Important Tips for Three Card Poker

With so many casino games on the market today, you might find it challenging to find the perfect game that resonates with you. From Blackjack to Baccarat, Roulette and Craps, every player has their own preferences. However, Three Card Poker continues to be a hit with generation after generation of gamblers, so there’s every reason to give it a try before you make your final decision!

Three Card Poker was invented in 1994 by Derek Webb, a player from the UK. In land-based casinos, the game is the third most played table game in the world, second only to craps and blackjack. Additionally, more American players choose Three Card Poker over either Baccarat or Roulette, especially when playing at online casinos but also at land-based establishments.

The Game is Based on Stud Poker

The evidence definitely shows that Three Card Poker is one of the most exciting games around. However, before you empty your pockets to play for real money, there are a few things that you should known about this game.

First and foremost, Three Card Poker is based on the classic game of Stud Poker. This will obviously affect the former game’s rules, as in any game of Stud Poker, there is no draw to speak of. However, since this is Three Card Poker and not Stud Poker, you’ll receive three cards – but no more than that. Each player in the game will be dealt three cards, and so will the dealer.

You Can Expect Different Hand Rankings

Another vital thing to note in Three Card Poker is that its hand rankings always differ from Five Card Poker games. Flushes occur far more often than Straights in Three Card Poker games, so Straights therefore outrank Flushes. A Straight consists of a 5 of hearts, a 6 of spades, and a 7 of clubs, and constitutes about 3.26% of all hands.

In this particular poker game, you’ll see about 50% more Flushes than Straights produced by the cards. Thus, the rankings for Three Card Poker go as follows: Straight Flush, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Pair, and Ace High or less.

Playing Ante Bet Three Card Poker

Next are the two main bets in Three Card Poker. The two bets in question are the ante bet and Pair Plus, although certain land-based and even online casinos offer extra side bets and progressive jackpots. When playing the ante bet, you will be required to beat the dealer to win even-money. You’ll start the game by placing an ante bet, receive your three cards, and have to decide to fold or bet a second wager equal to the ante.

If you fold you will lose your ante, but if you bet, your fate rests in the dealer’s cards. For you to win the ante and your bet together, the dealer must qualify with a Queen high or better. If he does not, you will only win the ante bet. Remember that strong poker hands like Straights and Flushes do rank among Queens or better!

Playing Pair Plus Three Card Poker

The second major bet that you can place in Three Card Poker is the Pair Plus bet. Basically, this means that you will wager on your three cards including a pair or better. This is a much easier way to play than the ante bet, and will suit beginners far better.

In the Pair Plus bet, you don’t need to worry about any qualifying hands, and payouts are made according to a standard pay table. Of course, different casinos may use different tables, so you should always check this to make sure you’re getting the best deal!