How to Play Casino Three Card Poker

Casino three card poker is a table game played in a more relaxed setting. There is no rush when playing three card poker, as each player is given ample time to decide how to play his hand. Three card poker consists of two games on one table. The first game is the “Ante/Play” game, which means you are playing your cards against the dealer’s. The second game is known as “Pair Plus”, which means if your hand is a pair or better you win, regardless of the dealers cards. Some casinos require three card players to bet the Ante/Play, while the Pair Plus is optional. Other casinos have 'optional play' on either game. You may play both games at any time. Ask your dealer what bets are required to play three card poker in each casino. Payout schedules are listed next to every spot on the table.

Things You'll Need

• Basic poker understanding
• Bankroll

Instructions

How To Play Ante/Play Poker

1. Place your bet (no less than table minimum) in the spot marked “Ante”. The dealer will deal three cards face down to each position with a bet. Do not touch your cards until after the dealer pushes them to you.

2. Pick up your cards with one hand only. If you have queen/ten or better you should play the hand. To stay in the hand you must make a second bet, equal to the Ante bet in the spot designated “Play”. Once you place your wager in the Play spot, tuck the corner of your cards under the Play bet.

3. Dealers will qualify with a queen or better. If the dealer qualifies the Play and Ante bets are paid 1 to 1. Ante Bonus is paid regardless of whether or not the dealer qualifies. The Ante Bonus pays 1 to 1 on Straights, 4 to 1 on Three of a Kinds and 5 to 1 on Straight Flushes. If the dealer does not qualify, the Ante bet is paid 1 to 1 and the Play bet Pushes (doesn‘t win or lose).

4. Fold your hand by placing the cards next to your Ante wager. Do not put any chips in the Play spot. Be certain you don't have a winning hand before you fold, as the dealer does not look at folded cards.

Three Card poker Pair Plus

1. Place your bet in the spot marked “Pair Plus”. Follow casino rules regarding Ante/Play wager requirements (some casinos require Ante/Play wagers in order to play Pair Plus).

2. After you receive your three cards, determine if your hand is a pair or better. A Pair or better wins regardless of dealer’s hand ranking. Pair pays: 1 to 1. Flush pays: 4 to 1. Straight pays 6 to 1. Three of a kind pays: 30 to 1. Straight Flush pays: 40 to 1.

3. Always confirm your hand before folding. If you are uncertain, ask the dealer.

Tips & Warnings

• In Three Card Poker, a Straight beats a Flush - all other hands follow normal poker rankings.

• Play and Ante bets must equal each other.

• Pair Plus bets can be more or less than Ante, but not less than table minimum.

• Ante Bonus is paid for straights or better, regardless of dealer’s hand ranking.

• Pair Plus is paid for pairs or better, regardless of dealer’s hand ranking.

• Tip your dealer on winning hands of Flush or better. Your dealer works for tips.

• Do not use two hands when picking up the cards. Three card poker cards may be held in one hand only.

• When folding do not throw your cards at the dealer.

• Do not talk about your cards with another player, this is considered cheating. If you are uncertain whether to stay or fold, put your cards face down on the table near your bet and ask the dealer to help you. The dealer may look at your cards and explain your options. However, the dealer may not play the hand for you.