The three card poker or 3 card poker is a very popular poker-based card game nowadays, since it is halfway between poker and Black Jack. 3 card poker uses the name "poker" because it uses the standard order of the different poker hands, but it is more of a casino game than a poker game as such, since there is no strategy for example.
Its popularity is due to the fact that this variant of poker is much faster and easier and the house edge is relatively low (2% to 4%), therefore, 3 card poker odds are pretty favorable for the players.
The objective of this game is very different from the objective in the conventional game of poker, in the three-card variant each player must beat the dealer. This means the players do not compete with each other and there are fewer variables to take into account.
In addition, the hands are also different, more simplified, since there are fewer combinations to win.
How to play 3 card poker
It is really a simple game. The player must choose between a couple of bets before the deal, then he is dealt 3 cards and the dealer receives 3 cards too, but they are facing down. Now the player must decide if he keeps playing (double the bet) or if he folds. After this, the dealer reveals his cards to see who has won.
The hand rankings in this game differ a bit from those of traditional poker:
- Straight Flush. Three consecutive cards of the same suit
- Three of the same type. Three cards of the same rank
- Straight. Three consecutive cards of mixed suits
- Flush. Three cards of the same suit
- Pair. Two cards of the same rank and a third of different rank
- Highest card. Three cards, not consecutive or of the same suit
How to win at 3 card poker
Let's start with the most important thing of all, there is no control over the cards that the player will get, therefore, whoever wins depends on luck. However, there is a basic 3-card poker strategy players can apply so they know what to do in certain circumstances. In order to play three card poker online by such strategy, the player must follow the next guidelines:
- When the player gets Q, 6, and 4 (or higher), he should double the bet. The same applies if he gets a Q and a 7 or if his high card is an Ace or a King.
- When the player gets a lower value hand, then it is better to fold, as the chances of the dealer having a better hand are higher.
Some versions of the game allow the player to see the dealer's first card. In such a case, there are some extra considerations, a few three card poker secrets, that can help the player win the game:
If the dealer has:
- J or less: the player should double the bet.
- Q: the player should only play with Q, 9 and 2, or better.
- K: the player should only play with K, 9 and 2, or better.
- Ace: the player should only play with Ace, 9 and 2, or better.
Players must keep in mind that these strategies are basics to help them know what to do in some situations, but if he wins or not will always depend on luck. There are times players win various games in a row, only to lose the next four.
This is pretty much everything in 3 Card Poker. If the player sticks to this pattern, the game is quite simple and he will reduce the house limit to 2% and 3%. That is all the player can do.
Bankroll management
Another important strategy players must learn is money management.
Before placing a bet, it is important to decide how much to bet according to the player´s bankroll. The second thing to take into account before playing is to set both profit and loss limits. These amounts can vary greatly depending on the player, but it is very important to establish and stick to them. Otherwise, the player can end up losing his winnings, or even losing more money than he can afford.
