How to Play Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker is played with a standard deck. You and the dealer each receive three cards. You decide whether to play or fold after seeing your hand. If you play and beat the dealer, you win. The dealer must have Queen-high or better to qualify.
How to Play
- Place an Ante bet. Optionally place a Pair Plus side bet.
- Three cards are dealt to you face up. The dealer's cards are face down.
- Choose Play (place a bet equal to your Ante) or Fold (lose the Ante).
- The dealer reveals their hand. If the dealer doesn't qualify (below Queen-high), your Ante pays 1:1 and the Play bet pushes.
- If the dealer qualifies, the higher hand wins. Ante and Play both pay 1:1 on a win.
- Pair Plus pays independently based on your hand strength, regardless of the dealer's hand.
Hand Rankings (highest to lowest)
- Straight Flush, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Pair, High Card
Side Bets (3 Available)
- Pair Plus: Pays on your hand alone, regardless of the dealer. Straight Flush 40:1, Three of a Kind 30:1, Straight 6:1, Flush 3:1, Pair 1:1.
- Ante Bonus: Automatically paid on premium hands when you play (no extra wager). Straight Flush 5:1, Three of a Kind 4:1, Straight 1:1.
- 6 Card Bonus: Combines your 3 cards with the dealer's 3 cards. Evaluates the best 5-card hand from all 6. Royal Flush 1000:1, Straight Flush 200:1, Four of a Kind 100:1, Full House 20:1, Flush 15:1, Straight 10:1, Three of a Kind 7:1.
Millionaire Mode
An optional side bet. Qualifying hands pay from the Millionaire prize pool, up to $1,000,000. RTP: 96.6%. House edge: 3.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the dealer doesn't qualify in Three Card Poker?
If the dealer's hand is lower than Queen-high, the dealer does not qualify and you win even money on your Ante bet. Your Play bet pushes and returns to you without winning or losing.
Can I make a Pair Plus bet without placing an Ante bet?
Yes, the Pair Plus bet is optional and independent from the Ante bet. You can play only the Pair Plus side bet if you choose.
What hand rankings are used in Three Card Poker?
Hands rank from highest to lowest: Straight Flush, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Pair, and High Card. Three of a Kind beats a Straight in this game.
What is the payout for winning a Pair Plus bet?
Pair Plus payouts vary by casino but typically offer 1 to 1 for a Pair, 4 to 1 for a Flush, 6 to 1 for a Straight, and 30 to 1 for Three of a Kind.
Should I fold if I have a Queen-high hand or lower?
Folding a Queen-high hand loses your Ante immediately. Many players fold hands lower than Queen-high because the dealer must qualify to win, making marginal hands worth playing in some situations.
