The Basics
The Three-Card Poker* player has the opportunity to make three bets - the ante, in which he competes against the dealer; the Pair Plus bet, in which he is rewarded for a high hand; and the Play bet, in which a bonus gives the player an extra payout for premium hands.
As the name implies, in Three Card Poker, the player and the dealer use only three cards. The game is easy to understand because it uses fewer cards than regular poker. The strategy is simplified because there are no drawing cards. If the player gets high hands, ranging from a pair to a straight flush, he receives a bonus payout that increases as the hands improve.
The bonus hands give the players three ways to win, but the player does not have to have a premium hand because he will be paid even money if he beats the dealer's hand.
If the dealer does not have a Queen high hand, players are paid on the ante, the Play and the Pair Plus bets. This gives a high frequency of contested hands, providing excitement for players whether they are low-stakes players or high rollers.
Key Terms
Play Pair Plus - Bet the PAIR PLUS spot to bet on your own hand. If your hand contains a pair or better, you win! It's just you and the cards.
Play Ante - Bet on the ANTE spot to play against the dealer's hand. It's just you and the dealer. If you bet on the ANTE spot and like your hand, you must place a wager on the PLAY spot. This is equal to the ANTE. It's your three-card poker hand against the dealer's three-card poker hand - best hand wins!
Play Both - It's you and the cards for a pair or better: it's you and the dealer for the best three-card poker hand. You must also make the PLAY wager or you will forfeit both the ANTE and PAIR PLUS wagers.
Ante Bonus - If you make the ANTE and PLAY wagers, you may win a bonus payout even if the dealer doesn't qualify and even if the dealer's hand beats your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I sit in on a game, and how much do I have to wager?
A. Just find a table with an open seat! There is a sign on each table showing the minimum bid for that particular table. Some start at $5 and others $25. If you have a question, just ask the dealer.
Q. How long must I play?
A. You're welcome to play for as few or as many hands as you like. You may leave the table at any time between hands. Of course, you take away from the table any money you have won or held onto.
Q. Should I tip my dealer?
A. Casino dealers are members of the "Service Industry." This means that, like waiters and waitresses, they rely on tips for a substantial part of their income. If a dealer is being friendly and trying to make sure you are having an enjoyable experience, it is customary to tip after you win a hand.
Q. Before I play, is there any other advice you can offer?
A. Yes. Please be sure that you take a few minutes to read this site as it relates to your favorite game. If you are still unfamiliar with any of the terminology used in here, please ask our card room supervisor, who will gladly assist you.
*Proprietary game and trademark used under license from SHFL entertainment, Inc.