Online 3 Card Poker | OUSC’s Complete Guide

3 Card Poker is a fast-paced cross between blackjack and table poker. It quickly became one of the most popular casino games for its large payouts and easy to understand rules. Depending on the online casino, you might see the same game called Tri Card Poker, 3 Card Poker, 3 Card Brag, or Poker Three.

In this guide, you will learn the rules, how to play, and basic strategy. We will also give you a list of reputable online casinos that have 3 Card Poker tables for real money.

Top 3 Card Poker Casinos Online

3 Card Poker Rules

Three card poker is easy to learn and fun to play. It’s you against the dealer in this cross between table poker and blackjack. The objective is simply to hold a better three-card hand than the dealer.

Before they dish out the cards, you have to place your wagers. Players have a couple of betting options at most three-card poker tables. You can set either one of these or both at the same time.

Ante & Play Bets

The standard bet is the ante, and you make this wager to see your cards. To match your hand against the dealer, you must raise or make a “play bet” that is equal to your original ante. When you don’t want to play, you can fold and forfeit your ante.

Pair Plus Side Bet

The pair plus side bet is for players who think they will get a pair or better. You can place this in addition to the ante. At some tables, you can play just the side bet. With this bet, the dealer’s hand doesn’t matter, and you’re basically playing alone.

Six Card Side Bet

Another optional side bet you might notice is the Six Card Bonus. Bet on if your cards plus the dealer’s cards will be a strong 6 card poker hand. This bet is generally considered a sucker bet with a high house edge and should be avoided.

To beat the dealer, you need to have a stronger hand. The 3 Card Poker hands are described below in descending order of strength.

You’ll notice that the list above is slightly different than the traditional poker hand hierarchy. Flushes usually beat straights and three of a kind in regular poker games but are easier to get with only three cards. Plus, only some online casinos have a “mini royal flush” for A, K, and Q of the same suit.

As you know, winning is a matter of having the best hand. Depending on the dealer’s hand and the wagers placed, there are a few different outcomes.

The dealer needs to have at least a queen for their hand to qualify. After you ante and raise if the dealer doesn’t qualify, you get a 1:1 payout on only your ante. If the dealer qualifies and you have the better hand, then you get a 1:1 payout on both the ante and the raise. If the dealer qualifies and your hand is weaker, then you lose both bets. A push is a tie when the dealer qualifies, in which case all wagers get returned.

When placing the side bet or getting an outstanding hand, you may qualify for an additional payout. While you may see some slight variation from site to site, the following are the standard paytables.

How to Play 3 Card Poker Online in 5 Steps

Knowing the rules is one thing, but playing a hand is another. The hands are quick, so it’s good to see how the game progresses and what decisions you’ll have to make.

1. Place Your Bets

   You have a couple of options here. You can place a standard ante bet, a pair plus side bet, or both.

2. Three Cards Are Dealt

   Click play, and the cards are dealt. The players will get three face-up cards, while the dealer will get three cards face down.

3. Players Make A Decision

   At this point, you need to decide whether to raise or fold. To continue playing and see the dealer’s cards, you must raise equal to the ante. If you don’t think you can win, then you can fold and lose your placed bets.

4. Completing The Hand

   Once players make their choices, the dealer reveals their cards. There are no further decisions.

5. Winners & Losers Are Decided

   Once all the cards are revealed at the end of the hand, the payouts will be issued.

Basic Online Three Card Poker Strategy

Despite the diverse array of wagering options and associated payouts, the strategy behind playing 3 Card Poker is simple and straightforward. Some people use a training tool to practice. You can play as you see fit, but based on the math, there is a statistical advantage to certain plays.

Raise any hand stronger than Q 6 4 and fold a hand of Q 6 3 or below. The reasoning behind this strategy is simple math. Against any random three-card hand, the minimum you’ll need to have a 51 percent chance of holding a better hand is Q 6 4.

Playing 3 Card Poker Online

Three card poker is a popular online casino game. You’ll be able to find it in some form at most land-based casinos and has even found its way into the smash-hit video game GTA3. Let’s look at the best gambling sites for 3 card poker, options when playing the game, and some of the variations you may come across.

Playing three card poker online has some perks. For one, new players can use certain welcome bonuses. The following list provides you with the best online casinos offering 3 Card Poker games for real money:

Want to get a feel for the table layout and how to place your bets? Play online three card poker for free right here.

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You have options when it comes to playing three card poker. Maybe you want to play on to go or want a more interactive experience. Try out some of these other ways to play online casino games.

Playing at real money casinos online is the only way you can win. The thrill of wagering and winning cash prizes can’t be beaten. Once you know the rules and how to play, give real money games a shot!

3 Card Poker Variations

There are a variety of different games that use the basic gameplay and rules of three card poker to create something new and exciting. These are some of the real money game variations you can find.

These are the major software providers currently spreading a version of 3 Card Poker within their platforms:

You’re Ready To Play 3 Card Poker Online

You have all the resources you need to start playing three card poker online. Now you know the base rules, how to play a hand, and the basic strategy. It could even be your new favorite game. To start practicing, you need to sign up at an online casino. If you still have questions, you can check for answers on our three-card poker FAQ.

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