3 Card Poker is a popular card game variation that offers a unique twist to the traditional poker game. It brings a fresh perspective to the table, making it an exciting choice for both seasoned players and newcomers to the gambling scene.
In this Bezy Casino blog post, we will delve into the specifics of how this game is played.
3 Card Poker Explained
3 Card Poker is a simplified version of the classic poker game. It's played with a standard 52-card deck, and the game's objective is to beat the dealer's hand using only three cards. It's fast-paced and relies more on chance than strategy, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer games of chance.
Unlike conventional poker games, 3 Card Poker is player versus dealer, not player versus player. This distinction significantly influences how the game is played and the strategies that players can use.
How To Play 3 Card Poker
Playing 3 Card Poker is not as complicated as it might seem. It's a relatively straightforward game with easy-to-understand rules. The game begins with each player placing an ante bet. They can also choose to place a pair plus bet, which is a side bet that pays out if the player's hand contains a pair or better.
Once the bets are placed, each player, including the dealer, is dealt three cards. The player then has to decide whether to fold, thereby forfeiting their ante, or to play by placing a bet equal to the ante. The dealer then reveals their hand. However, the dealer's hand must contain at least a Queen or higher for it to qualify. If it doesn't, the player wins their ante bet, and the play bet is returned.
3 Card Poker Hands Ranked
Understanding the ranking of hands in 3 Card Poker is crucial to the gameplay. The following are the possible hands a player can have, ranked from highest to lowest:
- Straight Flush: This is the highest-ranking hand and consists of three cards of the same suit in sequence, such as the 4, 5, and 6 of hearts.
- Three of a Kind: This hand contains three cards of the same rank.
- Straight: This hand consists of three cards in sequence but not of the same suit.
- Flush: This hand contains three cards of the same suit, but not in sequence.
- Pair: This hand consists of two cards of the same rank.
- High Card: If a player's hand doesn't fit into any of the above categories, the value of their highest card will be considered.
How Does 3 Card Poker Pay Out?
3 Card Poker offers several types of payouts. In the base game, if a player's hand beats the dealer's, the ante and play bets pay out at 1:1. But that's not all. The game also offers bonus payouts for certain hands.
3 Card Poker Pair Plus Payouts
The pair plus bet is a side bet in 3 Card Poker. It pays out if the player's hand contains a pair or better. Common payouts for this side bet are as follows:
- Straight Flush: Pays out at 40:1.
- Three of a Kind: Pays out at 30:1.
- Straight: Pays out at 6:1.
- Flush: Pays out at 4:1.
- Pair: Pays out at 1:1.
Ante Bonus Payouts In 3 Card Poker
The ante bonus is awarded for specific hands in 3 Card Poker. It's a bonus that's paid out in addition to the ante bet, regardless of the dealer's hand. Typical payouts are:
- Straight Flush: Pays out at 5:1.
- Three of a Kind: Pays out at 4:1.
- Straight: Pays out at 1:1.
6 Card Bonus Payouts In 3 Card Poker
The 6 Card Bonus is a side bet that combines the player's hand and the dealer's hand to form a five-card poker hand. It pays out if the combined hand is a three-of-a-kind or better. Its payouts are:
- Royal Flush: Pays out at 1,000:1.
- Straight Flush: Pays out at 200:1.
- Four of a Kind: Pays out at 100:1.
- Full House: Pays out at 20:1.
- Flush: Pays out at 15:1.
- Straight: Pays out at 10:1.
- Three of a Kind: Pays out at 7:1.
Progressive 3 Card Poker Payouts
Some versions of 3 Card Poker feature a progressive jackpot. The payouts for this type of bet can be substantial and depend on the specific hand a player has.
3 Card Poker Rules
3 Card Poker follows a set of rules that maintain the integrity of the game and ensure fairness. The key rules are:
- The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards.
- The objective of the game is to beat the dealer's hand with a higher-ranking combination.
- There are two types of bets: the ante and the pair plus.
- The dealer's hand must contain at least a Queen or higher to qualify.
3 Card Poker Odds
In 3 Card Poker, the odds of winning are usually in the house's favour. On average, the dealer wins approximately 55% of the time, while the player wins around 44% of the time. There's also a small chance of a tie or push.
What Is The House Edge In 3 Card Poker?
The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. In 3 Card Poker, it's around 3.37% for the ante wager and around 2.01% for the play bet.
3 Card Poker FAQs
Is 3 Card Poker Worth It?
Whether 3 Card Poker is worth it depends on a player's personal preferences. Some players enjoy its simplicity and fast pace, while others prefer traditional poker games that require more strategy.
Where Can You Play 3 Card Poker?
3 Card Poker can be found in many land-based and online casinos. It has gained popularity for its simplicity and quick gameplay.
Can 3 Card Poker Be Played For Real Money?
Yes, most online casinos offer 3 Card Poker for real money. All casinos in the UK need to be licensed with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) in order to be allowed to operate in this jurisdiction. The UKGC prohibits free play and demo modes, which means you play using actual money bets and can potentially win real money payouts.
What Are The Best Hands In 3 Card Poker?
The best hands in 3 Card Poker are the Straight Flush, Three of a Kind, and Straight. These hands offer the highest payouts in the game.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.