While there are a lot of online casino games, sometimes you just want a quick and easy-to-learn game. That such game is 3-card poker.
Originally a variation of poker, 3-card poker has become a game of its own. In recent years it has risen in popularity and is now a common addition to online casinos.
The aim is to get the best possible poker hand with only three cards. Due to its wagering system, 3-card poker is essentially 2 games in 1. Them being 3-card wager and pair plus. You can choose to play one or both.
Below we have included the basic rules of 3-card poker, some hand values, and the common payouts you may find.
How To Play
- The player must place an ante wager and/or pair plus wager. A pair plus wager is in hope that you will get a pair or better.
- Next, everyone is dealt 3 cards face down. This includes the dealer. In 3-card poker you are not competing against other players, your hand is competing against the dealers. Despite other people playing at the table, their hands don’t matter to you.
- Now you get to look at your hand. There is no drawing of any other cards, you play with the hand you are dealt.
- Here is where you can decide what to do. You can either play or fold.
- If you decide to fold, then the dealer takes your ante.
- If you decide to play then you must place a wager that is equal to your ante.
- After you play, all hands are revealed to see whose hand is better.
Win Conditions
- If the dealer has a Jack-high or worse, then the wager is returned to the player. This is because the dealer’s hand is too low to qualify.
- If the dealer has a Queen high or better, then the player’s ante and the wager are paid out 1:1 if the player has a better hand.
- If the dealer’s hand qualifies and is better, then you lose your ante and wager.
- If the dealer’s hand qualifies and it is a tie then your ante and wager are returned.
- Your pair plus wager is determined separately from the dealer’s hand.
Hand Values
Similar to poker, 3 consecutive cards are straight whereas 3 of a suit is a flush. However, unlike poker, a straight is worth more than a flush. This is because the nature of only having 3 cards means that it is harder to get 3 consecutive cards.
An ace is always considered high unless it is in a 3 2 sequence.
General Strategy
When it comes to 3-card poker you only have 2 options, play or fold. Despite the limited options, there is still a known strategy to this game. If your hand consists of any greater than a Queen 6 4 including all pairs, then you play it. Anything else you fold. While this strategy won’t allow you to win every time, it gives you better odds of winning.
Common Payouts
The payouts that a winning hand can give you may depend on the casino. Below we have included the most common payouts you will find across 3-card poker.
Pair Plus
- Mini royal (a king, a queen, and an ace) – 50:1
- Straight flush (3 consecutive cards in the same suit) – 40:1
- Three-of-a-kind (3 cards of the same rank, regardless of their suit) – 30:1
- Straight (3 consecutive cards, regardless of their suit) – 6:1
- Flush (3 cards in the same suit, regardless of their rank) – 3:1
- Pair (2 cards of the same rank, regardless of their suit) – 1:1
Ante Bonus
- Straight flush – 5:1
- Three-of-a-kind – 4:1
- Straight – 1:1
6-Card Bonus
Before any cards are dealt you are able to do a 6-card wager. You must also have an ante and a pair plus already set. As the name suggests, this wager involves 6 cards, your three, and the dealers. This bet may not always be offered but if you are lucky it can have large payouts.
This wager is paid based on the best poker hand that can be made out of the 6 cards.
6-Card Payouts
- Royal flush (an ace, king, queen, jack, and a 10 of the same suit) – 1,000:1
- Straight flush – 200:1
- Four-of-a-kind (4 cards from one rank, and then 1 card from another rank) – 50:1
- Full house (3 cards from one rank, and then 2 cards from another rank) – 25:1
- Flush – 15:1
- Straight – 10:1
- Three-of-a-kind – 5:1
Conclusion
Since its inception in 1994, 3-card poker has been praised for its fast-paced games and beginner-friendly nature.
Unlike the physical game, the online version of 3-card poker relies on a random number generator. Some people prefer this as it adds another layer of luck.
Nonetheless, 3-card poker is a fun and easy card game that anyone can pick up and master. Once you play your first game you will be hooked.
So why not give it a go and test your luck.
