Three Card Poker is a casino game of chance in which each player competes heads-up in a showdown against the dealer.  The rules of Three Card Poker are quite simple to understand.  In short, each player and the dealer receive three cards.  A player may choose to play or surrender.  Once each player makes his choice, the dealer checks to determine whether he qualifies.  The dealer must meet minimum requirements for the showdown to occur.  Each player’s hand is compared to the dealers and paid out accordingly. 

Three Card Poker Rules on Betting 

A hand of Three Card Poker begins with the bet.  Three Card Poker players must stay within the limits of the table stakes when placing their Three Card Poker bets.  A player must place an ante bet if he wishes to participate in the Three Card Poker hand.  Additionally, players may place an optional pair plus bet if he wishes to be paid on hands higher than a pair in strength.  Most players will typically play both bets because it generally pays off although you do not have too. To start a hand you should place the pair plus bet in the designated spot on the table and then your ante bet on the designated spot on the table.

Three Card Poker Rules After the Deal

Once each player has placed their bets, the Three Card Poker dealer will deal each player three cards face down - starting from the dealer‘s left.  Additionally, the dealer will receive three cards.  The cards are distributed in three card increments, so the first player receives three cards, then the second player, then each individual player, and finally the dealer receives his cards.

Once each player receives their cards, the player evaluates their hands individually.  Upon evaluation of the Three Card Poker hand, a player may choose to either fold or play their hand.  Should a player fold their hand, they forfeit their claim to their ante wager and pair plus bets.  Players wishing to continue in the Three Card Poker hand must place a call bet.  By Three Card Poker rules, the call bet must be equal in size to the ante bet. 

Three Card Poker Rules on Showdowns

Once each player has acted on their respective Three Card Poker hands, the dealer looks at his cards.  The dealer must qualify in order for the showdown to occur.  According to Three Card Poker rules, a dealer must have a Queen high or better in order to qualify. 

Should the dealer fail to qualify, players are paid even money on their ante bets.  The call bets are returned to the players as a push.  The pair plus bets are paid out or lost accordingly.  Worth noting, according to Three Card Poker rules, a player who has surrendered is not paid if a dealer fails to qualify. 

In the event a dealer qualifies by having a hand with Queen high or better, the dealer’s hand is compared to each player’s hand.  If you have a better hand then the dealer, you will be paid out on your ante bet and the bet you placed next to the ante.   Should the dealer possess a hand higher in value than the player’s hand, the dealer collects the ante and the call bets from the losing player.  Pair plus bets are paid out independent of the showdown results.  Thus, Three Card Poker rules dictate that pair plus bets pay regardless of the dealer’s hand strength.