How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker Online
What Is Texas Hold’em? At its core, Texas Hold’em is a community card game where players combine two “hole cards”
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.
Three Card Poker Rules & Basics
The fundamentals of Three-Card Poker are good for beginners to know. Take a second to tackle the core concepts of the game and how it differs from other poker variants.
What is Three Card Poker?
3 Card Poker is a casino table game invented by Derek Webb in 1994 and later licensed to Shuffle Master (now Light & Wonder). The goal is simple: to make the best possible poker hand with just three cards. The game requires only one betting decision after the cards are dealt, making it ideal for online platforms where quick rounds are preferred.
Unlike traditional poker games, there are no community cards, no multiple betting rounds, and only one real decision point: whether to fold or play once you’ve seen your hand.
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.
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. |
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.
Hand Rankings and Winning Combinations
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 %).
Payout Structure
If you win and the dealer qualifies you get a 1:1 payout on both your ante and play bets. If you win without the dealer qualifying, then you only get a 1:1 payout on your ante, and your play bet is returned to your bankroll.
Beyond that, many casinos payout a bonus for stronger hands. Here’s the typical bonus and side bet payout structure.
| Hand Type | Ante Bonus | Pair Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Flush | 5 to 1 | 40 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | 4 to 1 | 30 to 1 |
| Straight | 1 to 1 | 6 to 1 |
| Flush | — | 3 to 1 |
| Pair | — | 1 to 1 |
Note: Pay tables for Pair Plus and the 6-Card Bonus can vary. Always verify the specific payouts at your casino of choice.
Basic Strategy Guide
A solid strategy is essential for maximizing your chances of winning in 3 Card Poker. This section provides guidelines for making informed decisions.
When to Play vs. Fold
The mathematically optimal strategy is to make the Play bet with Q-6-4 or better and fold with anything lower.
| Hand Strength | Action | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Q-6-4 or higher | Play | This threshold minimizes the house edge (~3.37 % on the Ante/Play combined). |
| Lower than Q-6-4 | Fold | Lower hands are statistically unprofitable against the dealer’s qualifying range. |
| Pair or better | Play | High probability of beating dealer and may trigger Pair Plus or Ante Bonus payouts. |
Optimal Playing Guidelines
- Follow the Q-6-4 rule without exception.
- Decide in advance whether the higher house edge of Pair Plus suits your risk tolerance.
- Use the 6-Card Bonus sparingly due to its much higher house edge.
- Establish a session bankroll and a loss limit before you begin.
- Practice with free-play versions to get comfortable with hand rankings and the pace of the game.
- Gamble responsibly—treat all casino poker games as entertainment rather than an income source.
Advanced Tips and Techniques
For those looking to elevate their game, advanced strategies and techniques can provide an edge.
Bankroll Management
- Set a budget for each session and stick to it.
- Limit individual wagers to a small percentage of your total bankroll.
- Take periodic breaks to avoid fatigue.
- Never chase losses; once your pre-set loss limit is reached, end the session.
- Maintain a log of your playing sessions to analyze performance over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common issues and you’ll walk away from the table better off.
| Mistake Description | How to Correct It |
|---|---|
| Overbetting | Keep wagers proportional to bankroll; avoid “all-in” impulses. |
| Misunderstanding odds | Study hand probabilities and pay tables before playing. |
| Playing every hand | Fold suboptimal hands (< Q-6-4). |
| Chasing losses | Accept variance; use predetermined stop-loss limits. |
| Neglecting basic strategy | Memorize and apply the Q-6-4 threshold consistently. |
| Betting every side bet | Select side bets judiciously, mindful of their higher house edge. |
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!
Learn About Other Poker Games
How to Play Omaha Poker
Basic Rules and Hand Formation The core rules of Pot Limit Omaha are straightforward, especially if you’re familiar with other
How to Play 7 Card Stud
Understanding 7 Card Stud Basics In 7 Card Stud, each player eventually receives seven cards; three face down and four
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.
