3 Card Poker
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 under different titles like Tri Card Poker, 3 Card Poker, 3 Card Brag, or Poker Three.
This page explains how to play 3 card poker, the rules, and some basic strategy. We will also give you a list of reputable online casinos where you can play.
If you already know the game, head to our real money three-card poker guide.
Three Card Poker
Everything You Need To Start Playing
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How to Play 3 Card Poker | Video Tutorial
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 to hold a better three-card hand than the dealer.
3 Card Poker Hand Rankings
The 3 card poker hands are described below in descending order of strength. They are slightly different than the traditional poker hand hierarchy. Additionally, some online casinos have a “mini royal flush” for A, K, and Q of the same suit.
3 Card Poker Rules
Before they dish out the cards, you have to place your wagers. You have a few betting options at most three-card poker tables.
Betting Options at the Start of The Round
Ante & Play Bets
The ante is the first wager to see your cards. The “play bet” is equal to your ante and lets you compete with the dealer’s hand.
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.
Six Card Side Bet
The Six Card Bonus Bet is generally a loss. You wager on your cards plus the dealer’s cards being a strong 6 card poker hand.
How a Hand Works
Each round of three card poker has the same flow. These are the steps you’ll go through in a single game.
Place Your Bets
You have a couple of options here. You can place a standard ante bet, a pair plus side bet, or both.Three Cards Get Dealt
Click play, and the cards get dealt. The players will get three face-up cards, while the dealer will get three cards, face down.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.Completing The Hand
Once players make their choices, the dealer reveals their cards. There are no further decisions.Winners & Losers Are Decided
Once all the cards get revealed at the end of the hand, the house issues the payouts.
3 Card Poker Payouts
Three card poker payouts depend significantly on the cards. The dealer needs at least a queen for their hand to qualify.
If the dealer qualifies and your hand wins, you get a 1:1 payout on both the ante and the raise. If you lose, then all bets are lost. A push is a tie, in which case all wagers get returned.
If the dealer doesn’t qualify after you ante and raise, you get a 1:1 payout on only your ante.
Side Bet & Ante Bonus Paytables
When placing the side bet or getting a great hand, you may qualify for an additional payout. While you may see some slight variation from site to site, the following are the standard 3 card poker paytables.
Pair Plus Side Bet Payouts
Some online casinos offer an 80:1 payout for the mini royal flush in addition to the following paytable.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Straight Flush | 40 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | 30 to 1 |
| Straight | 6 to 1 |
| Flush | 4 to 1 |
| One Pair | 1 to 1 |
Ante Bonus Payouts
You may see different ante bonuses, but the payout is usually whenever you make a straight or better.
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Straight Flush | 5 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | 4 to 1 |
| Straight | 1 to 1 |
| Flush | No Bonus |
| One Pair | No Bonus |
Three Card Poker Strategy to Win
The strategy behind playing 3 Card Poker is simple. Some people use a training tool to practice. You can play as you see fit, but particular plays have a statistical advantage based on math.
When to Raise and Fold
- Raise any hand stronger than Q–6–4
- Fold any hand Q–6–3 or weaker
The Best Online Casinos with 3 Card Poker
You can play three card poker online at many top gambling sites. You can play from home and use welcome bonuses and ongoing player promotions to boost your deposits. Based on our reviews, these are the best casino sites offering 3 Card Poker Online.
| RANK | ONLINE CASINO | BONUS | START |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Atlantis | BONUS 280% up to $14,000 | Play Now |
| 2 | El Royale Casino | BONUS 250% up to $12,500 | Play Now |
| 3 | Super Slots | BONUS 300% up to $6,000 | Play Now |
| 4 |  Wild Casino | BONUS 100% up to $5,000 | Play Now |
| 5 |  BetOnline Casino | BONUS 100% up to $3,000 | Play Now |
3 Card Poker Online
You have options when it comes to playing three card poker online. Maybe you want to play on to go or desire a more interactive experience. Try out some of these other ways to play casino games on the internet.
Mobile 3 Card Poker
You don’t have to stay behind the computer. Play 3 card poker on your mobile devices today!
Live Dealer 3 Card Poker
For an interactive casino experience, non-US players can enjoy live dealer 3 card poker games.
Free Three Card Poker
Want to get a feel for the table layout and how to place your bets? You won’t keep your winnings or hit the jackpot, but you can play free three card poker right here.
Ready to Play for Real Money?
3 Card Poker Games
Various games use 3 card poker rules to create something new and exciting. These are some of the popular variations you can find.
Real Money Games
Playing at real money casinos online is the only way you get to keep what you win. Once you know the rules and how to play, try online casino games for real money!
Try Your Hand at Three Card Poker Online Today
You have all the resources you need to start playing three card poker. You’ll be able to find it in some form at most online and land-based casinos. 3-card poker has even found its way into the smash-hit video game GTA3.
Now that you know the rules, how to play a hand, and the basic winning strategy, it could be your new favorite title. Sign up at El Royale today to play 3 card poker online at one of the best gambling sites on the internet.
Three Card Poker FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions we get regarding 3 card poker. For more answers, check out our three-card poker FAQ page.
Is there any strategy for 3 card poker?
Yes, the strategy to 3 card poker consists of two simple rules. Raise with Q 6 4 or stronger, and fold with Q 6 3 or weaker.
Why does a straight beat a flush in three card poker?
A straight beats a flush in three card poker because it is harder to get based on each card’s number in the deck. See the 3 card poker hand infographic above for the full list in order.
What are three card poker odds?
The three card poker odds are 44.91% for a player win, 55.03% for a dealer win, and 0.06% for a tie. This calculation uses only the hand strength and ignores the influence of the ante bonus and side bet payouts on RTP over time.
