How To Play 3 Card Poker

3 Card Poker the lo down

Many gamblers who have racked up a substantial amount of experience with perennially popular poker variants such as 5-Card Draw, 7-Card Stud, Texas Holdem and Omaha have adopted what I consider to be an unfortunate mindset toward the game of 3-Card Poker. Unfortunate, because these folks seem to disregard the game based upon one sole criteria: the number of cards involved. The vast majority of gamblers who have gotten over this mental block generally discover that learning how to play 3-Card Poker is a good investment of their time. Feelings of shame and self-reproach for their previous “numberism” are sure to follow.

It is the hope of all of us here at Front Magazine that you do not fall into the category of narrow-minded gaming enthusiasts described above. Surely you have intimately acquainted yourself with 3-Card Poker by now. We expect a lot from out readers, who are surely among the smartest, most cultured crowd of gamblers found anywhere in the real world or cyberspace. It’s also worth noting that the collective level of personal hygiene practiced by the average Front fan is above reproach.

But undoubtedly some of you have been remiss in learning how to play 3-Card Poker. In a sincere attempt to remedy that situation, this article will lay out some basic precepts of the game. After reviewing these words a dozen or so times, the burden then falls squarely on your shoulders to get out there and put this freshly garnered knowledge into action.

You many already know that 3-Card Poker is sometimes referred to as Tricard Poker. What you may not know is that this game is actually something of a hybrid, and consists of two separate games which go by the names “Pairplus” and “Ante and Play.” Much like Jojo the two-headed calf, who draws such large and loving audiences at Dr. Pretorious's Traveling Freak Show, this is a game that is quick to earn fans who are willing to overcome their natural trepidation. Let’s take a closer look at each of 3-Card Poker’s dueling heads, shall we?

Pairplus is based on a simple bet that will be familiar to most poker fans. A payout will come your way if you are holding a pair or better. Bear in mind that payout tables can vary quite a bit in different casinos.

During Ante and Play, you will put up an "ante" bet before getting any cards. You will then have the option to fold your cards and forfeit the ante, or raise by making another bet equal to the ante. Should you decide to play, there are three possibilities. The dealer may not qualify by failing to have a Queen high or better. If the dealer does not qualify, the ante bet pays even money, but the play bet is just returned.

Should the dealer qualify, you win if your hand is of higher value than the dealer's, and receive even money on both the ante and play bets. If the dealer's hand is better, the dealer takes both the Ante and Play bets. Ouch! Rules vary on what happens when the hands are of equal value: some state that you get your money back, while others claim you should be paid even money on his bet. Which of these do you like best? It’s not a touch call.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to standard Ante and Play aspects, you are also in contention for a bonus payout on the ante bet for especially good hands. Please consult the specific payout schedules at each casino to learn the worth of these bonuses. Even a quick perusal will reveal that there is a lot more to this game than some skeptics would have you believe