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Three Card Poker Mastery: How to Play

Game Flow

Step 1: Place Bets

  • Ante: Required bet (must place to play)
  • Pair Plus: Optional side bet
  • • Both bets are independent

Step 2: Get Cards

  • • You get 3 cards face up
  • • Dealer gets 3 cards face down
  • • Evaluate your hand strength

Step 3: Decision

  • Play: Match your ante bet
  • Fold: Forfeit ante bet
  • • Decision based on hand strength

Step 4: Showdown

  • • Dealer reveals their cards
  • • Check if dealer qualifies
  • • Compare hands and determine winner

Dealer Qualification

Key Rule: The dealer must have Queen high or better to qualify.

If dealer qualifies: Normal hand comparison

If dealer doesn't qualify: Ante bet wins, Play bet pushes

Betting Examples

Conservative Player

  • Ante: $10
  • Pair Plus: $0
  • Total Risk: $10-20
  • Lower variance, steady play

Balanced Player

  • Ante: $15
  • Pair Plus: $5
  • Total Risk: $20-35
  • Mix of safety and excitement

Action Player

  • Ante: $10
  • Pair Plus: $15
  • Total Risk: $25-40
  • Higher variance, big payouts