Three Card Poker is an interesting game of chance and big winnings if you play it right. The game utilises a player-dealer position. The players play against another player, who will collect all winnings and pay all losing wagers to the extent that their wagers cover. The player-dealer will only “bank” the hand (including bonus bets) two consecutive times before it is offered in a clockwise fashion around the gaming table.
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3 Card Poker Rules: Your Ultimate Guide
Type of Gaming Table
Let’s understand the gaming table in a three card poker game. Each three card poker table has a drop box attached to it.
The wagering areas are:
1. For Ante wagers, the word “Ante”;
2. For Play wagers, the word “Play”;
3. For the Bonus wagers, the word(s) “Bonus” or “Pair Plus.”
Number of Players in the Game
It is an eight-player game.
Type of Card Deck Used
1. Shuffling: In this, a single deck is used, and it is automated by a shuffling device called ‘a shuffler’.
2. Characteristics: The game uses the standard 52-card deck with no joker used.
3. Number of Decks: The game should be played with two alternating decks.
Each of a 52-card deck with backs of the same design but different:
A. The backs of each deck will be a different colour;
B. In this game, one deck is shuffled automatically by device while the other deck is being dealt with or used to play the game;
C. Both decks will be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.
D. The cards from only one deck shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.
Ranking of Hands
Let’s discuss the hand ranking in detail. In three-card poker, all suits of cards have the same rank from highest to lowest, as follows:
- Mini Royal Flush: This hand comprises an ace, king, and queen of the same suit.
- Straight Flush: This hand includes three consecutive cards of the same suit. The highest-ranked straight flush is ace, king, and queen, while the lowest is 4, 3, and 2.
- Three of a Kind: This hand consists of three cards of the same rank. The highest three of a kind is three aces, and the lowest is three 2s.
- Straight: This hand contains three consecutive cards that are not of the same suit. The highest-ranked straight is ace, king, and queen, and the lowest is ace, 2, and 3.
- Flush: This hand is made up of three cards of the same suit that are not in sequence. The highest flush is an ace, king, and jack, while the lowest is a 5, 3, and 2.
- One Pair: This hand has two cards of the same rank. The highest pair is two aces, and the lowest is two 2’s.
- High Card: This hand consists of three cards that do not fit into any of the above categories. The highest high card hand is an ace, king, and 9, while the lowest is a 5, 3, and 2.
Betting Scheme
- In Three Card Poker, all bets should be placed using gaming chips on the defined betting areas, keeping table’s minimum and maximum betting limits in consideration.
- All bets should be placed before betting time ends.
- Each round must start with placing an Ante wager. Further, players can opt to place a Play wager, which must match the Ante wager.
- Players who have placed the Ante wager can also opt to place an additional “Bonus” wager. This wager offers a bonus payout for certain hand combinations, as specified in the Bonus Bet Payout Table.
Dealing Procedures
1. Before the start of play and following the conclusion of each round, the house dealer should shuffle the card with the help of a shuffling machine.
2. As the game begins, the dealer should wait for the player to place their Ante wagers and bonus wagers.
3. Note that bets should be placed within the betting time.
4. The house dealer shall deliver the first stack of cards dealt by the shuffler to the player to the left of the player-dealer position.
5. As the remaining stacks are dispensed by the shuffler, the house dealer shall deliver a stack in turn to other players, including the player-dealer, moving clockwise around the table. The house dealer shall deliver each stack face-down.
6. The stack given to the player-dealer shall be delivered face-down, after which the bottom card will be turned face-up
7. Lastly, when stacks are delivered to players, the dealer unloads the remaining cards in the shuffler without exposing the cards.
Round of Play
1. Card Examination
Players examine their cards after dealing procedures are completed.
2. Responsibility for Hand
Players are responsible for their own hands, keeping cards in full view of the dealer.
3. Play or Fold
Players who placed an Ante wager can make a Play wager equal to the Ante or forfeit the Ante and end their participation. This option is given in turn, starting with the player to the left of the player-dealer.
- Pair Plus wager is forfeited if no Play wager is made.
4. Collecting Forfeited Wagers
The dealer collects forfeited wagers and cards, placing them in the discard rack.
5. Revealing Player-Dealer’s Hand
The dealer reveals the player-dealer’s cards, forming the highest possible hand. The player-dealer must qualify with a queen-high.
- If not qualified, play wagers are refunded.
- Ante wager is paid even money if the player’s hand is higher; otherwise, it’s a push.
- If qualified, the dealer stacks Play wager on the Ante.
The player wins even money on both wagers if their hand is higher. The player loses both wagers if the dealer’s hand is higher. Wagers push if hands are equal.
6. Revealing Player Hands
Starting from the left of the player-dealer. Each player’s hands are revealed.
7. Collecting Cards
Cards are collected in order and placed in the discard rack.
8. Payout Actions
Clockwise payout, that is, Ante, Play, Pair Plus, 6 Card Bonus. In addition, uncovered wagers are returned if the player-dealer’s wager is exhausted.
9. Wager Limits
Player-dealers are not required to cover all wagers. Payoffs are limited to the player-dealer’s wager. The house does not act as the player-dealer or take a percentage.
10. Player-Dealer Rotation
The player-dealer position rotates every two hands. The player-dealer collects losing wagers, pays winning wagers, and may not win or lose more than their wager. Uncovered wagers are returned when the player-dealer’s wager is exhausted.
Also Read: Poker Odds Calculator
Conclusion
Three card poker is a straightforward game with defined rules and gameplay. There are hand rankings that one must know to play and win big. This is a game of skills and chance, knowing the rules, ranking and gameplay can be a huge advantage to players. This article covers all the important aspects of the three card poker game that any casino enthusiast must know!So, are you ready to try your hands at a card poker game at Fun88?
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