How to Play 3 Card Poker

If you plan to play cards for money, you’ll likely encounter a 3-Card Poker game. In this Billiards Direct Card-Game Guide, we’ll answer the question of “How Do You Play 3 Card Poker?”.

We’ll outline the two main forms of play, as well as the kinds of payouts you can expect to encounter.

What is 3 Card Poker?

3 Card Poker is a popular card game which is frequently offered in casinos. The game features you and a dealer, and to simplify things even further, there are only 3 cards (hence the name).

Similar to Blackjack, in 3-Card Poker you’re not playing against other players, and instead you are playing against the dealer.

A subtle, yet important, difference that separates 3-Card Poker hands from other types of card games is the value of your hands. 

For example, in 3 Card Poker, a Straight beats a Flush, and that is because a Flush (all cards are same suit) is easier to obtain when there’s only 3 cards.

Be sure to keep that in mind when you play 3 Card, if you’re used to playing traditional Poker games. 

3 Card Poker – How To Play

The following rules are based on a modified version of traditional Poker. Read our quick overview of the Basic Poker Terminology, which is helpful for players who are beginning to learn Poker.

Following your antes, you are dealt three cards.

The dealer is dealt three cards, too. 

When you have seen your cards, you may either fold (quit), or continue. 

To continue, place a “play wager” bet in an amount equal-to or greater-than the ante. 

If you choose to fold, you forfeit that ante. 

Hands are shown to determine who wins the wager, which includes your ante plus any bets.

In order for the dealer to play, the dealer’s hand must be Queen high (minimum) or better.

If dealer’s hand is not higher than a Queen, then the antes are returned to each player, as there is no game.

3 Card Poker – “Pair Plus”

For this variation on 3-Card Poker, you bet when your hand is either a Pair (minimum) or better. 

Example of playing Pair Plus: if you get a pair of twos or more, you win automatically, and the dealer’s hand is irrelevant because it’s not a competition.

Some of casinos offer additional payoff “ante bonuses” if you have certain high hands.

If you’re looking for the biggest possible payoff for a game of 3-Card Poker, it’s worth researching which venues offer Pair Plus Rules for the game.