Three-card poker is one of the most popular poker variants. You must make the best hand from three cards to beat the dealer. In classic poker, you need five cards to make a poker hand. Three-card poker is a faster game than classic poker and it is easier to learn. If you can create the right hand at the right time, it can be rewarding to play.
You play against the dealer
Three-card poker is similar to other video poker games like Jacks or Better because you play against the dealer. In classic poker, you play against other players but not in three-card poker. This makes things easier because all you have to think about when you play is your hand against the dealer’s hand.
You only have three cards
You will only have three cards and can’t exchange or draw more cards. Before the dealer deals any cards, each player makes an ante bet which is a stake against the dealer’s hand. In addition to the ante bet, you can place a pair plus bet. This will pay out on any hand with a pair or better.
The hierarchy of hands is slightly different
If you are familiar with classic poker hand rankings, they are similar to three-card poker. The only difference is that a straight is worth more than a flush. In classic poker, a flush will beat a straight because you have a five-card hand. By making the hand smaller, it can be harder to get a straight than a flush.
You use strategy to play both
The dealer will deal three cards face down to each player and himself. Think of stock trading; you know you must make strategic investment decisions. In this game, you also have to use strategies. When you look at your cards, you must decide whether you are going to play or fold. A suggested technique is to play all hands better than the Queen, Six, and Four, and fold all hands with a lesser value. If you decide to play, you will bet an equal amount to your ante bet. If you decide to fold, the hand is over for you and the dealer will collect your ante bet and pair plus bet.
The dealer must have a Queen-high or better to qualify
Once players play or fold, all the cards are turned face up. To qualify, the dealer must have a hand of Queen-high or better. If the dealer does not qualify, nobody wins or loses. The play bet goes back to the player, and the ante bet pays even money. If the dealer has a better hand than the player, the dealer wins and the ante and play bets lose. If the player has a better hand than the dealer, the ante bet and play bet payout even money.
Pair Plus payouts
If you make a Pair Plus bet, you will get a reward based on the quality of your hand. This starts from a pair-up to a straight flush. The dealer’s hand does not matter for this prize. You can make money easily if you have a good hand. Payout structures vary but are typically pretty rewarding for the best hands.
