Three Card Poker Players...Step Inside

[sailor_jimc]

Ok.. I saw one for Craps, BlackJack and Roulette but I don't remember seeing a thread on 3 Card Poker.

 

Now, I'm not saying there is a whole lot of strategy in playing 3 card, but I have sat at enough tables on the cruise ships to hear many times - "Oh I don't know how to play that..." So I figured I would start a thread and see where it goes. Because this IS a game where a newbie can sit and play and not have their play affect anyone else at the table.

 

I say there is not much in strategy because its mostly a luck thing besides knowing when you should fold and when you should bet and see the dealers cards. But we can discuss betting methods, good and bad, ways people play, differences between playing on a ship versus a land casino etc..

 

For those who don't know how to play 3 Card Poker-

 

This is a game where you win based on a pay-out table if you beat the dealers hand provided that the dealer "qualifies". If the dealer does not qualify then you win automatically. Winning hands are determined by standard poker hands made up of only 3 cards instead of 5 cards. The only difference being that in 3 card poker a straight beats a flush.

 

Play starts after every places their bets. There are 3 bets that can be made. 1 - The Ante, this bet must be played to get cards, 2 The Pair Plus Bonus bet which wins on hands of a pair or better per a pay-out table regardless if your hand beats the dealer (this is an optional bet) 3- The "play" bet sometimes called the "raise" which needs to match the ante and is bet after you see your cards AND must be played unless you fold your hand.

 

Once the bets are placed everyone (including the dealer) is dealt 3 cards. The dealer's cards are dealt face down. Everyone then is allowed to look at their cards to determine if the want to continue playing and to try to beat the dealer's hand. If they do they make the "play" bet, if they don't they must "fold". Then the dealer reveals his/her 3 cards to determine winners. If the dealer has queen high or better player's bets are paid if their hand beats the dealers hand and the ante and the play bet are paid even money. If the dealer does not have queen high or better then the ante only is paid (even money) and the play bet is a push. The pair plus bonus is paid on any pair or better hand according to the table. It is possible to lose the hand and still get paid on the pair plus (for instance you have a pair of 3's and the dealer wins with a pair of 5's, you get paid on the pair plus bonus bet but lose the ante and play bets).

 

Ok.. I'll stop there and let any discussion begin...:D

[Ukulele JJ]

Because this IS a game where a newbie can sit and play and not have their play affect anyone else at the table.

 

As opposed to...?

 

I say there is not much in strategy because its mostly a luck thing besides knowing when you should fold and when you should bet and see the dealers cards. But we can discuss betting methods, good and bad, ways people play, differences between playing on a ship versus a land casino etc..

 

The Wizard of Odds site has an excellent analysis of the game. There's a lot of math to wade through, but the general gist is:

 

• House edge on the "ante/raise" part of the game varies from about 3.4% to over 4%, depending on the pay table, assuming optimal play. Not great, but not terrible. (It's worse than craps, blackjack, and most video poker when they're played at a basic level of skill. But it's better than roulette, and probably better than poorly-played craps, blackjack, or VP.)
  
• The pairplus bet has a house edge that varies from about 5.5% to over 7% on the most common paytables. Obviously, it's usually wise to avoid this bet (as is the case with pretty much all "side bets" in a casino).
  
• Optimal strategy is to raise if you have queen, 6, and 4, or any hand that would beat a Q-6-4, regardless of the pay table.
  

JJ

[richard1s]

3 card poker is a fun game that doesn't require a whole lot of skill but a great deal of luck. On our last cruise, I hit a 3 of a kind (30:1) and straight flush (40:1) plus the ante bet payoff in the same evening. On the 3 of a kind hand, I also played a bet for the dealer as a tip and it was pretty exciting for them.

[sailor_jimc]

As opposed to...?

 

 

 

JJ

 

Ukulele JJ- I meant as opposed to a game like BlackJack where a newbie might be afraid to sit down and play because they are afraid of making other players upset if they don't make the "correct play". Not that a new gambler can't play other games, I have just met many that are not comfortable sitting down at a table with others. That's all...

 

The Wizard Of Odds site is a great one. I consider it to be the most complete gambling strategy site out there.

[sailor_jimc]

3 card poker is a fun game that doesn't require a whole lot of skill but a great deal of luck. On our last cruise, I hit a 3 of a kind (30:1) and straight flush (40:1) plus the ante bet payoff in the same evening. On the 3 of a kind hand, I also played a bet for the dealer as a tip and it was pretty exciting for them.

 

There is no doubt it takes a fair amount of luck to do well at this game. I have found that you are either "hitting" or not. My last cruise, I sat down and hit a straight flush on the first hand! Then hit numerous straights and flushes in that session. The next night I couldn't buy pair... You just have to know when its not working and get up and try something else.

[Yo Eleven]

Great thread! I have played this game and won a LOT of money and have also taken a bubble bath as well. If you play it enough you will hit big without a doubt, but be prepared to take a pounding on the way to get there.

 

You are right. Nothing but luck here EXCEPT you have to manage your betting properly. But I have seen stupidity get the best of some players. Like someone throwing away a hand that they didn't notice they had.

