There are many casino poker variants to choose from, but unquestionably, three card poker is among the most fast-paced and thrilling. This essential guide takes you through everything you need to know; we breakdown the rules of 3 card poker and explain how to play the game. Plus, we cover all the side bets, bonuses, and payouts; and reveal the perfect three-card poker strategy.
How to play three card poker
The important elements of creating great casino poker games are to firstly make the rules easy to understand, and secondly, the payouts have to be appealing to players. Derek Webb, the game's inventor, combines these factors to a tee. Learning the basics of how to play three card poker only takes a minute or two.
The following are the traditional rules for a game of Three-Card Poker: Play begins with the player making up to two wagers. The first is known as the Ante, and the second is known as the Pair Plus wager. Both of these are optional bets in some casinos, while others require the Ante wager to be made.
This payout is unrelated to the strength of the dealer's hand. If the player has a pair or better, then they receive a Pair Plus Bonus according to the chart included later in this article. Otherwise, the house collects this amount. Hand Order in Three-Card Poker. The following is the ranking for hands in 3-Card Poker. For example a payout of -1 represents the player losing their bet, 0 represents a push, 1 represents even money and in general a number represents odds of number to 1. A negative house advantage means that the player has the advantage. Three Card Poker - Pair Plus Analysis; 3-Card Poker Hand Frequency; Three Card Poker - Standard.
Of course, you want to refine your play with a proven strategy, but we'll get to that part later. For now, let's explain 3 card poker rules and guide you through the gameplay.
Three card poker rules
Once you know the rules, you'll be well on your way to being able to play 3 card poker online. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck. Here's a step-by-step guide to a single round.
- To begin a round, the player must place an ante bet.
- The dealer then deals three cards to the player, which are face-up, and three cards to himself, which are face down.
- Based on the three cards, the player can either fold the hand or continue by placing a play bet.
- If the player folds, he loses the original ante bet wager.
- If he continues, the cost of the play bet is equal to the ante bet.
- Assuming the player continues, the dealer turns over his three cards.
- The dealer's hand needs to be at least Queen high to qualify.
- If the dealer's hand doesn't qualify, the player wins even money (1:1) on the ante bet, but the play bet is pushed (returned).
- When the dealer does qualify; the player's hand is compared to the dealer's hand. The winner is determined according to the order of 3 card poker hand ranks.
- If the player's hand wins, he gets paid 1:1 on both the ante bet and the play bet.
- If the dealer's hand wins, both bets are lost.
- It is possible for the hands to tie. In which case, the ante and play bets are pushed.
- Regardless of the outcome of the round, if the player holds a straight or higher, he wins an ante bonus (as described below).
Poker hand ranks
There's a slight alteration in the poker hand ranks for this game (compared to most other forms of poker). The reason is that you are less likely to hit a straight draw than you are to get a flush draw. This is the ranking order, starting with the highest three card poker hand at the top:
- Straight flush: 3 cards of the same suit in consecutive order.
- Three of a kind: 3 cards of equal face value.
- Straight: 3 cards of mixed suits in consecutive order.
- Flush: 3 cards from the same suit but not in consecutive order.
- Pair: two cards of equal face value.
- High card: none of the above hands, means you only have a high card.
Three card poker odds and payouts
We described the standard 1:1 payouts in the 3 card poker rules outlined above, but those are just one part of this game. The excitement jumps up a few notches because three card poker also includes an ante bet bonus. The ante bet bonus is based purely on the player's three cards. Therefore, you can win this bet but still lose the round.
Ante bet bonus payouts:
- Straight flush: 5 times the ante bet
- Three of a kind: 4 times the ante bet
- Straight: 1 times the ante bet
Pair Plus bet
Before the start of a hand, players can also make a Pair Plus side bet. Again, this wager is independent of the outcome of your game against the dealer. It's based on the 3 cards you are dealt.
Pair Plus bet payouts:
- Straight flush: 40 to 1
- Three of a kind: 30 to 1
- Straight: 6 to 1
- Flush: 4 to 1
- A pair: 1 to 1
Six Card bonus
The six card bonus is another optional side bet, but not all three card poker games offer this wager. It uses the three player cards and the three dealer cards from which you must form a five-card hand that is on the pay table to win.
