How to Play & Deal 3 Card Poker

In the thrilling world of 3 Card Poker, mastering the game involves navigating through various aspects, from placing wagers to determining winners. Let's break down the key elements of this popular casino game.

Placing a Wager

Players face critical decisions right from the start. They can choose to bet on Pair Plus only, go for Ante and Play, or try their luck with all three options. It's important to note that mandatory bets vary depending on the casino.

Start of the Game

As the game kicks off, each player receives three cards. The specific arrangement of these cards depends on the casino's rules. Players must ensure the cards are spread widely enough for surveillance cameras to capture them accurately.

House Rules

Understanding the house rules is crucial. Some casinos allow players to engage in multiple hands, while others restrict them to a single hand. Knowing these rules ensures informed decision-making during gameplay.

Player's Actions

Examining the Cards

Upon receiving their cards, players have the liberty to examine them immediately. There's no need to wait for all cards to be dealt before inspecting their hand.

Folding Option

Players dissatisfied with their hand can opt to fold. By doing so, they forfeit all their bets. The dealer secures the folded bet, demonstrating card accountability for transparency. Continuing the Game

For players content with their hand, continuing the game involves placing their cards in the designated "PLAY" square and matching the wager with the initial Ante bet.

Dealer's Hand

Qualification Criteria

The dealer qualifies with a Queen or higher. Upon arranging their cards, the dealer announces their hand and qualification status. If the dealer fails to qualify, players receive a push on their PLAY wagers.

Winning Scenarios

When the dealer qualifies, it becomes the player's goal to achieve a superior poker hand ranking. Winning outcomes result in even money payouts for both PLAY and ANTE wagers, with additional bonuses for qualifying hands.

Tie Situations

In the event of a tie, where player and dealer hands match, the ANTE and PLAY wagers push, and the player retains their bet for the next round.

Take-and-Pay Procedure

Determining Winners

To conclude a round, the dealer follows the Take-and-Pay Procedure. Winning bets are paid first, starting with the PLAY bet and progressing to the ANTE BONUS, ANTE, and finally, the PAIR PLUS.

Special Hands

For exceptional hands, such as a 3 of a Kind or higher, dealer notification and floor approval are necessary before payout.

House Shuffle

After completing a round, the dealer initiates a single deck shuffle for the house. This typically involves a series of riffles and strips, ensuring a fair and random distribution of cards for the next round.

In mastering 3 Card Poker, understanding these aspects enhances the gaming experience and increases the chances of success. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned player, navigating the nuances of this captivating game requires strategic thinking and a keen understanding of the rules.