In 1994, a new variant of poker was introduced. It was called 3 Card Poker (or three-card poker). Packed with exciting features, the gameplay of three-card poker is fast. And instead of playing against other players, it is played against the dealer using a well-structured paytable.
Poker is a game that often consumes hours. However, knowing that there are different types of poker games brings the question of which variant is the right one for your taste. Today’s casino news dives into all the essential information you need to know about 3 card poker, its gameplay stakes, and how to play. Read on!
3 Card Poker: A Quick Game, Quickly Explained
3 card poker is a 52-card deck game played at several casinos. The goal of this game is straightforward: create the finest poker hand you can out of your initial three cards that beat that of the dealer. At the start of each round, you are given three cards, and these cards are all you are to play with. There are no options like hitting or checking.
To determine whose hands are the best, 3 card poker uses hand rankings as a yardstick. This same rule applies in games like the casino hold em (hold’em).
3 Card Poker Hand Rankings
In three-card poker, you aim to have the best hand possible; therefore, knowing the order of hands in 3 Card Poker is crucial. For example, straights are better than flushes in 3 Card Poker. But, in games using five cards, flushes are better than straights. Here is the vital order you should know. From best to worst:
- Straight flush: A straight flush is a hand with three cards of consecutive rank and the same suit.
- 3 of a Kind (Also known as “Trips”): Three of a kind means you have three identical playing cards (e.g., 8, 8, 8).
- Straight: You have a straight if you draw 6, 7, and 8.
- Flush: For example, an A, 9, and 3 of diamonds would all be considered a flush.
- A pair: Two cards of equal value plus one ” kicker” (A, A, and 4).
- High Card: No consecutive order or matching of suits among the cards (e.g., Qc-6s-4d) constitutes a high card.
In terms of high card hands, keep in mind that if two players each have a hand with the same rank (for example, a pair), the player with the higher value of hand within that rank will win (A-A-2 wins 2-2-A since one player has a pair of Aces while the other has a pair of 2s).
Game Rules
3 Card Poker has two distinct betting structures:
In Ante-Play
Here, the goal is to beat the dealer’s hand by creating a poker hand with a higher value than theirs.
Pair Plus
Your goal is to complete a pair or better. The dealer’s hand does not affect the outcome of this wager. While you don’t always have to play the pair plus, the Ante bet is always a requirement.
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3 Card Poker Gameplay
The following gameplay steps happen without taking time.
The Deal
At the start of each game, all players must place an Ante bet. Ante is a poker terminology that means your initial bet to start the game. After this, the dealer deals himself and each player three cards face down.
In-Game Action Play
After the players receive their cards, it is then their turn to act. They can either ” play” their hand or discard it by folding it.
- If the player folds their hand, the dealer wins the player’splayer’s initial Ante. You can “fold” by tossing your cards face-up toward the dealer.
- If the player wants to keep playing, they must place another “Play” bet. Unlike the Mississippi Stud rules, where you can place more than one play bet, you have only one play bet to make here. Often, this amount must match the ante bet.
Winning and Payouts
When gameplay has been completed, the dealer will reveal player cards, followed by their own. This is done online once all play or fold decisions are complete. Then hands are compared, and appropriate monies are collected or paid out.
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Staking Limits
3 card poker tables often have betting limits. Betting limits are set at Three Card Poker tables. However, there are some ground rules. For example, if the table has a $5 minimum ante bet, your play bet will always have to be $10. Pair Plus wager amounts are not necessarily influenced by the Ante and play bets. Note, however, that the minimum bets you can place here varies from casino to casino.
More of this poker variant and others can be found in our American casino guide section, where you can learn all sorts of secrets to start winning your poker table games in no time.
Final Thoughts
Available offline and online, 3-card poker is one to play. We hope this helps explain how to play 3 Card Poker and win! It’s undoubtedly an easy table game to learn; you don’t need a poker cheat sheet. Just keep track of the house rules of the online casino you choose to play. Visit Vegas Aces Casino for the best poker gaming experience.
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