Play Three Card Poker Online 2025

How to Play 3 Card Poker Online

Like most poker games, 3 card can seem intimidating if you’ve never played before. Fear not: 3 card is actually one of the most simple poker variations out there. In just a few hands, you’ll understand exactly how the game works:

The Ante and Deal

The initial bet which players must make at the start of the game is known as the ante. At Australian poker rooms, this bet is often a minimum of $1. The minimum wager may be more for live dealer games, so be sure to choose a table which aligns with the size of your bankroll.

Once the ante bet has been placed, the dealer will deal three cards each. The player will be able to see their own cards, but the dealer’s will be face down.

Fold or Play

Once they’ve seen their cards, the player will choose whether to play or fold.  If the player chooses to play, they’ll then have to stake a play bet. This is usually equal to the initial ante bet. If they choose to fold, the hand is over. Remember, folding is not the same as losing. Folding is simply shutting down the round if you think you’re beat and is a good way to protect your bankroll.

Basic 3 card poker strategy suggests that players fold on any hand lower than Queen, 6, 4.

The Showdown

Assuming the player has chosen to play their hand, the game will then move to a showdown. In order for the dealer to play, their hand must have a Queen-high or better. The probability of the dealer having a Queen or better is around 70%, so expect them to play more often than not.

If the dealer has a hand lower than a Queen-high, the player will receive the original ante payout at 1:1. Their play bet will also be returned, as the game is said to be a tie.

If the dealer has a Queen-high or better, their hand will be compared to the player’s. Whoever has the higher poker hand will win.  If the player wins, both the ante and play bets are paid out at a rate in line with the game’s paytable.

3 Card Hand Rankings

Most 3 card games are played on a standard 52 card deck. The hand rankings are similar to those used in other poker variations like Texas Hold’em and Omaha:

3 Card Poker Strategy

Avoid Side Bets

Some 3 card poker games allow side bets like Pairs Plus. These side bets have high payouts, but that’s because they are unlikely to payoff. The house edge for the side bets is high, so it’s usually best to avoid them.

Manage Your Bankroll

All successful gamblers know how to manage their bankroll. Make small bets in line with the size of your budget and avoid playing with tilt. Once your bankroll is done for the day, stop playing.

Know When to Fold

As we’ve already established, folding is not the same as losing. Even the pros fold sometimes! If you’ve been dealt a weak hand, live to fight another day by folding and cutting your losses.