Pair Plus bet payouts:
- Royal flush: 1000 to 1
- Straight flush: 200 to 1
- Four of a kind: 50 to 1
- Full house: 25 to 1
- Flush: 15 to 1
- Straight: 10 to 1
- Three of a kind: 5 to 1
These poker hand rankings are more traditional with a royal flush being the best possible hand, and the flush payout is valued higher than the straight.
3 card poker strategy
We can categorize casino card games into two types. The first are games of chance, such as baccarat and Dragon Tiger. The others are decision-based games like blackjack, Caribbean Stud, and Casino Hold'em. Three card poker drops into the second type because the player makes a decision after seeing his cards on whether he wants to fold or continue by making the play bet.
All of these decision-based games have an optimal strategy. However, some of these involve studying playing charts, which dilutes the entertainment value of the game when you first start playing. The 3 card poker strategy doesn't bother with such complexities. In fact, you only need to remember 3 cards.
The optimal three card poker strategy for the ante and play bet is QUEEN – SIX – FOUR
This means if your hand is equal to, or stronger than, Q-6-4, you should always raise and make the play bet. What you need to remember is to look at each card separately.
- Start with your highest card. If it's lower than a Queen – you fold the hand.
- If the highest card is a King or Ace – you raise.
- If the highest card is a Queen, you must look at the second highest card. If lower than 6 – you fold the hand. But, if higher than 6 – you raise.
- If the second highest card is 6, you move onto the third card. Lower than 4 means you fold. 4 or higher, and you raise.
House edge
When choosing what casino games to play, you should always consider the house edge. This is essentially the advantage the casino has. The good news is the three card poker house edge is competitive, which is why this game has grown in popularity.
- The house edge for the ante and play bet combination is 2.01% when using the Q-6-4 strategy described above.
- For the Pair Plus bet, the house edge is 2.32% based on the pay table used in our example. This is reasonable value for a side bet.
- The same cannot be said for the Six Card Bonus bet. It has a house edge of 14.36% using the pay table shown. Therefore, even though the royal flush pays 1000 to 1, this side bet will cripple your bankroll over the long-term.
New players should note that the term ‘house edge' is rarely used these days. Instead, the theoretical return to player (RTP) percentage is given. The RTP can be calculated by: 100% – house edge. Therefore, the RTP for the ante – play bet is 97.99%.
Tips for playing 3 card poker
Using our experience, and from talking with other three card poker players, we've composed a few easy-to-follow tips to help you get more from this game.
- Follow the Q-6-4 strategy. It can be tempting to play J-10-8 because the cards are all reasonably high, but this is not smart, and you will end up losing more than you win.
- Check the pay tables before you play. Several software developers have created their own variants, and there is also live 3 card poker. Just because the title of the game is the same, it doesn't mean the pay tables are. This has an impact on the RTP, and you want to play where you get the best value.
- Avoid the Six Card Bonus wager. The RTP for this bet is 85.64%. That means on average (over the long-term) for every $100 wagered, you win $85.64.
- Manage your bankroll. You don't want to play $20 ante bets, and $20 play bets if you only have $100 in your casino account. Look to divide your budget so you can get 50 to 100 hands out of what you have.
- Practice by playing free three card poker games. Most online casinos, after you have registered, will allow you to play in demo mode. This allows you to practice your playing and betting strategy. Please note, you won't be able to play live 3 card poker games for free.
Live three card poker
The award-winning Evolution Gaming, in partnership with Scientific Gaming, has created a spectacular live dealer three card poker game. This brings you all the authentic gameplay that you get in a land-based casino, but from the comfort of your own home.
It should be noted that there is usually a trade-off playing live games. Most of the time, the RTP is lower due to the extra costs involved in operating these tables. For instance, we've read reports that the ante bonus on Evolution's live variant pays 5 to 1, but you need a mini royal flush to claim it.
This title also has the two side bets we talked about above. However, the pay table for Pairs Plus is not identical. Playing live, there is a maximum payout of 100 to 1 for a mini royal. This may appear more rewarding, but the payout for a straight is less, so the house edge ends up being higher. With that said, playing three card poker live is a great experience, and we think it's worth trying even though the RTP is not as high.
