How to Play Three Card Poker
A round of Three Card Poker takes seconds once you know the steps. You make one main bet, look at three cards, and make a single decision. Here is exactly how a hand plays out, including the dealer-qualify rule, the Ante bonus and the optional Pair Plus side bet. Remember you are playing against the dealer, not the rest of the table.
A round, step by step
1. Place your Ante bet in rand to be dealt in. You can also place an optional Pair Plus bet at the same time.
2. You and the dealer each receive three cards. Yours are face up; the dealer's stay face down for now.
3. Make your one decision: Play, which means placing a second bet equal to your Ante, or Fold, which forfeits your Ante and ends the hand.
4. The dealer reveals their three cards. They must qualify with Queen-high or better. If they do not qualify, your Play bet is returned and your Ante pays even money. If they do qualify, your hand is compared to theirs and the higher hand wins.
Ante bonus and the Pair Plus side bet
Many tables pay an Ante bonus when you hold a strong hand — typically a straight, three of a kind or straight flush — and this bonus is paid even if the dealer beats you or fails to qualify. The Pair Plus bet is completely separate from the dealer: it pays whenever your own three cards make a pair or better, and it loses if they do not, regardless of what the dealer holds. The exact payouts and the cost of these bets are covered in Three Card Poker Bets & Odds.
Keep going
Once the flow makes sense, learn the Three Card Poker strategy rule for deciding when to Play or Fold. You can return to the Three Card Poker guide any time, browse other casino game guides, or visit the full guides library. Ready to try it with a live dealer? Head to live Three Card Poker.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the dealer does not qualify?
If the dealer's hand is worse than Queen-high, they do not qualify. Your Play bet is returned to you, and your Ante is paid out at even money regardless of your cards. It is a small built-in cushion for the player.
Do I have to place the Pair Plus bet?
No. Pair Plus is entirely optional. You can play with only the Ante if you prefer. Pair Plus carries a higher house edge than the Ante-Play game, so treat it as an extra side bet rather than the main event.
Can I change my bet after seeing my cards?
You cannot change the Ante, but seeing your three cards is exactly the point at which you decide whether to Play, which costs an amount equal to your Ante, or Fold and surrender the Ante. That single choice is the whole skill of the game.