How to Play 3 Card Poker: A Beginner’s Guide

3 Card Poker is a fast-paced, thrilling casino table game that combines the simplicity of poker with the excitement of beating the dealer. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, this guide will show you how to play 3-card poker, understand the rules, know the hand rankings, and enjoy the game with confidence.

What Is 3-Card Poker?

Also known as Three Card Poker, Tri Card Poker, or Casino Brag, this game is played with a standard 52-card deck. Unlike traditional poker, where you compete with other players, you go head-to-head against the dealer.

Objective of the Game

Your goal? Create a stronger three-card hand than the dealer. You win by either having the better hand or by landing specific combinations that pay out based on bonus rules.

Key Terms to Know

Here are the basic terms every 3 Card Poker player should understand:

Ante: Your initial bet placed before any cards are dealt.
Pair Plus: A side bet that pays out if your hand contains a pair or better.
Play Bet: An optional bet (equal to your Ante) you place after seeing your cards.
Fold: Choosing not to continue the round, forfeiting your Ante and Pair Plus bets.
Raise: Place the Play Bet if you believe your hand can beat the dealer.

Hand Rankings in 3 Card Poker (Lowest to Highest)

High Card – No pair or combination, just the highest card.
Pair – Two cards of the same rank.
Flush – Three cards of the same suit.
Straight – Three consecutive cards (e.g., 4-5-6).
Three of a Kind – All three cards of the same rank.
Straight Flush – Three consecutive cards of the same suit.

Note: A Straight beats a Flush in this version of poker—opposite of traditional rules!

How to Play 3 Card Poker

Here’s a step-by-step look at a typical game round:

Place Your Bets: Start with an Ante bet. You may also choose to place a Pair Plus bet.
Receive Your Cards: The dealer gives you and themselves three cards each, face down.
Look & Decide: After viewing your cards, decide whether to Fold or Place a Play Bet (equal to your Ante).
Reveal Hands: If you didn’t fold, the dealer reveals their hand.
Compare & Win:
- If the dealer doesn’t have at least a Queen high, your Ante bet is paid 1:1, and the Play bet pushes.
- If the dealer qualifies (Queen high or better) and your hand beats theirs, both Ante and Play bets pay 1:1.
- If you lose, both bets are forfeited.
Pair Plus Wins: Regardless of the dealer's hand, a Pair Plus bet wins if you hold a pair or better.

3 Card Poker Payouts

Ante & Play Bets: Paid 1:1 when your hand beats the dealer’s qualified hand.
Ante Bonus: Paid even if the dealer loses or doesn’t qualify.
- Straight – 1:1
- Three of a Kind – 4:1
- Straight Flush – 5:1
Pair Plus Bet (varies slightly by casino):
- Pair – 1:1
- Flush – 3:1
- Straight – 6:1
- Three of a Kind – 30:1
- Straight Flush – 40:1

Card Poker House Rules

Rules can vary from one casino to another.

Some require Ante only, others both Ante and Pair Plus.
A few allow either bet to enter the game—but at least one is always required.

Be sure to read the house rules or ask the dealer before playing.

Want to Play at Home?

Enjoy 3 Card Poker from the comfort of your home with a custom poker table. Companies like Blatt Billiards offer handcrafted game tables that bring the casino experience to your living room.

Final Thoughts

3 Card Poker is a great mix of chance, skill, and speed. Whether you’re playing at a casino or at home, knowing the rules and understanding payouts will give you a solid edge. So next time you're at the poker table, you’ll know exactly how to play 3-card poker like a pro.