3 Card Poker: Rules and Best Strategy

[VictorOd]

After a popular thread about video poker I decided to discover and break down some other poker related casino games.

Objective is to beat the dealer's three-card hand.
Gameplay:

1. Place Bets:
   • Ante: A mandatory bet to play the hand.
   • Pair Plus (Optional): A side bet that pays out if your hand has a pair or better, regardless of the dealer's hand.
2. Deal: You and the dealer are each dealt three cards face down.
3. Decide: After looking at your hand, you can either:
   • Fold: Forfeit your Ante and Pair Plus bets.
   • Play: Place an additional bet equal to your Ante.
4. Showdown: The dealer reveals their hand.

Dealer's Hand. The dealer must have a Queen-high or better to "qualify."

Dealer's Hand	Your Action	Outcome
Does not qualify	You played	Your Ante is paid 1:1, your Play bet is returned.
Qualifies	Your hand is better	Your Ante and Play bets are paid 1:1.
Qualifies	Dealer's hand is better	You lose both your Ante and Play bets.
Qualifies	Your hand ties	Your Ante and Play bets are returned.

Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest). The rankings are different from standard poker.

Rank	Example	Description
Straight Flush	7♠ 8♠ 9♠	Three consecutive cards of the same suit.
Three of a Kind	4♦ 4♥ 4♣	Three cards of the same rank.
Straight	J♣ Q♦ K♠	Three consecutive cards of different suits.
Flush	3♦ 8♦ A♦	Three cards of the same suit, not in a sequence.
Pair	9♥ 9♠ K♦	Two cards of the same rank.
High Card	A♦ 8♣ 5♠	Three unmatched cards.

Your Hand	Payout (Pair Plus)
Mini Royal (Suited AKQ)	100:1
Straight Flush	40:1
Three of a Kind	30:1
Straight	6:1
Flush	3:1
Pair	1:1
Less than a pair	Lose

Your Hand	Payout (Ante Bonus)
Straight Flush	5:1
Three of a Kind	4:1
Straight	1:1

Apparently 3 Card Poker is a casino table game with a much higher house edge than video poker . So lets say... the key to profitability is to minimize losses by sticking to a strict, simplified strategy.
1. The "Queen-6-4" Rule (Main Strategy)

• This is the single most important rule to follow. You should fold any hand that is lower than Queen-6-4.
• Example: If your hand is Queen-6-3, you should fold. If your hand is Queen-7-2, you should play. This strategy is statistically proven to minimize the house edge to its lowest possible point (around 3.37% on the Ante bet).
• Why it Works: The dealer's hand must be Queen-high or better to "qualify." By playing any hand that is Queen-high or better, you maximize your chances of having a winning hand against a qualifying dealer, while folding the hands that are most likely to lose.

2. Avoid the Side Bets (Pairs Plus)

• The "Pairs Plus" bet is a popular side bet that pays out if your hand is a pair or better, regardless of what the dealer has.
• Higher House Edge: While it offers bigger payouts for good hands, the Pairs Plus bet has a significantly higher house edge, often over 7%.
• Pro Tip: If you want to play profitably, stick to the main Ante and Play bets only. The side bets are designed for entertainment and are a long-term losing proposition.

3. Understand the Payouts

• Ante Bonus: Some casinos offer an "Ante Bonus" for strong hands (Straight, Three of a Kind, Straight Flush) even if the dealer does not qualify. Make sure you are aware of this bonus and the payouts associated with it. This is a good way to get an extra win without needing to beat the dealer's hand.
• Dealer's Hand: Always remember that your "Play" bet only comes into effect if the dealer's hand qualifies (Queen-high or better). If the dealer does not qualify, you win even money on your Ante bet, and your Play bet is returned.

By following these simple but strict strategies, you can improve your chances of walking away from the table a winner, or at least minimizing your losses over time.

Do you know this game? Internet says it's popular in some countries, including USA.
Most likely you never played this game so am I. But it would be interesting to experience.
How would you play a game and would you strictly follow the Q-6-4 rule?
The hand rankings are different from standard poker. Why do you think three of a kind beats straight and straight is ranked higher than a flush in this game?

 

[Sunz of Beaches]

Very interesting big text. Thank you very much for showing us the rules of this game which is three card poker. I heard of it before but never played it myself.

