If you’ve never tried 3 Card Poker before, we have created this comprehensive game guide that will explain the rules of 3 Card Poker, how to play the game and some basic strategies that can be used.
Rules of 3 Card Poker
When playing 3 Card Poker, the goal is to build a better three-card poker hand than the dealer. This makes it unique compared to many other Poker games out there, where you are playing against other players. The game uses a standard deck of 52 cards and regular betting chips.
The house edge for 3 Card Poker is listed at around 3.7%. However, a good strategy can be used to reduce this.
How to Play 3 Card Poker
Playing 3 Card Poker is easy, and it is tonnes of fun. As mentioned, it pits the player against the dealer in a battle to build the best three-card Poker hand. In many ways, the game is a cross between Poker and Blackjack. Below is a step-by-step guide on playing your first games of 3-Card Poker!
- Step 1 – Every game of 3 Card Poker begins with the player making their initial bet. There are three bets on offer to players. They can place the standard Ante Bet, a Pair Plus Side Bet, or both.
- Step 2 – After making your betting decision, you will be dealt your three cards. The dealer will also be dealt three cards, but they will all be face down.
- Step 3 – Now we get to the part where the player needs to make their next decisions. Once your cards are dealt, look at how strong your hand is. If you think your hand is strong, you need to raise and place an additional bet equal to your original Ante bet. If you’re not confident with the hand you have been dealt; you can fold. If you Fold, you lose all the bets you originally placed.
- Step 4 – Once you decide to Raise and place the additional bet, the dealer will reveal their three cards.
- Step 5 – The game will now compare your hand to the dealer’s hand and determine the winner. If the player’s hand wins, payouts are determined from the payout table. If the dealer wins, the player losses all the bets they placed.
3 Card Poker Hand Rankings
Because the game only requires a player to build a three-card Poker hand, the hand rankings are slightly different from traditional Poker. Below is a list of the hand rankings in 3 Card Poker.
- Mini Royal Flush – A Mini Royal Flush has an Ace, King, and Queen. They all need to be from the same suit. This particular hand is only available at some casinos and will not be available in all games.
- Straight Flush – Hand that contains 9, 10, and Jack from the same suit.
- Three of a Kind – A hand made of up three of the same card from different suits. For example, three 7s.
- Straight – Three cards in ascending order, from different suits.
- Flush –
- Pair – A hand that contains two cards of equal rank
- High Card – The hand with the highest-ranked card
Bets in 3 Card Poker
At the beginning of each round in 3 Card Poker, players will need to place their initial bets before any cards are dealt. Players will generally have three different betting options at the start of the round. These are as follows:
- Ante – The Ante bet is always required to play a round of 3 Card Poker. Keep in mind that if you want to win the round, you will need to Raise, which must be equal to your Ante bet. So don’t make your Ante too large.
- Pair Plus Side Bet – This side bet is entirely optional. If you think you will get a pair or better, you can place this side bet in addition to the Ante.
- 6 Card Bonus – The 6 Card Bonus bet is not available in all 3 Card Poker games. It is quite difficult to win, so we don’t recommend placing it often. You are betting that a combination of your hand and the dealer’s hand will create one strong Poker hand.
Winning 3 Card Poker Strategy
As players start to get more familiar with 3 Card Poker, they will start to understand what the best play is in any given situation. While you gain experience, it can be quite difficult to make the right decision. Below we have some helpful hints and tips that you can use when you start playing to guide you to make the right betting decisions.
Generally speaking, the weakest hand you want to raise is a Q-6-4. If your hand is Q-6-3 or weaker, the right decision is to fold. As you gain experience, you can further enhance and expand your strategy. But, while you are learning, remember the Q-6-4 rule to help decide on whether to Raise or Fold.
Guide to 3 Card Poker Payouts
Now it is time to have a closer look at the payouts you can expect when you win. The payout varies significantly depending on the cards in your hand. However, it is also important to remember that the Dealer’s hand needs to qualify for you to receive proper payouts. To qualify, the dealer needs to have at least a Queen in their hand.
If the dealer’s hand does not qualify, you win a 1:1 payout on your Ante bet, and the Raise is paid back to you. If the dealer’s hand does qualify, you win a 1:1 payout on your Ante and Raise amount. However, if you lose, all bets are forfeit.
Side Bets and Bonus Payouts
While the basic payout is 1:1, you also get bonus payouts for side bets or strong hands. We’ve put together two separate tables for side bet payouts, as well as Ante Bonus payouts. While these payouts are the most common, some casinos have made changes.
Check out 4 Card Poker as well!
Pair Plus Side Bet Payouts
| Hand | Payout |
| Mini Royal Flush (Not available at all casinos) | 80:1 |
| Straight Flush | 40:1 |
| Three of a Kind | 30:1 |
| Straight | 6:1 |
| Flush | 4:1 |
| One Pair | 1:1 |
Ante Bonus Payouts
| Hand | Payout |
| Straight Flush | 5:1 |
| Three of a Kind | 4:1 |
| Straight | 1:1 |
| Flush | No Bonus |
| One Pair | No Bonus |
3 Card Poker FAQs
What is the best hand in 3 Card Poker?
The best hand in 3 Card Poker is either a Straight Flush or a Mini Royal Flush. However, the Mini Royal Flush is not available at all casino sites.
What are the odds of winning 3 Card Poker?
The odds of winning 3 Card Poker for the player are 44.9%. The dealer has a 55% chance of winning, with a 0.06% chance of a tie. This gives the house an edge of 3.7%.
What are the rules in 3 Card Poker?
The rules of 3 Card Poker are quite simple. Whoever builds the strongest 3 Card Poker hand wins. Players need to place an additional Ante Bet, and then they will be dealt three cards. If they think their hand is strong enough to win, they can Raise by placing another bet equal to their Ante.
Can you win real money in 3 Card Poker?
Yes, you certainly can! All our recommended casino sites that offer 3 Card Poker will permit real money gambling.
Can you play free 3 Card Poker?
Yes, online casinos allow players to try their game library for free, including 3 Card Poker. While you can’t win money while playing for free, it still gives new players a way to test out the game without risking your bankroll.
Is there strategy in 3 Card Poker?
While luck plays a huge role in winning, some strategy is involved. Players should raise if they have a Q 6 4 hand or higher. If your hand is weaker, you should cut your losses and fold. By sticking with this strategy, you should increase your chances of winning more hands.