How to Play Three Card Poker Online
Three-card poker is a game that’s increasing in popularity because it’s fun and easy to learn. It is a poker game between a player and the dealer using a 52-card deck. The game’s objective for the player is to have a three-card hand that outranks the dealer’s hand.
Where to play
Most major land-based casinos have a three-card poker table, and legal online casinos are flourishing in states like New Jersey. Players can enjoy playing three-card poker online. All they need to do is download an online casino app, and they can play on their mobile devices. Players are likely to find decent pay tables at online casinos.
Hand rankings
The hand rankings in three-card poker are different in five-card poker. The difference is that a hand consists of only three cards. Getting three cards of consecutive value in the same suit is a straight flush. Three of a kind is three cards of equal value, such as three 10s. A straight is three cards of consecutive value, such as a 9, 10, and a Jack. A flush is three cards of the same suit. A pair is two matching cards of equal value, plus one kicker. A high card is three cards in no consecutive order or from matching suits.
The ante
A player will place an ante wager before the start of the game. A pair plus or 6-card bonus is an optional side bet a player can make together with the ante.
The deal
The dealer deals three cards face up to the player. The dealer receives three cards face down.
Choose to play
Here is where your decision-making as a player comes into play. A player must decide whether to place a play wager. A play wager is equal to the ante wager. If the player chooses to fold instead, they lose the ante wager. A player needs a queen, six, and four in hand to raise a play bet and stay in the game.
The reveal
The dealer finally reveals the three-card hand. This hand is compared with the player’s hand to see who wins.
Potential winnings
The dealer must have at least a Queen high in hand to qualify. In this case, the ante wager pays out at evens, and the player gets back the play wager. If the dealer and player hands are of equal rank, both wagers go back to the player. If the dealer’s hand is better than the player’s, both the ante wager and play wager lose. If the player’s hand is better than the dealer’s, the ante wager and play wager are paid out at evens.
Ante bonus
Some online casinos have an ante bonus. Players can win it even if they don’t place another bet. The casino will pay a bonus to the player who gets a straight flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind on making a play bet. Odds may vary depending on the casino.
Side bets
With a pair plus bet, players need at least a pair to get paid even money, and they get paid regardless of the dealer’s hand. If the player has a hand of a pair or better in a hand, fixed odds are paid.
The 6-card bonus side bet involves combining the dealer and player’s hands. Much action can revolve around the six-card side bet. It also pays out even if the player folds a hand before placing the play bet.
Best three card poker tactics
Players should back up an ante bet with a play bet when they have a Queen high with at least a six-four kicker. They should pass on the play bet and fold their ante bet if they don’t have at least that kind of hand.
If players want to think more wisely and make good decisions, it will help to do some research and monitor pay tables. They can make sure they only choose to play games where they can keep the house edge under 4% for the ante/play wager and not over 7% for a pair plus bet.
