If you want to learn how to play 3 Card Poker, there are a few simple rules you’ll need to be aware of. This is one of the simplest variations of poker, so it is a great choice for beginners.
The Basics
Each player has the option to place one of two different types of bets. You can place an ante bet or a pair plus bet. You are essentially betting that the three-card hand you receive will give you at least a pair.
The three cards that each player receives at the beginning of the game are put face down, including the dealer’s. You only have to worry about the dealer’s cards, which keeps things nice and simple.
Making a Decision
Once you look at your cards, you will need to decide if you want to make an ante bet. If you make this bet, you’ll have to fold your hand or call. There is also a Play Bet, which you are required to place if you decide to raise.
You should only make an ante bet if your hand is better than a Four, Six, and Queen. If it is less than that, you’ll want to fold. Keep in mind that if you choose to fold your hand, the dealer takes your ante wager as well as your pair plus wager.
If you decide to bet, the dealer turns their cards over. If you have a better hand than the dealer, you win. You will get back the money you wagered if it turns out that the dealer has a jack-high or worse. If you get a straight or better, you get what is called an “ante bonus”. In this case, it doesn’t matter what the dealer has.
Pair Plus Bets
In three card poker, all pair blus bets have their own unique payouts, which can be particularly enticing to new players. While it might be tempting to make this type of bet, doing so is very risky. The house edge in this case is in excess of two percent. You should always try to play this game in a way that lowers the house edge, which is why taking these bets is not a good idea.
Payouts
If you are going to play three card poker, you should also know about the various potential payouts.
- A Straight Flush has a 40:1 payout
- Three of a kind has a 30:1 payout
- Straight has a 6:1 payout
- Flush has a 3:1 payout
- A pair has a 1:1 payout
There are also the bonus payouts to consider, which include:
- Straight flush is a 5:1 payout
- Three of a kind is a 4:1 payout
- Straight is a 1:1 payout
Final Thoughts
While 3 card poker is very simple and easy to understand, it comes with a decent amount of risk like any other casino game. Avoid placing pair plus bets and don’t make any decisions that will give the house a great edge than it already has.