How to Play 3 Card Poker and Win

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Three card poker is one of the most popular and well-known poker variations in the world. Some people learned about the 3 card poker from GTA 5, while others played the game in local and online casinos.  Unlike other casino games, three card poker isn’t based on pure luck – it requires basic knowledge of combinations and betting strategy. Today we are going to learn how to play 3 card poker and win. 

Betting time

Before the cards are dealt, a player needs to place a bet. Each house sets up the minimum and maximum bets. For example, if a minimum bet is $3 and the maximum is $100, a player can place any amount in between. There are three different types of bets, and each one has different payouts.

The first betting option is to place a wager on a pair plus. Here, the goal is to draw a pair or higher, so the player is betting on their own cards, and not against the house or dealer.

A second betting option requires two minimum wagers, which means that the minimum bet increases from $3 to $6. In order to bet against the dealer, the player should place an ante bet. The ante goes hand in hand with the play bet. After the player puts the ante, both the player and the dealer receive their cards. The player can then take a look at their cards and decide if they like them. Then, they put a second wager – the play bet. Keep in mind that the ante bet should always be equal to the play bet. There also is a blind betting option – when the player wants to try their luck and places wager before checking their cards.

A third betting type is basically a combination of the first and the second one. The player places three wagers – the pair plus, ante and play bets, so the minimum bet increases from $3 to $9. As in the previous case, an ante should always match the play bet. However, the pair plus can be any amount within the minimum and maximum range. If the player decides to fold, the dealer takes both the ante and pair plus wagers.

Poker hand rankings 

In order to play three card poker, you will need to learn a few combinations. Each combination consists of three cards, ranked by the value and suit of each card:

High card – if all three cards have different suits and values, then the highest-ranking card becomes a high card. For instance, if the Queen is the highest-ranking card, then it’s a Queen high.

Pair – two cards of the same value.

Flush – three cards of the same suit.

Straight – a consecutive sequence of cards of different suits. If both the dealer and the player have straight, then the higher straight wins. The combination of the Ace, King, and Queen is the highest straight, while the combination of the Ace, Two, and Three is the lowest.

Three of a kind – a combination of three cards of the same value, for example, three Sixes.

Straight flush –  a combination of two above-mentioned hands – a sequence of three cards which are all in the same suite. A straight flush is the ultimate winning hand.

How to play 3 card poker

Now, when you have learned some basics about the three card poker rankings and betting, it’s time to take a look at the gaming process. In both online and offline versions of a game, the deck is shuffled automatically.

After the ante and/or the pair plus are placed, the player can reveal their cards. Then, they must decide if they want to fold or call. If a player decides to fold, then they lose their bets. It is advised to call if you have anything higher than the Queen, Six and Four. In case a player decides to continue, they must put a play bet, equal to the ante.

Now comes the interesting part. After the dealer turns their cards over, it is time to compare. The dealer qualifies with a Queen or higher. In case the dealer’s highest card is a Jack, a player wins even money on their ante and their play bet gets pushed. An ante bonus is paid if the player qualifies.

If the dealer has a Queen or higher, but the player has a better hand, then both the ante and the play wagers are paid 1 to 1.

If the dealer has a better hand, they receive both the play and the ante bets. However, the player can still get a pair plus payout, if they have a pair or higher.

If the player and the dealer have the same cards, then both the ante and the play wagers get a push.

Three card poker payouts

Pair plus payouts:

Straight flush: 40 to 1

Three of a kind: 30 to 1

Straight: 6 to 1

Flush: 3 to 1

Any pair: 1 to 1

Ante bonus payouts:

Straight Flush: 5 to 1

Three of a Kind: 4 to 1

Straight: 1 to 1

If you have made it up to this paragraph, you are already a Three card poker professional. The game’s rules are easy to follow, so you can stay relaxed and concentrated while playing. Online gambling sites in the US provide a variety of Three Card Poker options in multiple settings and designs.  For instance,  888casino has a great version of 3 card poker, with up to $100 welcome bonus. You can also play almost risk-free on the 32Red Casino website, as they have a 150% match bonus.  You can also check out our reviews on 32Red Casino and 888casino.

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