Three Card Poker is a popular casino table game that blends the excitement of poker with the fast pace of simpler games like blackjack. While it follows many of the same rules as traditional poker, the hand rankings in Three Card Poker differ slightly due to the smaller number of cards dealt. You need to know these Three Card Poker hand rankings well in order to make the right decisions during gameplay and maximize your chances of winning.
How to Play Three Card Poker
Three Card Poker is a straightforward game that involves both strategy and luck. Players compete against the dealer rather than other players. At the start of each round, players place an “Ante” bet, and they may also place a “Pair Plus” side bet if they wish. Both the player and the dealer are dealt three cards. Players must then decide whether to fold or place an additional “Play” bet to continue. If the player stays in, their hand is compared to the dealer’s, and the higher-ranking hand wins. The dealer must have at least a Queen-high hand to qualify. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, the player wins the Ante bet, and the Play bet is returned. With basics out of the way, let’s dive into Three Card Poker hand rankings.
Three Card Poker Hand Rankings
Hand rankings determine whether the player or the dealer wins the game. Three Card Poker hand rankings differ slightly from traditional poker rankings, and they are designed for quick and easy comparison. Here’s a breakdown of the rankings, from highest to lowest:
Straight Flush
A straight flush is the best hand you can get in Three Card Poker. It consists of three consecutive cards of the same suit. For example, a hand with a 6, 7, and 8 of hearts is a straight flush. The odds of hitting a straight flush are low, making it a highly valuable hand.
Three-of-a-Kind
A three-of-a-kind hand, also known as trips, occurs when you have three of the same cards, such as three queens or three 6s. This is a strong hand in Three Card Poker, ranking just below a straight flush.
Straight
A straight consists of three cards in sequential order, but not of the same suit, such as 4 of hearts, 5 of diamonds, and 6 of spades. In traditional poker, a flush ranks higher than a straight, but in Three Card Poker, the straight takes precedence due to the difficulty of forming it with only three cards.
Flush
A flush is three cards of the same suit but not in sequence. An example is a 2, 6, and 10 of clubs. While a flush ranks higher in traditional poker, it falls below a straight in Three Card Poker. But a flush is still a valuable hand that can lead to significant payouts.
Pair
A hand with a pair has two of the same cards, such as two Jacks, with the third card being different. This is one of the more common hands in Three Card Poker, and it ranks below straights and flushes.
High Card
If you don’t have any of the hands listed above, your hand is ranked based on its highest value card. For example, if your highest card is a King, that’s your hand’s strength. High card hands are the lowest possible ranking in Three Card Poker. It can only beat another high card hand with a lower value, such as a hand with a Queen as its highest card.
Three Card Poker at Boot Hill Casino
Visit Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City, KS, to play Three Card Poker in a great environment that includes friendly dealers and a welcoming atmosphere. Players can experience the fast-paced thrills of Three Card Poker while testing their skill and luck. Sign up for our player rewards club to earn perks on top of your winnings, like meals at our delicious restaurants or free play.