Omaha and Texas Hold'em might be the most popular poker variants, but they are certainly not the only gambling options for those who want to enjoy something less mainstream. In recent years, 3 Card Poker has become increasingly more renowned, and for good reason!
If you are curious about what other poker variations might suit you and are willing to experiment with a new online poker game, you should learn as much as possible about three-card poker!
About Three Card Poker
The modern version of Three Card Poker was created by Derek Webb in 1994, which makes it one of the newest poker variations out there. The game was inspired by the original Three-card Brag, an 18th-century British card game, with one goal in mind: making poker as fast-paced as other table games at land-based casinos.
The objective of the game is very simple: you must create the best poker hand possible with only three cards. That is how it works:
- To start the game, the player places an ante wager (players are required to make this wager prior to the cards being dealt when the goal is to compete against the dealer's hand) and/or a pair plus wager (a bet that has nothing to do with the ante wager and is placed as a bet on the hand value, which means it will be paid or taken regardless of whether the dealer wins or losses).
- Three cards are then placed face-down in front of each player and the dealer.
- After looking at his hand, the player must decide whether to place a play wager or fold.
- If a player folds – the dealer collects all the money. If a player decides to stay in the game – both the player and the dealer reveal their hands to see who has a better hand.
This poker variant is based mostly on luck, and it is extremely fast-paced, which makes it a fun and uncomplicated game for those who are looking to have some fun. Since nowadays you can play Three Card Poker online, nothing can stop you from enjoying a quick and thrilling round of poker with minimal knowledge and experience.
What is the Best Strategy to Win 3 Card Poker?
Since in Three Card Poker, you're essentially playing against the dealer and against yourself in one single move, there isn't much for you to learn regarding strategy. But even though it seems as if you are completely reliant on the value of the cards you're dealt and that you don't really have any say in the matter, you still must be the one to decide whether you should place another wager or fold.
That means that there is one important thing you should always think about: what are the odds your hand will outrank your dealer's hand?
The optimal strategy suggests that you should play all hands that are better than a combination of a Queen, Six, and Four. Anything with a lower value should be discarded. If the dealer has a hand of Jack-high or lower, the play wager is returned to you. But if the dealer's hand is more valuable, the play wager is paid to you or the dealer, depending on who has the better hand.
How do you know which cards are higher ranked? Well, in general, the ranking of most hands is the same as in any standard poker game. The only major difference is that a straight is higher than a flush. Therefore, a straight flush and mini-royal flush are the best hands you could possibly get, followed by three-of-a-kind, straight, flush, pair, and lastly – a high card.
Are You Read for An Exhilarating Adventure?
Unlike Texas Hold'em, Three-Card Poker is a very simple and quick game to play - which makes it the perfect choice for those who want to experience the thrill without putting much effort into the experience. Are you ready to give this poker game a try?