The Wizard of Odds site has an excellent analysis of the game. I'll stop there and let any discussion begin.:D It is possible to lose the hand and still get paid on the pair plus (for instance you have a pair of 3's and the dealer wins with a pair of 5's, you get paid on the pair plus bonus bet but lose the ante and play bets). The pair plus bonus is paid on any pair or better hand according to the table. If the dealer does not have queen high or better then the ante only is paid (even money) and the play bet is a push. If the dealer has queen high or better player's bets are paid if their hand beats the dealers hand and the ante and the play bet are paid even money. Then the dealer reveals his/her 3 cards to determine winners. If they do they make the 'play' bet, if they don't they must 'fold'. Everyone then is allowed to look at their cards to determine if the want to continue playing and to try to beat the dealer's hand. Once the bets are placed everyone (including the dealer) is dealt 3 cards. 1 - The Ante, this bet must be played to get cards, 2 The Pair Plus Bonus bet which wins on hands of a pair or better per a pay-out table regardless if your hand beats the dealer (this is an optional bet) 3- The 'play' bet sometimes called the 'raise' which needs to match the ante and is bet after you see your cards AND must be played unless you fold your hand. Play starts after every places their bets.

The only difference being that in 3 card poker a straight beats a flush. Winning hands are determined by standard poker hands made up of only 3 cards instead of 5 cards. If the dealer does not qualify then you win automatically. This is a game where you win based on a pay-out table if you beat the dealers hand provided that the dealer 'qualifies'.

But we can discuss betting methods, good and bad, ways people play, differences between playing on a ship versus a land casino etc.įor those who don't know how to play 3 Card Poker. I say there is not much in strategy because its mostly a luck thing besides knowing when you should fold and when you should bet and see the dealers cards. Because this IS a game where a newbie can sit and play and not have their play affect anyone else at the table. Now, I'm not saying there is a whole lot of strategy in playing 3 card, but I have sat at enough tables on the cruise ships to hear many times - 'Oh I don't know how to play that.' So I figured I would start a thread and see where it goes. I saw one for Craps, BlackJack and Roulette but I don't remember seeing a thread on 3 Card Poker.

Casino witg 3 card poker