If you’re searching for an easy poker variation, three card poker may be just what the doctor ordered. This straightforward game offers great odds and straightforward rules.
To play the game, each player places an ante wager. The dealer then deals everyone three cards and players then have the option to continue or fold.
Ante bet
An ante bet is the player’s initial wager in three card poker. This small amount of money, usually less than a single poker chip, ensures each player has an stake in the game.
The ante is placed before the dealer deals cards to players. After each person examines their cards, they must determine whether to fold or continue playing.
When a player folds, they forfeit their Ante and any Pair Plus Bonus wager (if applicable). Conversely, if they call or raise, they make an additional play bet equal to their Ante.
The dealer will then deal out three cards face down to all players. Each player must then assess their cards and decide if their hand can beat that of the dealer; if so, they place their cards into a box marked “Play,” signifying they wish to continue playing.
Pair plus bet
The pair plus bet is an optional wager that can be placed on each hand, independent from ante-play. This bet pays the same odds as any other three-card poker combination.
The main skill in Pair Plus is finding pay tables offering competitive odds for winning hands. To do this, one must learn about winning hand frequency and pay attention to both pay table details and odds offered.
In addition to the Pair Plus pay table, many casinos also include an Ante Bonus payout on straights or better. This exciting feature adds even more anticipation to the game.
Pair Plus pay tables are quite popular, but can increase the house edge if players fail to pick the correct combinations. For instance, if you select a paytable that pays 5-1 on straights and 4-1 on flushes, your house edge will exceed 7%.
Side bets
Side bets in three card poker are an exciting way to add some excitement and spice up the game. Plus, they often offer lucrative payouts and give players more chances at success.
The ante bonus and Pair Plus side bets are two of the most popular. These wagers pay out regardless of whether a player’s hand beats that of the dealer or not.
Additionally, many casinos also provide progressive jackpots on these side bets. These payouts can reach six- and seven-figure figures.
When making this additional side wager, players must place their chips in a designated area or otherwise inform the dealer that the extra money is for a Pair Plus bet.
The six card bonus is an optional side bet that matches up the player’s three cards with those of the dealer, creating the best five-card poker hand possible. A five-card Royal Flush triggers the jackpot on this bonus, but other mini-royals in spades and straight flushes are paid out as well.
Rules
Three card poker is an age-old casino game played with a standard deck of 52 cards at a special table. It offers two bet types: Ante bet and Pair Plus bet.
Before the cards are dealt, each player must place an Ante bet and an optional Pair Plus wager. When a player receives his three cards, he has the option to fold or play the hand.
The dealer then turns over both his and the player’s hands, which are then compared against each other. A player wins even money on both their Ante bet and Play bet if they possess the highest ranking three card poker hand.
Three Card Poker follows the traditional poker rankings, with some modifications. Straights beat flushes in this game, and pairs and high cards triumph over low cards.