 

[VictorOd]

I could find and systematize information about other poker related casino games like Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker and others. It's neither too hard nor too easy, requires time and efforts. Just tell me what would you like to read, what's known and popular in our places?

 

[Antonio777]

That is some very good information. I play three card poker quite often. Just played some this morning. I won $15.00. I am a little leary about the Q-6-4 strategy rule. The Q sound good but the 6-4 ? I may give it a try though. I never call with that hand. I have called with QJx before many times and beat the dealer. Most of the time i will call with a K-x-x, and always call with and A-x-x. I never play the pair plus. Thats there to distract you and make you lose your

Britches.😂. The best hand I ever played was Straight Flush/ not royal flush i won twice with that hand.. I have played 3 of a kind hands a few times and won.. I can't say if its my luck or strategy but I am winning in the long haul. Everyone has bad days so i can't say i win every time i play. But like i said, Over all I am on the winning side. I'm not a play every now and then at three card. I will play at least a couple times a week. I will try the Q-6-4 rules two or three times, not hands but when i enter the room i will use it until i've had my fill. I always have limits on loss and winnings.

You provided a lot of good and very useful information in this thread. Thanks.
P.S. I have always know it as 3 card Guts. Widely known in my area as that name. But in the Casino's I've visited its Three Card Poker.
Peace ,
Tony

 

[VictorOd]

That is some very good information. I play three card poker quite often. Just played some this morning. I won $15.00. I am a little leary about the Q-6-4 strategy rule. The Q sound good but the 6-4 ? I may give it a try though. I never call with that hand. I have called with QJx before many times and beat the dealer. Most of the time i will call with a K-x-x, and always call with and A-x-x. I never play the pair plus. Thats there to distract you and make you lose your

Britches.😂. The best hand I ever played was Straight Flush/ not royal flush i won twice with that hand.. I have played 3 of a kind hands a few times and won.. I can't say if its my luck or strategy but I am winning in the long haul. Everyone has bad days so i can't say i win every time i play. But like i said, Over all I am on the winning side. I'm not a play every now and then at three card. I will play at least a couple times a week. I will try the Q-6-4 rules two or three times, not hands but when i enter the room i will use it until i've had my fill. I always have limits on loss and winnings.

You provided a lot of good and very useful information in this thread. Thanks.
P.S. I have always know it as 3 card Guts. Widely known in my area as that name. But in the Casino's I've visited its Three Card Poker.
Peace ,
Tony

Really appreciate you sharing your experiences, Tony! The Q-6-4 rule does feel weird at first—most players want to fold with any weak kicker—but it’s mathematically proven to be the best long-term play in Three Card Poker. Source: Wizard of Odds.
Basically, calling with Q-6-4 or better minimizes the house edge and helps you avoid giving up too many hands.
It’s awesome you stick to your limits and avoid Pair Plus—those side bets are fun, but they raise the house advantage. Congrats on those big hands (and consistent play).

 

[najisami]

Very nicely put.
The part I did not understand much about the game was the dealer qualification (Q high), but you clarified it pretty well, thank you.
However, I still can't really understand why Q64 and not QKX for example.

 

[kishamania]

I could be wrong, but the example given with the queen 6 3 corresponds to the minimum starting card for which it is still mathematically a good card. It's possible, as in a short-deck game, a flush beats a full house because, due to the smaller number of outs, there is a lower chance of making such a combination.

 

[Antonio777]

Really appreciate you sharing your experiences, Tony! The Q-6-4 rule does feel weird at first—most players want to fold with any weak kicker—but it’s mathematically proven to be the best long-term play in Three Card Poker. Source: Wizard of Odds.
Basically, calling with Q-6-4 or better minimizes the house edge and helps you avoid giving up too many hands.
It’s awesome you stick to your limits and avoid Pair Plus—those side bets are fun, but they raise the house advantage. Congrats on those big hands (and consistent play).

@VictorOd , I used the Q-6-4 strategy without luck. I tryed it in 3 straight sessions playing 3 card. I lost $$ all three times. Thats my own experience so far. Thats not to say that it is a bad strategy. If i play 3 more session i may be a winner 3 times. I think its a long term strategy so I can't disagree with it. But at

this point i'm going back to a more conservative strategy of my own. Its worked for me long term so i am just going to stay with what worked for me in the past. I will give it away right now. K-T-x.... Thats what I use and its playing tight compared to Q-6-4.

