One of the reasons that 3 Card Poker is such a popular casino table game is that it requires little or no strategy, and, therefore, it is very relaxing.
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, dealt out in hands of three with the cards face down. All the player needs to do with his three cards is get a pair or better to beat the dealer. Of course, it goes without saying that the player's pair needs to be higher than the dealer's, otherwise he loses. This aspect of 3 Card Poker is called "Pair Plus".
The second aspect of 3 Card Poker is called "Ante Play". This is the simplest form of the game. The player and the dealer place their antes on the designated spot on the table. Then the cards are dealt. The player may decide to fold in which case he loses his Ante bet. If he thinks that his cards will beat the dealer's, he can raise his bet with an amount equal to the ante. If he beats the dealer, he collects. In order for the dealer to "qualify" for the hand, he must hold three cards with a queen or higher. If the dealer's hand does not hold a queen or higher, the player wins no matter what his cards are. This is an extremely attractive aspect of the game.
The hand rankings in 3 Card Poker are a bit different than the traditional five card hands. For example, a straight will beat three of a kind because it is far more difficult to get a straight with only three cards.
There is also a bonus payout on the ante bet for certain hands even if the player has not beaten the dealer. A straight, three of a kind, or a straight flush are eligible for the bonus payout.
3 Card Poker is also a great online casino game to play. When playing on line at Alljackpots Casino, the player plays alone against the "dealer" (i.e. computer). However, in a land-based casino there can be many more players at the table.
3 Card Poker is a fast and fun game. Because there is no exchange of cards, the hands move quickly. And, because there is no need to strategize, it is a very relaxing game. Initially, 3 Card Poker was developed for those players who are a bit frightened at facing a traditional poker table where one needs to be able to "read" players, bluff and, perhaps, even count cards. Furthermore, 3 Card Poker is not generally a "high stakes" game. It suits those players with smaller wallets. Statistically, a player should get a pay hand of some kind about 25% of the time, and the traditionally low "house" edge for this game makes it an attractive and appealing game to play.