Where to play online three card poker
Three card poker may not have the iconic status of roulette or blackjack, but it's catching up in the popularity stakes. Thanks to there being both virtual RNG and live games, you can now find this poker variant in hundreds of online casinos around the world, including:
- 888casino
- PlayOJO
- Mr Green
- Ignition
The decision where to play three card poker depends on what you want from the casino. Each operator has its strengths and weaknesses. Some offer larger bonuses, while others have faster payouts or better mobile apps. If you're looking for your first casino, we recommend checking out our online casino reviews section for an honest point of view. In terms of bonuses specific for 3 card poker; the truth is that there aren't many. You can use a casino's welcome bonus to play, but the wagering requirements combined with game weighting limitations means you are unlikely to score a profit from these offers.
Three card poker – F.A.Q.
To summarize the main points of this article, we've included this general three card poker FAQ.
Is there any strategy to 3 card poker?
Yes, and it's very straightforward. The strategy is Queen – Six – Four. If your hand value is lower than that, you fold. If equal or higher, you make the play bet.
What is the highest hand in 3 card poker?
The highest hand is Ace – King – Queen of the same suit. This is known as a mini royal. There are no trump suits in three card poker.
Do I play against other players?
No, three card poker is a player vs dealer game. If you play live, you can play alongside other players although each of you has to take on the dealer.
Can I play free 3 card poker?
Yes, nearly all online casinos that offer an RNG version will allow you to play free 3 card poker in practice mode.
Three-Card Poker is all the rage on GTA Online. But if you've been struggling to play it, we're here to help. It's easy to play, and once you become good at it, you could exploit your skills in online casinos and play the game for real money. But before then, here's how to play it.
A Bit of Context
The award-winning Evolution Gaming, in partnership with Scientific Gaming, has created a spectacular live dealer three card poker game. This brings you all the authentic gameplay that you get in a land-based casino, but from the comfort of your own home.
It should be noted that there is usually a trade-off playing live games. Most of the time, the RTP is lower due to the extra costs involved in operating these tables. For instance, we've read reports that the ante bonus on Evolution's live variant pays 5 to 1, but you need a mini royal flush to claim it.
This title also has the two side bets we talked about above. However, the pay table for Pairs Plus is not identical. Playing live, there is a maximum payout of 100 to 1 for a mini royal. This may appear more rewarding, but the payout for a straight is less, so the house edge ends up being higher. With that said, playing three card poker live is a great experience, and we think it's worth trying even though the RTP is not as high.
Where to play online three card poker
Three card poker may not have the iconic status of roulette or blackjack, but it's catching up in the popularity stakes. Thanks to there being both virtual RNG and live games, you can now find this poker variant in hundreds of online casinos around the world, including:
- 888casino
- PlayOJO
- Mr Green
- Ignition
The decision where to play three card poker depends on what you want from the casino. Each operator has its strengths and weaknesses. Some offer larger bonuses, while others have faster payouts or better mobile apps. If you're looking for your first casino, we recommend checking out our online casino reviews section for an honest point of view. In terms of bonuses specific for 3 card poker; the truth is that there aren't many. You can use a casino's welcome bonus to play, but the wagering requirements combined with game weighting limitations means you are unlikely to score a profit from these offers.
Three card poker – F.A.Q.
To summarize the main points of this article, we've included this general three card poker FAQ.
Is there any strategy to 3 card poker?
Yes, and it's very straightforward. The strategy is Queen – Six – Four. If your hand value is lower than that, you fold. If equal or higher, you make the play bet.
What is the highest hand in 3 card poker?
The highest hand is Ace – King – Queen of the same suit. This is known as a mini royal. There are no trump suits in three card poker.
Do I play against other players?
No, three card poker is a player vs dealer game. If you play live, you can play alongside other players although each of you has to take on the dealer.
Can I play free 3 card poker?
Yes, nearly all online casinos that offer an RNG version will allow you to play free 3 card poker in practice mode.
Three-Card Poker is all the rage on GTA Online. But if you've been struggling to play it, we're here to help. It's easy to play, and once you become good at it, you could exploit your skills in online casinos and play the game for real money. But before then, here's how to play it.
A Bit of Context
Three-Card Poker arrived on GTA online in July this year after Rockstar officially opened the Diamond Casino & Resort establishment. If you haven't relished GTA for months, you can remember the casino with a sign that always read 'Opening Soon.'
