Three Card Poker rules and house edge

Three Card Poker is a house-banked table game. Each player and the dealer receive three cards. Players can make an Ante bet to play against the dealer, a Pairplus bet that pays on the strength of their own hand, or both.

Ante and Play

1. Place an Ante bet.
2. Look at your three cards, then fold (losing the Ante) or make a Play bet equal to the Ante.
3. The dealer qualifies with queen high or better. If the dealer does not qualify, the Ante pays even money and the Play bet is returned.
4. If the dealer qualifies, the higher hand wins both bets at even money; a tie pushes.

Many tables also pay an Ante Bonus for a straight, three of a kind, or straight flush, regardless of the dealer's hand. With three cards, a straight beats a flush, because a straight is less likely.

House edge

The Wizard of Odds puts the house edge on the Ante and Play wager at about 3.37 percent with optimal play under the common Ante Bonus pay table (5, 4, and 1 for a straight flush, three of a kind, and a straight). The commonly cited simple strategy is to play any hand of queen-6-4 or better. The Pairplus edge depends on the pay table: the same source lists about 7.28 percent for a table paying 40, 30, 6, 3, and 1, and about 2.32 percent for a table paying 4 instead of 3 on a flush.

Play safely, or not at all

This guide is educational. We do not offer games, accept bets, or link to casinos. In the U.S. states that currently license online casinos, you must be at least 21 and physically located in that state. Every casino game on this page has a built-in house advantage or a fee, so treat any money you play with as money you may lose. Set a budget and a time limit before you start. If gambling is causing harm, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) or see our responsible gambling help page.

Sources

• Wizard of Odds, Three Card Poker

See also: all game guides, where online casinos are legal, and responsible gambling help.