Knowing how to play three card poker is your best bet. After all, it’s one of the most popular pastimes among friends and is often played in casinos. So, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of this famous card game to find out if you’ve got what it takes to win. Good luck!
How to play three card poker for fun
You sit down at a table with at least three players. Someone designates a dealer. Then, the dealer passes out three face-down cards to each player. The object of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand with the right sequence of cards.
One thing to remember is that three card poker rankings are a little bit different than the standard rankings. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- High Card (lowest)
- Pair
- Flush
- Straight
- Three-of-a-Kind
- Straight Flush (highest)
Friends and family play three card poker with a 52-card deck. They can either keep score or gamble with money but the ultimate goal is to defeat the dealer directly.
Tips for gambling with chips and money
Knowing how to play three card poker means understanding casino etiquette and card betting strategy. After all, gambling on any card game is a risk that can cost quite a bit. So while it’s cool to play for money, it’s also perfectly fine to play for chips or points. Rule number one: Never bet with cash you don’t have.
With that said, also understand the basic betting rules. Primarily, try to memorize the three different types of wagers – ante, pair plus, and both (or dual). Here’s what you need to know:
- Ante – It’s a bet that says you’ll beat whatever the dealer has and you get to place it after you look at your cards.
- Pair Plus – This wager means you’ll win big if you get a pair or better.
- Dual – Here, you’ll cash in if you beat the dealer with a pair or better.
You decide whether to play your hand after you look at your cards. Place a “play bet” that’s equal to (or greater than) the current ante if you play. If you fold, you forfeit the ante. The Pair Plus bet has nothing to do with the dealer though, so you’ll still get paid even if you lose the hand.
How to play three card poker at a casino
Playing three card poker at a casino is just as easy as playing it with friends or family. In fact, you’ll most likely use the same basic rules too. The only difference is that casino games combine traditional gameplay with regulated betting. So to win, you’ll have to learn the house rules and follow them closely.
Keep in mind how important it is to approach the poker table with confidence. Remember, your opponents can smell fear from a mile away. That means you should contact the casino concierge before placing your first bet to avoid looking like a fool.
The takeaway
You can learn many different card games, but knowing how to play three card poker should be classified as a life skill. Think about it: You can play it with friends or gamble for money and it requires a different strategy than standard Texas Hold ’em.
