Three card poker: Learn the rules, hands, and payouts

Three card poker is a fast-paced casino game where you and the dealer each get three cards. The goal is simple—make a stronger hand than the dealer using three cards. With fewer rules than standard poker and quicker rounds, it appeals to new and seasoned players.

If you want to get better at it, keep reading to learn how the game works, how often hands show up and what payouts to expect. Get also smart tips to boost your chances of winning at Bitcasino.

What is three card poker?​

Three card poker is a type of poker game where you go head-to-head with the dealer using just three cards. Unlike regular poker, where players face each other, you only need to beat the dealer’s hand here.

This game is popular in many online casinos because of its simple rules and quick rounds. You don’t need to be a poker pro to enjoy it. It’s great for new players and those who like fast, easy games with clear bets.

How the bets work

In this game, you can place two main types of bets before the cards are dealt:

• Ante: This is your main bet to play against the dealer.
• Pair Plus: A side bet that pays out if your hand has a pair or better. You can win this even if the dealer beats you.

Three card poker rules

Three card poker uses a standard deck of 52 cards. Each player and the dealer are dealt three cards each. The goal is to get a stronger hand than the dealer using only your three cards.

Key steps in the game:

1. Place your chips on the Ante, Pair Plus, or both.
2. Get your cards, three cards face down.
3. Look at your hand and decide:
   • Play: Place another bet equal to the Ante if you want to continue.
   • Fold: If your hand is weak, you can fold and lose only the Ante.
4. The dealer shows their cards.
5. Compare hands to see who wins.

Dealer rule:

The dealer can only play if they have Queen high or better. If not, they don’t qualify, and you win your Ante back. The Play bet gets pushed (returned).

If the dealer qualifies, then:

• If your hand is stronger, you win both bets.
• If your hand is weaker, you lose both.
• If it’s a tie, you get both bets back.

The difference between Three card poker and regular poker

Three card poker has its own rules, different from the regular type. Here's how it compares to classic poker:

How to play three card poker: Gameplay simulation

Three card poker is easy to learn and quick to play. You and the dealer each get three cards, and your goal is to make a stronger hand than the dealer. 

Here are the steps you need to know to start playing three card poker:

1. Place your bet
   • Put your chips on the ‘Ante’ spot to start.
   • You can also bet on the ‘Pair Plus’ spot for a chance to win based on your hand alone.
   • You can bet on one or both spots.
2. Get your three cards
   • After you place your bets, click ‘Deal’.
   • You will get three cards, and so will the dealer.
   • Check your hand to decide whether to keep playing or give up.
3. Choose to fold or play
   • If your hand is weak, you can fold and lose your Ante bet.
   • If you want to stay in the game, place a bet equal to your Ante. This is called the ‘Play bet’.
4. The dealer shows cards
   • Once you make your choice, the dealer shows their three cards.
   • The dealer must have a Queen or higher to qualify and stay in the game.
5. Compare hands
   • If the dealer doesn’t qualify (has a lower card than a Queen), you win the Ante, and your bet is not paid.
   • If the dealer qualifies, your hand is compared to theirs.

Understanding the three card poker strength

In three card poker, the strength of your hand decides if you win or lose against the dealer. Knowing the ranking and meaning of each hand helps you bet, raise, or fold wisely.

Here’s a list of all hands, ranked from strongest to weakest:

Three card poker hand rankings

Tie-breaker rules

If you and the dealer have the same hand type, the winner is based on who has the higher cards.

• A straight of 6-7-8 beats a straight of 4-5-6
• If both have a pair, the one with the higher third card wins
• If both have a high card hand, the highest card wins.

It’s important to note that in card strength, Ace is the highest, and two is the lowest—but Ace can also be used as one in a straight like A-2-3.

Learning how hand rankings work helps you play with less guesswork and more skill. Whether you're just starting out or already know the basics, knowing what beats what is key to making smarter bets in three card poker.

Three card poker probability of each hand

Each hand you get is based on chance. Some hands appear more often than others. Knowing the odds or chance of each hand helps you play smarter and bet wisely.

Here’s the full guide on how often each hand shows up, starting from the rarest to the most common:

Why hand probability matters

• Most of the time, players will get high cards or pairs.
• Because high cards appear 74.3% of the time, you should not fold too quickly when you don’t have a pair or better.
• Pairs only appear around 17% of the time, so they’re not common—but they’re strong enough to keep you in the game.
• Strong hands like a straight flush or three of a kind are rare. Don’t depend on them. Use your knowledge of these odds to decide when to fold or raise.

Three card poker house edge and payout

In three card poker, players can bet in two ways: Ante and Pair Plus. The payouts and the house edge change depending on which bet you choose.

What is the house edge?

The house edge is the amount the casino expects to keep from your bets over time. It shows how much of an advantage the casino has.