I just wanted to let you know how it worked for me as i said I would. But I am NOT saying its a bad idea. I'm just saying i will stick with what has worked for myself. Good luck out there if you want to or are playing 3 card poker.

Peace,
Tony

 

[VictorOd]

@VictorOd , I used the Q-6-4 strategy without luck. I tryed it in 3 straight sessions playing 3 card. I lost $$ all three times. Thats my own experience so far. Thats not to say that it is a bad strategy. If i play 3 more session i may be a winner 3 times. I think its a long term strategy so I can't disagree with it. But at

this point i'm going back to a more conservative strategy of my own. Its worked for me long term so i am just going to stay with what worked for me in the past. I will give it away right now. K-T-x.... Thats what I use and its playing tight compared to Q-6-4.

I just wanted to let you know how it worked for me as i said I would. But I am NOT saying its a bad idea. I'm just saying i will stick with what has worked for myself. Good luck out there if you want to or are playing 3 card poker.

Peace,
Tony

Oh, thank you for sharing your experience... I feel partly guilty now, Tony, sorry.
Also personally prefer to play tight, so I understand you.

 

[Uncloggie]

My instinct tells me to stay away from this game. lol. Cheers

 

[Sunz of Beaches]

My instinct tells me to stay away from this game. lol. Cheers

Your instinct is probably right. In the end it's only another casino game where you will lose money in the long run no matter what happens in the short run.

 

[Antonio777]

Your instinct is probably right. In the end it's only another casino game where you will lose money in the long run no matter what happens in the short run.

You are right. With the House in control of the odds, Eventually you are going to lost if you play regularly. If you are not a regular play and just hit it every now and then your chances are actually probably better. I;m no wiz at odds but it makes sense to me.

@VictorOd no reason to feel and guilt or responsibility for what I did. I wanted to try the strategy and see how it worked. I think if you play in a pattern, and strategy is a pattern the dealer catches on using AI to figure you out. Any comments about how AI could be a factor in casino gaming? I believe that they

are using it and its smart enough to see if you have a solid way of playing. I am tempted to just go in and play off the cuff. Call stupid stuff and throw some good ones away. That would keep AI confused and off balance at reading what you may do. Thats just my opinion but the way all the casino games are acting over the past couple years I think AI is being used widely and that sucker can figure you out faster than any one person could every figure out you or read your playing habits/style/strategy . 😂

Peace,
Tony

 

[najisami]

@VictorOd , I used the Q-6-4 strategy without luck. I tryed it in 3 straight sessions playing 3 card. I lost $$ all three times. Thats my own experience so far. Thats not to say that it is a bad strategy. If i play 3 more session i may be a winner 3 times. I think its a long term strategy so I can't disagree with it. But at

this point i'm going back to a more conservative strategy of my own. Its worked for me long term so i am just going to stay with what worked for me in the past. I will give it away right now. K-T-x.... Thats what I use and its playing tight compared to Q-6-4.

I just wanted to let you know how it worked for me as i said I would. But I am NOT saying its a bad idea. I'm just saying i will stick with what has worked for myself. Good luck out there if you want to or are playing 3 card poker.

Peace,
Tony

Hey Tony, where do you play 3 card poker? Are you talking about a real casino or an online one?
I really want to try it a bit. I remember having played it a couple of times in a real casino, but don't remember the dynamic of the game that much.

 

[Antonio777]

I play at ACR online real money. I found a version that you can bet 0.10 cent If you want to. I usually play $1.00. If you want the dime table ,from casino page scroll down to table games and there are a couple 3 card poker tables. There only the one with the minimum bet 0.10 cents. So be careful and when you open the table you can see the min. and max. bets. I go there sometimes just to practice and maybe sharpen my so called skills.lol.

Another is ,I hope i don't get in trouble for this but i think the Casino is associated with Real Prize , they are mostly slots but have a handful of table games. You can play for fun there , no real monies involved. If you can get it in your country. Hope that helps. Good Luck if you try it out. Take your time between the deals. Dealer likes to snatch your chips when you go fast. seriously,thats been my experience .


Heres a screenshot i took. In upper right corner you can see the 0.10 Minimum.
Peace Brother,
Tony

 

[Rahul P Gopal]

A good read overall, very well explained.

 

[Sunz of Beaches]

Wow ok now that's very interesting I didn't even know Americas cardroom offers such a game like three card Poker. Good luck there @Antonio777 !!!!