There are loads of forms of poker out there, some of which are more famous than others. It was Texas Hold’em that swept the world during the rise of the internet, but recently other variants have found it’s their time to shine.
Three card poker is one of the oldest forms of poker, and it’s also up there with the simplest. It’s perfect as a live casino game, with you facing off against the dealer to see who gets the best hand. If you’re interested in playing three card poker, check out this handy guide for everything you need to know about the game.
Three Card Poker – The Basics
Three card poker is an online casino game where you face off against a dealer. You place a bet to receive three cards, and the dealer also receives three cards. Once you have looked at your cards, you can choose whether you want to fold or raise.
After all the betting has taken place, the winnings go to either the player or the dealer depending on who has the highest value hand. Read on to find out what the different hand rankings are in three card poker.
Understanding the Hand Rankings
To win at three card poker, your hand needs to be better than the dealer’s. It’s crucial that you understand the hand rankings so that you know what your chances of winning are. Check out the order of hands below, going from weakest to strongest:
- High Card – Sometimes, if neither player has a hand, the winner will be decided by whoever holds the highest card.
- Pair – This is a set of two cards of the same value.
- Flush – A flush is when you have three cards of any value that belong to the same suit.
- Straight – Three cards of different suits running in order of value make a straight. For example, you could have a jack, queen, and a king.
- Three of a Kind – The second best hand in the game is three of a kind, when you match three cards of the same value.
- Straight Flush – A straight flush is the best possible hand, and it consists of three running cards of the same suit.
It’s important to note that the order of hand rankings is slightly different to other forms of poker. For example, in Texas Hold’em, three of a kind is ranked lower than a straight and a flush, whereas in three card poker it’s the second best hand. In addition to that, most forms of poker rank a flush higher than a straight, but in three card poker their values are flipped. If you’re moving to three card poker from another variant of the game, make sure you focus on these key differences, so you don’t make a mistake.
If both the player and the dealer have the same hand type, it goes down to who has the higher value of that hand type. For example, if both are holding a flush, the winning flush is the one with the highest card.
What Bets Can You Make?
There are a couple of different bets that you can make during a game of three card poker. It’s always a good idea to read the game rules before you start, as the betting systems may change slightly in different games and at different online casinos.
Ante and Play Bets
If you want to play the game and receive your cards, you have to place an ante bet. Once the dealer has given you your cards, you can then choose to fold or play. If you play, you need to match your ante again. You could also raise it if you think your hand has a good chance of winning. This could potentially lead to a higher payout if the dealer calls.
Pair Plus Bet
In some variants of three card poker, you can also place a side bet known as the pair plus bet. This will result in a payout based on your own hand’s quality, regardless of whether it beats the dealer’s. There are different payouts depending on the hand’s strength, but it must be a pair or higher.
What Other Types of Poker Are There?
Three card poker is just one of many variants of poker that you can play at online casinos. If you like it, you could try out some other options like Caribbean Stud Poker and Casino Stud Poker. Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with the rules before you start playing.
Play Three Card Poker Today
We hope that this guide has given you a good understanding of three card poker, and you feel like trying the game out. If so, check out our live three card poker offering today. You’ll find it in the live casino section of the site, where our live dealers are ready to make you feel welcome at the tables.
Please Gamble Safely
As with any gambling game, it’s always important to remember to have fun. If you feel like you aren’t enjoying yourself, it could be time to stop. We have a handy safe gambling portal with experts that you can talk to if you ever need advice.
FAQs
What happens when you fold in three card poker?
If you fold, you lose the hand, and the dealer collects your ante along with any other bets that you made. Sometimes it’s wiser to fold than continue if you have a particularly weak hand.
What is the best hand in three card poker?
The straight flush is the best possible hand in the game, and this consists of three consecutive cards of the same suit.
What are the odds of winning in three card poker?
Three card poker has a good RTP but slightly favours the house. Players have a 44.91 % chance of winning when playing the game in its standard format.