• If you only bet on Ante, the house edge is about 2%.
• If you bet on both Ante and Pair Plus, the house edge increases to about 5%.

So, while betting on both can give you higher possible payouts, it also means you're giving the casino a bigger edge.

How three card poker payouts work

Here is a clear list of all the possible hands in three card poker and how much they pay:

There are also bonus payouts in three card poker based on the type of bet you made:

1. Ante Bonus: If you bet on Ante and get a strong hand like a straight or better, you get an extra payout—even if the dealer doesn’t qualify.
2. Pair Plus Bonus: If you placed a Pair Plus bet and your hand has a pair or better, you win this bonus payout automatically.

Important notes:

• A Straight is stronger than a Flush in this game.
• Pair Plus payouts are awarded even if you lose the game round.
• The higher your hand, the bigger the payout.
• High Card gives no bonus, as it’s the weakest hand.

Understanding the house edge and payouts can help you bet smarter in three card poker. If you prefer lower risk, stick with the Ante and Play bet. However, if you're aiming for bigger payouts and can handle more risk, consider adding the Pair Plus side bet. Just keep in mind that higher bets often mean a higher house edge, but they also offer a chance for higher rewards.

Tips and strategies on how to win three card poker

It’s smart to know when to play and when to fold. Your choice should depend on the cards you have. A simple guide can help you make the right move each time. If you want to improve your game, learning a solid three card poker winning strategy is key.

Here are some tips and strategies to help you play better and boost your chances of winning:

Use the basic strategy

Most hands dealt to players and the dealer are high cards. The rate for high cards is about 74.38%, while pairs only appear 16.94%. That means players and dealers will both often have weak hands.

The basic strategy says that if you have a pair, you should always ‘play’, because you have a strong chance of beating the dealer. If you don’t have a pair but have Q, K, or A, you should also consider playing, since many dealer hands will also be weak.

Follow the call strategy

The call strategy helps you decide whether to ‘call’ or fold your hand. It is based on two things:

1. The chance that the dealer will not qualify.
2. The chance the dealer will have a high card like K+6 or better.

Using this strategy, you make your choice depending on what cards you have. It takes the guessing out of your game and helps you play smarter.

Apply the pair plus strategy

Pair Plus is a side bet that pays when you get a pair or better—this happens about once every four hands. It gives you another way to win, even if you lose the main game.

If you've been dealt several weak hands in a row (called ‘pig’ hands—low cards with no pair), consider raising your Pair Plus bet. After a losing streak, the odds may swing in your favour, giving you a better chance to hit a strong hand and win back some losses.

Manage your bankroll

Managing your bankroll means watching how much you bet and how much you have left. Set a spending limit before you play, and stick to it. Don’t try to win back lost chips by betting more. This helps you play more games, enjoy the session longer, and avoid losing all your money in one go.

Experience the best poker games on Bitcasino

If you enjoy playing poker, Bitcasino is a great spot to start. You’ll find fun, fast, and fair poker titles you can play anytime. You can try many types, like video poker and live dealer ones, and see which one fits your style best.

At Bitcasino, you can use Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and other top cryptocurrencies to place your bets. This means you don’t need a bank or long wait times. The site lets you deposit or withdraw your funds fast, which helps you stay focused on the game.

Ensure that you do not risk more than you can handle. Take breaks when you need to. Bitcasino supports safe gameplay by offering tools like betting limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion. These help you set clear rules for yourself so you don’t go over your budget. Make sure to always play with care and keep it fun!

Play smart and try your hand at three card poker today!

Three card poker is a fast and fun game where you try to beat the dealer with just three cards. You don’t need a big hand to win—even high cards like Q, K, or A can give you the edge. Make smart moves using basic play tips like calling with strong cards, folding weak hands, and betting on Pair Plus when the time feels right. The game is simple to learn, and the pace makes it fun and easy to follow.

This game suits both new and skilled players. Just remember to stick to your budget, move smart, and enjoy the game! Ready to test your luck and poker skills? Try a few hands today and see how you do.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the three card poker hands?

Three card poker hands are made up of just three cards. Top hands include a straight flush, three of a kind, straight, flush, and pair. If you have none of these, your highest card is what counts.

How to read the three card poker table?

The table has spots for bets like Ante, Pair Plus, and Play. You place chips in the box where you want to bet. After the cards are dealt, you can fold or place a Play bet.

What is the best winning strategy for three card poker?

The best tip is to play only when you have a pair or high cards like Q, K, or A. Fold when your cards are weak, like below Q. Also, use Pair Plus and call bets smartly based on the hand.

How do Pair Plus bets work in three card poker?

Pair Plus is a side bet where you win if your hand is a pair or better. It doesn’t matter what the dealer has. The higher your hand, the more you can win from this bet.

What happens after placing an Ante bet?

Once you place your Ante, you get three cards. You then choose to fold or place a Play bet to go on. The dealer also shows their cards and the best hand wins.