How to Play Three Card Poker | 3 Card Poker Rules
Three Card Poker, also called Tri-Card Poker or Poker 3, has become one of the most popular table games in both land-based and online casinos. It is one of the fastest, simplest casino games you can play. With just three cards dealt, you’ll know right away whether to fold, raise, or score a big bonus.
This guide will provide you with all the information you need to start playing 3 Card Poker confidently. We will cover the basics of the game, explore different betting options, and offer strategic insights to enhance your gameplay.
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What Is Three-Card Poker?
Invented by Derek Webb in 1994, Three-Card Poker was designed to blend poker hand rankings with the speed of blackjack. It’s always player vs. dealer; there’s no bluffing or multi-street betting. That simplicity makes it perfect for both live tables and online casino environments.
How to Play Three Card Poker (Step by Step)
- Place Your Ante Bet: Every round begins with the mandatory Ante bet. This is your entry fee to see cards.
- Optional: Place a Pair Plus Bet: Before the deal, you may also place a Pair Plus wager. This side bet pays out if your hand contains a pair or better, regardless of what the dealer holds.
- Cards Are Dealt: The dealer deals three cards face-down to each player and to themselves. Players look at their cards before deciding how to proceed.
- Decide to Fold or Play: If you fold, you surrender your Ante bet and the hand is over. If you play, you must place a Play bet equal to your Ante to continue.
- Dealer Qualifies or Not: To qualify, the dealer must hold Queen-high or better. If the dealer does not qualify, your Ante bet pays 1:1 and your Play bet is returned. If the dealer does qualify, your hand is compared directly to the dealer’s.
- Compare Hands: If your hand beats the dealer’s, both your Ante and Play bets pay even money. If the dealer wins, both bets are lost. If hands are tied, bets push.
- Bonus Payouts:
- Ante Bonus: Strong hands (straight, three-of-a-kind, straight flush) pay an extra bonus on the Ante, even if the dealer wins.
- Pair Plus: Pays separately on pairs or better, with odds as high as 40:1 for a straight flush.
Three Card Poker Hand Rankings
Knowing hand rankings is crucial for making strategic decisions in 3 Card Poker. The rankings differ slightly from five-card poker because a straight beats a flush.
Hand Hierarchy
- Straight Flush – Three consecutive cards of the same suit (probability 0.217 %).
- Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank (0.236 %).
- Straight – Three consecutive cards of mixed suits (3.26 %).
- Flush – Three cards of the same suit, non-sequential (4.96 %).
- Pair – Two cards of the same rank (16.94 %).
- High Card – None of the above combinations (74.39 %).
3-Card Poker Payouts and Odds
While the rules of Three-Card Poker are straightforward, payouts take a little more explanation because there are two layers of rewards: the Pair Plus side bet and the Ante Bonus that applies to strong hands.
Pair Plus Payouts
The Pair Plus wager is placed before any cards are dealt and is paid entirely on the strength of your own three cards, the dealer’s hand doesn’t matter. Here’s a typical pay table you’ll see in casinos:
| Hand | Example | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Flush | 9♦-10♦-J♦ | 40 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | J♣-J♠-J♥ | 30 to 1 |
| Straight | 4♣-5♥-6♥ | 6 to 1 |
| Flush | 3♠-8♠-A♠ | 4 to 1 |
| Pair | 4♥-4♠-Q♣ | 1 to 1 |
Note: Some venues reduce the flush payout to 3:1 or the straight to 5:1 — this increases the house edge. Always glance at the table printed on the felt or game screen before you play.
Ante Bonus Payouts
When you make the Ante and follow with the Play bet, you can earn an extra payout on premium hands, even if the dealer beats you. This is called the Ante Bonus:
| Hand | Example | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Flush | 9♦-10♦-J♦ | 5 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | Q♣-Q♠-Q♥ | 4 to 1 |
| Straight | 3♣-4♥-5♥ | 1 to 1 |
The bonus is automatic; you don’t need to place another wager to qualify.
Betting Options and Types
Betting is straightforward but offers several options that can influence the game’s outcome and house edge. Understanding these options is crucial for informed decision-making:
| Bet Type | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ante Bet | Mandatory wager placed before any cards are dealt. | Required to participate in the round. |
| Pair Plus Bet | Optional side bet, also placed before any cards are dealt, that pays based solely on the player’s hand containing a pair or better; dealer hand is irrelevant. | Use if you’re comfortable with a higher house edge (~2.32 % with the standard 40-30-6-3-1 pay table). |
| Play Bet | A bet equal to the Ante that is placed only after you look at your cards and decide to continue. | Make this wager when your hand meets or exceeds optimal play criteria. |
For a deeper dive into another form of bet thats found in this game, see our detailed guide on 3 Card Poker side bets.
House Edge at a Glance
- Ante/Play with perfect strategy (Q-6-4 rule): ~3.37%
- Pair Plus (full pay table): ~2.32%
Small tweaks in pay tables (like lowering the flush payout) can push Pair Plus beyond a 7% edge, so check the felt before sitting down.
Bonus Betting Options
Some casinos offer additional wagers such as the 6-Card Bonus and progressive jackpots.
- The 6-Card Bonus involves combining your hand with the dealer's to form the best five-card poker hand.
- Progressive jackpots offer the chance to win large sums with specific hand combinations.
The Best Basic 3-Card Poker Strategy
Seasoned players know that even in a simple casino game, having a plan makes a difference. Three-Card Poker doesn’t require complex math, but following one clear rule can save you money and help you last longer at the table.
A good baseline is: Only make the Play bet when your hand is at least Queen-Six-Four or better.
Here’s how that looks in practice:
- Play if you hold a hand such as Q♦-6♠-4♥ or anything stronger.
- Play any time you have a Queen with a Seven or higher, no matter the third card (e.g., Q♠-7♣-2♦).
- Play whenever your top card is an Ace or King, regardless of the kickers (e.g., A♥-5♦-3♣ or K♠-9♥-2♠).
- Always Play if you’re dealt a winning hand right away — a pair or better, like 8♥-8♦-J♠.
And when should you fold?
- Lay your cards down if your best card is a Jack or lower and you haven’t made a pair or better. For instance, J♠-7♦-3♣.
Memorizing this simple threshold keeps the house edge around 3.4% on the Ante/Play bets and protects you from chasing hopeless hands.
Start Playing 3 Card Poker Online
Mastering 3 Card Poker involves understanding the rules, recognizing the optimal play threshold, and managing your bankroll prudently. By practicing regularly and adhering to mathematically sound strategies, you can enhance both your enjoyment and your potential success. Start playing 3 Card Poker at these reputable poker sites today!
FAQs
There are tons of different places where you can play 3 Card Poker. If you prefer to make a full event out of it, there are tons of casinos around the United States that offer the game. They all have their own distinct set of rules, bonuses and payouts though, so be sure to double-check at each place. There are also plenty of online casinos out there that offer 3 card poker.
Lucky for you we’ve amassed a comprehensive list of guides that cover nearly every form of poker out there. If you want to learn how to play Texas Hold’em, Omaha or Razz, we got you covered. Head on over to our poker games online page to learn more.
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