3 Card Poker is one of the most straightforward casino table games, but it can still feel confusing if you are new to it.
This guide explains the rules step by step. You’ll learn how a round unfolds, how the dealer’s hand is judged, the order of hand rankings, and how side bets fit in.
The aim is to give you clear, easy-to-follow information, so you can understand how the game works and why outcomes are decided the way they are.
What Is 3 Card Poker?
3 Card Poker is a modern casino table game where you play against the dealer, not other players. Both you and the dealer receive three cards from a standard 52-card deck, and the stronger hand wins.
Unlike five-card poker, this version uses fewer cards and has simpler rules. Each round is independent, meaning the result of one has no impact on the next.
To take part, you place an Ante bet, which starts the round. You may also place optional side bets, the most common being Pair Plus, which pays if your hand is a pair or better, regardless of the dealer’s cards.
However, not all versions of the game are the same, so you may want to check the paytable and game rules before playing.
How Do You Play 3 Card Poker?
The game begins when you place your Ante bet, and if you wish, a Pair Plus side bet (if available). You then receive three cards, as does the dealer.
Once you’ve seen your hand, you must decide:
- Fold – end your round, losing the Ante.
- Play – continue by placing a Play bet equal to your Ante.
The dealer then reveals their hand. To qualify, the dealer must have at least a Queen-high hand. If the dealer does not qualify, your Ante is paid at even money and your Play bet is returned.
If the dealer qualifies, the hands are compared, with the stronger hand winning. Ties, also known as pushes, can return your stakes.
3 Card Poker Rules Explained
The dealer’s qualification rule is central to the game. A hand weaker than Queen-high does not qualify, and in that case the round ends with your Ante paid 1:1 and your Play bet returned.
When the dealer qualifies, the outcome is decided by direct comparison:
- Win – both Ante and Play are paid 1:1.
- Lose – both Ante and Play are collected.
- Tie – both bets are returned.
Many casinos also offer an Ante Bonus, which can pay out on strong player hands such as straights or better. This bonus is usually awarded whether or not the dealer qualifies, though the exact rules can vary.
Side bets are judged separately from the main game and use fixed paytables.
Hand Rankings in 3 Card Poker
When playing 3 Card Poker, understanding how hands are ranked is important. Unlike traditional five-card poker games, 3 Card Poker uses hands formed with just three cards, and some familiar combinations like a Full House from other styles of poker do not appear. Knowing what counts as a strong or weak hand can help you read each round as it plays out.
Highest to Lowest Hands
In 3 Card Poker, hands are ranked as follows:
- Straight Flush – three consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g. 6, 7, 8 of clubs).
- Three of a Kind – three cards of the same rank (e.g. 4, 4, 4).
- Straight – three consecutive cards of mixed suits (e.g. 2 of spades, 3 of hearts, 4 of diamonds). Both A-2-3 and A-K-Q count as valid straights.
- Flush – three cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- Pair – two cards of the same rank plus one other.
- High Card – any hand not matching the above.
What Beats What?
If both you and the dealer form the same type of hand, comparisons are made card by card:
- Straights – A-K-Q is the highest; A-2-3 is the lowest. Hands cannot “wrap around”, so K-A-2 is not valid.
- Pairs – the rank of the pair is compared first, then the third card (the kicker) if needed.
- Flushes – the highest card decides, moving to the next highest if necessary.
The Ace is the highest card overall, but can also act as the lowest card in an A-2-3 straight.
3 Card Poker Bets Explained
- Ante bet – placed at the start to join the main game.
- Play bet – placed only if you continue after seeing your cards, equal to the Ante.
- Pair Plus bet – optional side bet that pays if your three cards form a pair or higher. It does not depend on the dealer’s hand.
- Six Card Bonus – found at some tables, this combines your three cards with the dealer’s to form the best five-card poker hand, with potential payouts listed on the paytable.
Side bets are optional and judged independently of the main Ante and Play bets. Not every version of 3 Card Poker includes them, so players may want to check the table rules first to see which side bets are available and how their potential payouts are structured.
How Do Payouts Work in 3 Card Poker?
Payouts depend on the bets placed and the version of the game you are playing. Standard rules include:
- Ante and Play bets pay even money if your hand is stronger when the dealer qualifies.
- If the dealer does not qualify, the Ante pays 1:1 and the Play bet is returned.
- If the dealer qualifies, but has the stronger hand, both bets lose.
- A tie results in both bets being returned.
The Ante Bonus usually pays on stronger hands such as a straight, three of a kind, or straight flush, though the exact payout amounts differ between casinos.
Pair Plus is a separate side bet that, where available, can reward higher hands with larger possible returns. For example, a straight flush or three of a kind typically pays more than a flush or a pair.
Not every table includes side bets, and the payout values can vary, so it is important to check the paytable and rules for the specific game you are playing.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.