 

The game is fun and can be very enjoyable.

[jester121]

I played 3 card poker for the first time last year in Aruba, because the blackjack and craps tables seemed to have my #@$@ in a vice from the second I bought in, every night, all week. I came close to clawing my way back even after a couple nights and had a fun time with it.

 

Since that trip, I've discovered that it's an excellent game to play while intoxicated, to the extent that any drunken gambling is a good idea. What I mean is, it's simple enough to follow in a hazy state and tough to get in serious trouble too fast.

[Casino Player]

I played 3 card poker for the first time last year in Aruba, because the blackjack and craps tables seemed to have my #@$@ in a vice from the second I bought in, every night, all week. I came close to clawing my way back even after a couple nights and had a fun time with it.

 

Since that trip, I've discovered that it's an excellent game to play while intoxicated, to the extent that any drunken gambling is a good idea. What I mean is, it's simple enough to follow in a hazy state and tough to get in serious trouble too fast.

 

HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO jester121: One thing that I've picked up on over the years, never play any casino game while drunk. I've observed many people do the opposite over the years and lose lots of money.

[jester121]

HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO jester121: One thing that I've picked up on over the years, never play any casino game while drunk. I've observed many people do the opposite over the years and lose lots of money.

 

Oh, I completely agree that it's a bad idea on principle. But over the years I've done lots of questionable thinks while drinking, and history is probably destined to repeat itself.

[jm100]

All luck. Only skill involved is when to fold or play.:)

[jmm834]

I got to observe 3 card poker for the first time on the Pride. It's interesting indeed as I saw somebody have a straight flush; that was exciting. Two questions:

 

1. Is this game offered in the US on land casinos?

2. Perhaps this is the newbie in me speaking, but I don't see why you'd fold if you're already "pot committed" by already placing 2/3 of the betting before seeing the cards. Any thoughts?

[grod19]

I got to observe 3 card poker for the first time on the Pride. It's interesting indeed as I saw somebody have a straight flush; that was exciting. Two questions:

 

1. Is this game offered in the US on land casinos?

2. Perhaps this is the newbie in me speaking, but I don't see why you'd fold if you're already "pot committed" by already placing 2/3 of the betting before seeing the cards. Any thoughts?

 

1. Yes

2. The pair plus is completely seperate from the ante/play. You lose the pair plus the minute you don't have a pair in your hand. So essentially you are really only getting 1/2 "pot odds" as you put it. However if the dealer doesn't have a Q or better you only get paid 1 to 2 (ante paid, play push). I think the "mathematical" way to play is Q7 or better or Q9, something like that, havent looked at basic strategy in a long time

[jmm834]

1. Yes

2. The pair plus is completely seperate from the ante/play. You lose the pair plus the minute you don't have a pair in your hand. So essentially you are really only getting 1/2 "pot odds" as you put it. However if the dealer doesn't have a Q or better you only get paid 1 to 2 (ante paid, play push). I think the "mathematical" way to play is Q7 or better or Q9, something like that, havent looked at basic strategy in a long time

 

If you're given only 3 cards, it seems like the odds of getting a pocket pair are somewhat slim. This game looks like it can get costly easily with the pair plus bet. Perhaps it's like video poker where you'll eventually hit big in the long run to come close to even. If PA passes table games, I'll keep this in mind. Thanks for the info grod.

[grod19]

If you're given only 3 cards, it seems like the odds of getting a pocket pair are somewhat slim. This game looks like it can get costly easily with the pair plus bet. Perhaps it's like video poker where you'll eventually hit big in the long run to come close to even. If PA passes table games, I'll keep this in mind. Thanks for the info grod.

 

yes the pair plus (like most "side bets") has a rather large house advantage.

[cccer]

My wife and I have played this game the last two cruises and it payed for my slot loses. My favorite time was when my wife got three of a kind and she got paid two hundred and something and she tried to give the two black chips back to the dealer saying he gave her the wrong color. After a good laugh she got the game. We will play this all the time.

I just read a local casino in Gary, IN has a game 21+3 in which you play blackjack with a sidebet (i assume) where your first two cards up and the dealers card up form a three card hand, not sure of the payoffs, but i will play next time I go.

[neilrr]

As opposed to...?

 

 

 

The Wizard of Odds site has an excellent analysis of the game. There's a lot of math to wade through, but the general gist is:

 

• House edge on the "ante/raise" part of the game varies from about 3.4% to over 4%, depending on the pay table, assuming optimal play. Not great, but not terrible. (It's worse than craps, blackjack, and most video poker when they're played at a basic level of skill. But it's better than roulette, and probably better than poorly-played craps, blackjack, or VP.)
  
• The pairplus bet has a house edge that varies from about 5.5% to over 7% on the most common paytables. Obviously, it's usually wise to avoid this bet (as is the case with pretty much all "side bets" in a casino).
  
• Optimal strategy is to raise if you have queen, 6, and 4, or any hand that would beat a Q-6-4, regardless of the pay table.
  

