush: 1 in 200
  • Three of a kind: 1 in 40
  • Straight: 1 in 10

Pair Plus Side Bet

The Pair Plus side bet is an optional bet placed at the same time as the ante. It pays out even if the player folds their hand before placing the play bet. The odds for the Pair Plus side bet are as follows:

  • Pair: 1 in 2.5
  • Two pair: 1 in 7.5
  • Three of a kind: 1 in 20

6-Card Bonus Side Bet

The 6-card bonus side bet is also optional and placed at the same time as the ante. It relates to the best five-card poker hand that can be made from the player’s hand and the dealer’s hand combined. The odds for the 6-card bonus side bet are as follows:

  • Flush: 1 in 5
  • Straight: 1 in 10
  • Three of a kind: 1 in 20
  • Four of a kind: 1 in 40
  • Five of a kind: 1 in 500

Conclusion

Three-card poker is a simple yet exciting casino game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. With its straightforward rules and fixed odds, it’s no wonder this game has become a player favorite. Remember to always place your ante and side bets carefully and good luck!