Invented by Derek Webb in 1994, Three Card Poker is a wildly popular table game. It’s a great option for both live casinos and online casino sites, with a low house edge that gives players a chance to win big money.

How To Play 3 Card Poker

The rules of 3 card poker are simple – you get three cards and decide whether to fold or play. If you fold, your ante wager is forfeited, and your hand is compared to the dealer’s. If you play, you place a play wager equal to your ante wager.

When you’re ready to start, the dealer deals each player three cards and himself. Then, each player makes an ante wager, which is similar to a bet in blackjack or craps.

Aside from the ante and play bets, there’s also a pair plus bet. This is a simpler wager, but you can’t win it without making a pair in the first two cards of your hand.

You can also use progressive betting patterns on 3 card poker. Some examples are positive progression (increase your stake after a winning round), and negative progression (increase your bet after a losing one). However, you should be aware that these patterns can lead to excessive gambling.

Basic Strategy And Payoffs

The most important aspect of 3 card poker is to follow basic strategy. It can help you win more often and can also minimize your losses. For example, you should never make a play bet if you’re dealt a hand with cards valued lower than a queen-6-4.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start to develop your own strategy. There are plenty of different ones, but the most successful strategy is to use a simple system that consists of raising when you have cards higher than a queen-6-4 and folding when you have hands with lower values.

If you’re new to the game, you can try playing free games at a gambling site or mobile app. These are the perfect way to practice before you start playing for real money.

Some casinos also offer side bets that pay out if you can make a straight or better. These are longshots at best, but they can provide some massive payouts for the luckiest players.

Another popular type of betting is the re-raise, which involves a player raising their bet by an amount equal to their initial wager. This can lead to a huge increase in your winnings and is an excellent way to earn a large sum of money quickly.

You can also play progressive side bets, which can give you a significant increase in your winnings or a large jackpot. These are great options for gamblers who like to try out new titles, but it’s important to keep in mind that these bets can be risky.

If you’re new to the game, it’s best to stick with a basic strategy and avoid betting more than you can afford. Aside from this, you should always be aware of how many hands you’re playing and how often. You should also know when to walk away from a game, or shut down your smartphone if you’re losing too much money.