How to Play Three Card Poker: Complete Guide for Beginners
Three Card Poker is a fast, simple, and exciting casino game that combines the thrill of poker, with the accessibility of other casino games like blackjack and baccarat.
It’s one of the few poker games where you play directly against the dealer rather than other players – and this makes it ideal for players wanting to enjoy the action of poker without worrying about the complexity involved with playing against other players.
So, whether you’re sitting at a live table in Auckland’s SkyCity Casino, or playing at a top-rated online casino in New Zealand, learning how to play Three Card Poker is easy once you understand the flow of the game, hand rankings, and betting options.
What Is Three Card Poker?
Three Card Poker was created in 1994 by Derek Webb, and it was released in an attempt to combine the simplicity of a casino table game with the strategy-based nature of poker. Unlike Texas Hold’em or Omaha, which use five community cards, Three Card Poker is played with just three cards, and it’s player-versus-dealer, rather than player-versus-player.
Now, the game’s main goal is to make a better three-card poker hand than the dealer’s, or, sometimes, win based on special bonus payouts. This means luck and probability play a much larger role than long-term strategy, which is what makes it so popular at live and mobile casinos.
There are two main ways to play:
- Ante & Play Bets: With these, you’re competing directly against the dealer’s hand.
- Pair Plus Bets: This is an optional side bet that allows you to bet that your hand will contain a pair or better; regardless of the dealer’s cards.
The Basic Rules of Three Card Poker
Every round of Three Card Poker follows the same format. You start by placing an Ante bet, and, optionally, a Pair Plus side bet. Then, both you and the dealer receive three cards face down. After checking your hand, you must decide whether to Play, which involves matching your Ante bet, or Fold, which involves you giving up your Ante bet.
If you play, the dealer reveals their hand. To qualify, the dealer must have at least a Queen-high hand. If they don’t qualify, you automatically win even money on your Ante bet and your Play bet pushes. If the dealer does qualify, the higher hand wins.
Understanding the Hand Rankings
Three Card Poker hand rankings are different from traditional five-card poker games. Because you only have three cards, straights are rarer than flushes, and they actually rank higher. Below, we’ll look at the order of hands, from strongest to weakest:
| Hand Type | Explanation |
| Straight Flush | Three consecutive cards of the same suit |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank |
| Straight | Three cards in numerical order of mixed suits |
| Flush | Three cards of the same suit |
| Pair | Two cards of the same rank |
| High Card | None of the above |
It’s this unique ranking system that is part of what makes the game so unique from other variations of poker, and understanding it will help you when learning how to play poker for beginners.
Three Card Poker Betting Options
When learning how to play Three Card Poker online, it helps to understand the betting options available:
- Ante Bet: The main bet against the dealer. You must place this to be part of the main game.
- Play Bet: If you like your hand, you match your Ante with a Play bet to continue.
- Pair Plus Bet: A side bet that pays if you get a pair or better, regardless of the dealer’s hand.
- Six Card Bonus: A more unusual side bet, combining your cards with the dealer’s to make the best five-card hand.
The exact payouts vary depending on where you play, but at most top paying casinos you’ll find similar structures.
Basic Strategy for Playing Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker is largely a game of luck, but there is one widely accepted strategic rule that gives you the best mathematical edge:
Always make a Play bet if your hand is Queen-6-4 or better. Fold anything lower.
This simple rule helps reduce the house edge to around 3.37%, making it one of the most player-friendly table games you can find when playing at online casinos in NZ.
However, there are also some other strategy tips to be aware of, including:
- Avoid placing the Pair Plus bet unless you’re having some occasional fun; the house edge is much higher.
- Don’t chase your losses by increasing the size of your bets after a losing streak.
- Look for online casinos that offer bonus payouts for strong hands.
- Always check the paytable before sitting at a table. Some online casinos offer better Pair Plus odds than others.
Payouts and Odds
In most casinos, you’ll find the following standard payouts (although these are subject to change depending on where you play, so always ensure you check with the specific casino you’re thinking of playing with.)
Ante Bonus:
- Straight Flush: 5:1
- Three of a Kind: 4:1
- Straight: 1:1
Pair Plus:
- Straight Flush: 40:1
- Three of a Kind: 30:1
- Flush: 3:1
- Pair: 1:1
You may also, occasionally, see some high roller casinos offering special progressive jackpot versions of the game. These tend to award jackpots when very rare hands, like a mini-royal flush is dealt.
Final Thoughts
Three Card Poker offers the perfect balance between simplicity, excitement, and strategy. Its quick rounds and easy-to-learn rules make it a fantastic option for beginners who want to explore the best casino games in New Zealand – and its wide availability means it’s offered at virtually every online casino in the world!
It’s really easy to understand and get to grips with, too, and once you’ve mastered the basics, you can head into live dealer games or even check out your local land-based casino to give it a play in-person, for real money!
Remember, gambling should always be fun, and never stressful. If you feel things are getting out of hand, check out our responsible gambling section for help and confidential advice.
Gambling is a fun activity that isn't intended to be used for financial gain. Chasing losses and expecting to win are two main behaviors that may lead to gambling addiction with dire consequences on your life. If you feel like you have a problem, stop immediately, read our Responsible Gambling page, and seek help. Problem Gambling Foundation offers free and confidential support to anyone affected by problem gambling in New Zealand.
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