How to play Three Card Poker

How to play Three Card Poker

Two bets, two games in one: Ante/Play versus dealer and optional Pair Plus.

Bets & deal

• Place Ante (and optionally Pair Plus). Some tables offer 6‑Card Bonus (player’s 3 + dealer’s 3).

• You and dealer get 3 cards each.

Decisions

• Look at your cards.

• Fold (lose Ante; Pair Plus still stands) or Play by betting equal to Ante.

Qualification & settlement

• Dealer qualifies with Queen‑High or better.

• If dealer doesn’t qualify: Ante pays 1:1, Play pushes (you still keep Pair Plus wins if any).

• If dealer qualifies and you beat dealer: Ante 1:1, Play 1:1. Ties push.

• Ante Bonus (automatic, even if dealer doesn’t qualify): Straight 1:1, Three‑of‑a‑Kind 4:1, Straight Flush 5:1 (common).

Pair Plus (typical):

• Straight Flush – 40:1

• Three of a Kind – 30:1

• Straight – 6:1

• Flush – 3:1

• Pair – 1:1

6‑Card Bonus (sample):

• Royal 1000:1, Straight Flush 200:1, Four 100:1, Full House 20:1, Flush 15:1, Straight 10:1, Three 8:1.

House edge: Ante/Play ~2%–3%; Pair Plus ~2%–7% depending on paytable.

Basic strategy: Play with Q‑6‑4 or better; fold worse.

Now you know How to play Three Card Poker