At their core, Poker and Three Card Poker are very similar. However, there are some differences you should be aware of. For example, top credit card non-GamStop casino picks often feature several side bets, and you play Three Card Poker—as the name suggests—with three cards.
This poker variant is played without jokers against the dealer/banker, with 52 cards. The game consists of playing the cards in your hand against the dealer/banker. You can also bet on the ‘Pair Plus’ side bet or the ‘6 Card’ side bet. Before you start playing, you first determine your stake. The minimum bet is €1, with a maximum of €5,000.
The goal of Three Card Poker is to beat the dealer’s hand. Both the player and the dealer are dealt three cards, with the player’s cards face up and the dealer’s cards face down. Now you decide what to do. If you decide to play, you place another bet. You can then fold, but you lose the bet you’ve already placed at non GamStop casinos.
Contents
Poker Hands in Three Card Poker
There are several poker hands in Three Card Poker:
| Hand | Description |
|---|---|
| Straight Flush | Three cards with the same suit and consecutive value. |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same value. |
| Straight | Three cards of consecutive value, but different suits. |
| Flush | Three cards of the same suit, but not consecutive. |
| Pair | Two cards of the same value. |
| High Card | The highest card if there is no combination. |
The banker plays with at least one high queen card. If the bank doesn’t have one, the ante, or initial bet, remains for the next round at non GamStop casinos. The goal is to beat the house’s hand. If the two hands are tied, your bet remains for the next round. Learn the game techniques of Three Card Poker and discover how to win in a casino.
Side Bets
There are also several side bets, such as the Pair Plus Bonus and the 6 Card Side Bet.
Pair Plus Bonus
A Pair Plus bonus is available starting from just €0.10 per game at non GamStop casinos. You also need to place a standard bet. Therefore, it’s not possible to just bet the bonus. With this Pair Plus bonus, you earn extra payouts based on the combinations you make with your cards. With Pair Plus, you bet on the chance of getting a pair or higher. With the Pair Plus bonus, you can win up to 100 times your bet.
The payouts look like this:
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Pair | 1× |
| Flush | 4× |
| Straight | 5× |
| Three of a Kind | 30× |
| Straight Flush | 40× |
| Mini Royal (Ace, King, Queen of the same suit) | 100× |
This additional bet makes the gaming experience a bit more exciting at non GamStop casinos. It can also yield substantial winnings. It’s important to note, however, that the house edge is higher than in the base game, at 4.49% in this bonus game.
6 Card Side Bet
Another side bet you can use as a player is the 6 Card side bet. This side bet isn’t particularly advantageous, but the payout can be substantial. The house edge here is 8.56%, which is slightly higher than during the normal course of the game. In this side bet, both the player’s and the dealer’s cards count. These 6 cards can combine to create various combinations (up to 5 cards), which you can bet on.
If you want to place a bet, you can see what the payouts are here:
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Three of a Kind | 7× |
| Straight | 10× |
| Flush | 15× |
| Full House | 20× |
| Four of a Kind | 100× |
| Straight Flush | 200× |
| Royal Flush | 1,000× |
Three Card Poker Payouts
If you beat the casino’s hand, you’ll receive a 1:1 payout. You can also receive payouts in Three Card Poker for making certain combinations, regardless of whether you beat the dealer:
- Straight: 1 x your stake
- Three of a kind: 4 x your stake
- Straight Flush: 5 x your bet
If you bet on Pair Plus, you’ll win high payouts. The highest payout is 100x your stake for a Mini Royal. The house edge on the Pair Plus side bet is slightly higher, at 4.49%. With the 6 Card side bet, it’s possible to win up to 1,000x your stake if you hit a Royal Flush with your own and the live dealer’s cards. The house edge on the 6 Card side bet is 8.56%.
The bet can range from a minimum of €1 to a maximum of €5,000. In a €5 deposit casino, you can therefore bet at least 5 times.
Strategy and Game Tips Three Card Poker
In Three Card Poker, it’s wise to only raise your initial bet (ante) when you have a strong hand. The three cards in your hand must be at least a queen, a 6, and a 4 to raise. All hands with higher values must be raised. If you have weaker hands, it’s best to fold your cards and wait until the next round.
Another tip is to always check the payout table. The payouts for Three Card Poker vary by online casino. This is most common with the Pair Plus Bonus payouts. Side bets carry more risk, even though they can win you higher prizes. The house edge is higher here than the 3.37% in the normal game.
Pros and Cons of Three Card Poker
A key advantage of Three Card Poker is its average RTP (Return to Player) of 96.63%. You don’t have to be an experienced player to quickly master the game. You can also choose whether to play against a live dealer or with a Random Number Generator (RNG). Thanks to side bets like the Pair Plus and 6 Card Bonus, you also have the chance to win substantial payouts of up to 1,000 times your stake.
There are, however, a few caveats. The RTPs of the bonus games are considerably lower, averaging 95.51%. This makes side bets slightly riskier in the long run. Furthermore, you’re always playing against the bank, so there’s no interaction with other players.
Advantages
- Average RTP of 96.63%
- Win up to 1,000 x your stake
- Live play or with an RNG
Disadvantages
- Bonus games have an RTP of 95.51%
- No interaction with other players
Our conclusion about Three Card Poker: exciting and accessible
Three Card Poker is a fast-paced casino game. You don’t have to learn an elaborate strategy or think endlessly about every move. You play with three cards against the dealer, and that’s it. The pace is fast, and you have the chance to win big.
It’s not a game for those who are purely looking for the lowest risks, as the house edge is somewhat higher, especially with the bonus bets. But for those looking for variety in the live casino and enjoying fast-paced action, Three Card Poker is a good option. We find this poker variant interesting because it’s accessible, plays quickly, and still offers that typical poker feel.