It's now open and equipped with casino games offered in real-life gambling establishments. What's more, you can play the games using a new currency introduced at the same time as the casino. When you visit the joint, you must purchase playing credits before you can begin to play any games.
The starter's pack costs GTA$500 and awards you 5000 casino chips. You purchase them through a few commands on the on-screen prompt. Alternatively, you can visit the cashier booth on the ground floor to acquire bonuses or purchase more chips.
Similar to regular casinos, there are limits on how many chips purchase you can purchase per day. The game sets its limits at 20,000 chips. There's also a VIP membership, but you need to buy a penthouse to join the prestigious program.
Where to find 3 Card Poker
Three Card Poker looks complicated to beginners. And compared to most casino games on GTA online, it takes some time before you can comprehend it. On the bright side, it's one of the best gambling games in the casino. Even with minimal skills, you can quickly make one million dollars within an hour.
So, how's the game played?
Whether you play against the dealer or fellow players, three-card poker is played with one deck. In GTA, you compete against a dealer who stands in front of a customized table. Rockstar did an incredible job of replicating a real casino.
The card poker table is elegantly designed and features logos and features you find in Las Vegas casinos. You can also view the minimum bet on a card displayed next to the dealer. You can also increase the bet size if you're in a mood to splurge your loot in the game.
When it comes to rules, 3-card poker is slightly different from most online poker games. Unlike Texas Hold'em where flushes rank higher than straights, the opposite is true in 3-card poker. So, when you land a straight in the game, make sure you up your ante to the maximum.
To be more specific, a straight hand ranks above the flush, pair, and high card. You won't find the two-pair hand in this game, though. Surprisingly, three of a kind ranks higher than a straight. In fact, it's the next best hand just below a straight flush. Don't expect to get a full house or a royal flush also, as the hands don't exist in the game.
Two Ways of Winning 3-Card Poker
You can play the game using the ante-play method or the pair plus option. That applies to all casinos, including the Diamond Casino in GTA Online. To play the first option, all you need to do is place a bet in the ante-play icon. To play using the pair plus option; wager in the respective space.
With both methods, the dealer hands out all players around the table three cards. With the ante-play, you can fold or up your bet as you wait for the next round. It's a different case with pair plus, though, since you only go to the next round if no one wins.
Settling Payments
When it comes to settling payments, you win in ante-play when you produce a better hand than the dealer. There's one exception, though. In case the dealer gets a hand of Jack or lower-value cards, you win and get paid even money.
With pair plus, you don't need to beat the dealer to earn the pot. Producing a pair or a better hand will usually make you the winner. But because they're different kinds of tables, the payout can be different. If you get a flush, you get paid 3-1. A win with a pair earns you a payout of 1-1. A three of a kind win gets you 30-1 while a straight flush lets you keep 40 times your bet size.
Supplementing your 3 Card Poker Income
If you get bored playing three card poker or you don't seem to be winning anything, there are alternative ways to earn money. In the same Diamond Casino establishment, you can play slot machines, bet on horse races or relish other table games like roulette and blackjack.
Slots are the easiest games to play in any casino, and that applies to GTA Online too. The games have a payout of 98.7% in the Diamond Casino, which is impressive by all standards.
With horse racing, there's an event every five minutes. There's not enough data to help you analyze the jockeys in the game, but you can follow the odds given. Horses with low odds have the highest chances of winning. But they also pay out the least amount of money.
If you choose to play roulette, note that you'll be playing the standard American roulette game. It features an extra pocket, for the uninitiated, which makes its house edge a tad bit bigger than European roulette. Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable game, and you won't be using real money, anyways.
Blackjack is arguably the most popular card game in GTA Online. That's because it's easy to play and features straightforward rules. Produce cards whose total value is closest to or equal to 21. And if your hand is better than that of the dealer, you win.
3 Card Poker Payouts Image
To Conclude
Vegas 3 Card Poker Payouts
If you've heard people talk about 3-card poker in GTA Online, now you know how to play it. The game is relatively easy to play and offers some of the most impressive payouts in the Diamond Casino. So, if you want to accrue your GTA dollars, head to the casino and try the game.
