Three Card Poker is one of the most popular poker-style casino games in the world. It’s much faster than traditional Texas Hold’em or Omaha, and instead of battling other players, you go directly up against the dealer. With easy rules, quick decisions, and optional side bets that can pay huge odds, Three Card Poker is perfect for both beginners and experienced casino players.
What Is Three Card Poker?
Three Card Poker is a house-banked table game based on standard poker, but:
- Each hand uses three cards only
- You play against the dealer, not other players
- There are normally two main bets: Ante/Play and Pair Plus
- Extra bonuses are paid for strong hands, even if the dealer beats you
Because every round is short and simple, the game is ideal for fast-paced casino sessions.
How to Play Three Card Poker
1. Place Your Bets
At the start of each round you can place:
- Ante bet – your main wager against the dealer
- Pair Plus bet (optional) – separate side bet that pays if you make at least a pair, regardless of whether you beat the dealer
Many players make both Ante and Pair Plus, but you can choose either.
2. Cards Are Dealt
- You receive three cards face down
- The dealer receives three cards face down
You may look at your own cards but cannot discuss them with other players.
3. Decide: Fold or Play
After seeing your three cards, you must choose:
- Fold
- You surrender and lose your Ante (and Pair Plus bet, if made)
- Play
- You place a Play bet equal to your Ante
- Your hand will be compared to the dealer’s
4. Dealer Hand Revealed
- The dealer turns over their three cards
- To “qualify”, the dealer usually needs Queen high or better
Then results are settled.
Hand Rankings in Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker uses regular poker hand types, but with a twist in the ranking order.
From highest to lowest:
- Straight Flush (three consecutive cards of the same suit)
- Three of a Kind
- Straight (three consecutive cards, mixed suits)
- Flush (three cards same suit, not consecutive)
- Pair
- High Card
Important difference:
In three-card hands, a Straight beats a Flush, which is the opposite of standard 5-card poker.
Payouts for Ante and Play Bets
After the dealer reveals their hand:
- Dealer Does Not Qualify (below Q-high)
- Your Ante is paid 1:1
- Your Play bet pushes (returned to you)
- Dealer Qualifies
- If your hand is stronger:
- Ante pays 1:1
- Play pays 1:1
- If dealer hand is stronger:
- You lose Ante and Play
- If hands are equal:
- Both bets push
- If your hand is stronger:
Ante Bonus
Most casinos also offer an Ante Bonus paid on strong hands, regardless of the dealer:
- Straight – small bonus (for example 1:1)
- Three of a Kind – higher bonus
- Straight Flush – highest Ante Bonus
These are paid even if the dealer beats you.
Pair Plus Side Bet
The Pair Plus wager is completely independent of the Ante/Play bet. It wins if your three-card hand contains at least a pair, and it does not matter what the dealer has.
Typical Pair Plus paytable (varies by casino):
- Straight Flush – high payout (for example 40:1)
- Three of a Kind – 30:1
- Straight – 6:1
- Flush – 3:1
- Pair – 1:1
If you fold your Ante hand, the Pair Plus bet is still evaluated and can still win.
Simple Strategy for Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker is easy to play, but there is a well-known basic strategy that lowers the house edge on Ante/Play.
1. When to Play vs Fold
The standard recommended rule:
Make the Play bet with Q-6-4 or better. Fold anything worse.
That means:
- If your hand is Q-6-4, Q-7-2, K-high, any pair+, any straight or better, you Play
- If your best hand is below Q-6-4 (for example Q-6-3, J-10-7, 9-high), you Fold
This rule is simple, easy to remember, and very close to optimal mathematically.
2. Manage Pair Plus Carefully
Pair Plus has a higher house edge than the main game, but:
- It can pay big multiples when you hit strong hands
- Treat it as a fun, optional side bet
- Keep the size of your Pair Plus bet small compared to the Ante
3. Bankroll Tips
- Plan for each round to potentially cost 3 units (Ante + Play + Pair Plus)
- Use a base unit that allows a long session without stress
- Set win and loss limits before you start and stick to them
Live and Online Three Card Poker
You can play Three Card Poker in:
- Land-based casinos – traditional felt tables with live dealers
- Online RNG versions – digital cards, fast dealing, low minimum bets
- Live dealer online studios – streamed real tables with professional dealers
The rules are essentially the same, but online versions are great for learning at low stakes before sitting at a physical table.
Is Three Card Poker Right for You?
Three Card Poker is ideal if you:
- Enjoy poker-style hands without complex strategy
- Prefer fast rounds and clear decisions
- Want both main game value and bonus payouts
- Like having the option of side bets for extra excitement
If you want deep strategic play with bluffing and player-versus-player psychology, Texas Hold’em cash games or tournaments might be better. But for a quick, fun, casino-version poker game, Three Card Poker is one of the best choices.