JJ

 

JJ - I play the game quite a bit and I agree with your analysis of the odds, but if you do not play the pair plus you are not going to make any money. I have been very lucky at making straight flushes, straights, etc.. I have also had my nights with little success -- but if you don't play the pair plus, it is like a slow death and you are just bidding time throwing away the money without any chance of hitting something good.

My strategy is I go to the $5 TCP table with a set amount of money -- let's say $105 -- that will give me 10 rounds if I were to bet the max including the pair plus and I have generally been pretty successful. The casinos generally don't like this game and even worse which I love is Pai Gow Poker where the Casino has to beat you on 2 hands. I have sat down with $50 at a five dollar table and played for 3 hours and had a wonderful time and won to boot... If you want a real suckers game --play Caribbean Stud or Let it Ride... Whenever I am losing, I always return to blackjack to make my money back...:) Good luck!!!

[jac_99]

This was by far the most popular game when I was on the Oasis a couple weeks ago, Almost impossible to get a seat. Was lucky enough to hit two straight flushes when I finally got a spot. I am not very expierenced when it comes to the different games in the casino but this is def a new favorite!

[jty1220]

We are going on Oasis in May what is the Minimum for this game?

[RGB426]

My wife and I have played this game the last two cruises and it payed for my slot loses. My favorite time was when my wife got three of a kind and she got paid two hundred and something and she tried to give the two black chips back to the dealer saying he gave her the wrong color. After a good laugh she got the game. We will play this all the time.

I just read a local casino in Gary, IN has a game 21+3 in which you play blackjack with a sidebet (i assume) where your first two cards up and the dealers card up form a three card hand, not sure of the payoffs, but i will play next time I go.

 

I usually pay that in Tunica, MS and the payout is 9:1 as long as you hit a straight, flush, or three of a kind with your two cards and the dealers face up card.

[ATL2LAS]

I have loved this game since I started playing it in Vegas a few years before I started cruising. I find it is more a game of patience than of skill. I remember when Carnival took out the ShuffleMaster machines and started dealing by hand. I hated it until I got back to back straight flushes with a $20 pair plus bet that paid $800 each time on that side bet. I find that I use TCP to keep my addiction to Let it Ride funded:D. Another variation that adds 2 more cards.

[ParrothdJH]

I usually pay that in Tunica, MS and the payout is 9:1 as long as you hit a straight, flush, or three of a kind with your two cards and the dealers face up card.

On the 9 to 1 payout, you are referring to the combo BJ-3card poker game, not 3 Card poker.

[RGB426]

Sorry I guess I left that part out. Yes, thats on the 21+3 blackjack. Not on 3 Card Poker

[LaCal]

We LOVE 3-Card Poker and play for hours each day while on a cruise...

 

Most I've won was $1,500 plus by weeks end....:D

 

But of course have had bad trips as well..:eek:

 

Best Trip was the one where by WEEKS END I was Up Over $1,500....Kept getting Straights, Flushes and 3 of a kind and Straight Flushes.....At one time/day I was up over $3,000...

 

One Dealer, a Very Nice Girl said after I had just hit 3 of a kind with $10.00 on Bonus Ante,etc...Said Press Your Bet, your on a Streak...I put up $20 on each bet and hit a Straight Flush Next Hand...She was Laughing and Got a Huge Tip....

 

Another night I was just doing OK but one guy kept hitting Everything Including Straight Flushes, but wasnt playing the Bonus Pair Plus spot...

 

I asked him if I could play on his spot(the Bonus Ante), he said Yes, the Dealer Said it was OK (in some of our California Indian Casinos they wont let you do this)...

 

Anyway when I started playing his spot as well in less than 1 hour he had hit 2 more Straight Flushes...:eek:....

 

I Tipped the Player and the Dealer Well...:D

 

Cant Wait for Nov 9th, We'll be at the table the minute they open...:)

[SuiteCruiser]

In the Harrah's casinos and on the Epic, they had an extra 6 card bet where you make the best 5 card poker hand out of you 3 cards and the dealer's 3. They had decent payouts too.

 

I agree, if you're hot, your hot. I've had times when I'm following my Q64 rule and the dealer can't qualify hand after hand. I will switch to going blind for a few hands in that case.

 

I also like that if there's an empty seat beside you, you can just throw 5 dollars on the pair plus in that spot if you need to change up the cards for the table..

 

On the Epic in September, I paid for my entire trip including my onboard expenses with my 3 card and Let it Ride winnings :)

[LaCal]

In the Harrah's casinos and on the Epic, they had an extra 6 card bet where you make the best 5 card poker hand out of you 3 cards and the dealer's 3. They had decent payouts too.

 

I agree, if you're hot, your hot. I've had times when I'm following my Q64 rule and the dealer can't qualify hand after hand. I will switch to going blind for a few hands in that case.

 

I also like that if there's an empty seat beside you, you can just throw 5 dollars on the pair plus in that spot if you need to change up the cards for the table..

 

On the Epic in September, I paid for my entire trip including my onboard expenses with my 3 card and Let it Ride winnings :)

 

We Also go to Harrahs alot and LOVE the Extra 6 Card Bet....

 

I'm Praying they have adjusted this on All ships and Not just the Epic..

 

Anyone know if they have added this Extra Bet on Princess ships like the Golden?