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A free online version of Let It Ride Poker with 3-card bonus bet. Play Let It Ride online, free. Test out your Let It Ride strategy here. Practice for Vegas. Learn more about all of the ins and outs by practicing online without risking a single dime. Even playing against other live players is possible, all for free. Once you've got the game down, you can try your luck at an online or in-person casino. You can also prove your skill by becoming the Governor of Poker right here. Free online video poker games aren’t just great entertainment. They also offer players a great way to master their skills. While the video version doesn’t really involve an element of bluffing like player-vs-player tournaments, when you play free video poker, like free Deuces Wild video poker, you’ll learn the hand ranking system that.
Of all the casino table games based on poker hand rankings, 3 Card Poker is the most popular. This game combines simple strategy with a shot at some big pay outs for the best poker hands.
If you live in a state with regulated online casinos, you’ll be able to play Three Card Poker via desktops and mobile casino apps. Live dealer online casinos let you play a dealt game online. Software-based games are also available where you can play 3 Card Poker for free or with real money.
The key to the popularity of 3 Card Poker is the ‘Pair Plus’ side bet. Most players bet on the main hand (a requirement) and one or more optional side bets. In live casinos, you might find a side bet includes a big progressive jackpot for players lucky enough to hit a 6 card ‘Super’ Royal Flush.
This page gives you all you need to get started with 3 Card Poker whether you play online or in a brick and mortar casino. The rules and order of events in a hand of the game are covered directly below. After this, you’ll find detailed information on the side bets, house edge, strategy and the options for online play.
How to play 3 Card Poker
Each hand starts with the players placing bets. The only mandatory bet is the Ante. The minimum and maximum bet will vary. Online this can be as little as 50c, in live casinos a $5 minimum is more common. Players often combine their ante bet with one or more side-bets – these are covered in the section below.
After all the players have bet, each player and the dealer are dealt 3 cards face down.
Players examine their cards individually (without sharing what they have with the other players). You then decide whether to fold, which forfeits the ante bet, or raise. To continue with the hand (raise), you place an additional bet equal to the ante on the table in the square marked ‘Play’. Strategy for which option to choose is covered below.
After all the players have either folded or raised, the dealer will reveal his/her cards.
This game includes a dealer qualification rule. If the dealer does not have at least Queen high, his/her has not qualified. When this happens, the ante is paid at 1-to-1 and the Play bet is a push (the stake is returned).
If the dealer has a qualifying hand, then the value of that hand is compared to the value of the players hand to determine the winner. Standard poker hand rankings are used, with bonus payouts paid for a straight or better. Note that with 3 cards, a flush is easier to get than a straight, and so considered below this in the poker rankings. In the rare event of a tie, both the Ante and Play bets are returned.
Payout on Ante Bets
Here are the additional Ante bet pay outs:
- Straight: 1-to-1
- 3 of a Kind: 5-to-1
- Straight Flush: 5-to-1
Simple 3 Card Poker strategy and casino house edge
The math shows that the optimal strategy in 3-Card Poker is to play when you have Queen/6/4 or better, and to fold anything below this. You might notice that this strategy is very close to the dealer’s play – qualifying with Queen high. Some players choose to further simplify their strategy by mimicking the dealer and raising with any Queen regardless of the side cards.
While close, this does give the house a slightly bigger advantage in the long run.
- House Edge for Q/6/4: 3.24%
- House Edge for any Queen: 3.37%
As the side bets are completely independent from the main game, the pay tables for these bets will never influence your strategy.
Popular side bets in Three Card Poker games
For many players, a hand of Three Card Poker would not be complete without a bet on the ‘Pair Plus’ side bet. This bet is optional. It is also independent of the main game.
Pair Plus works by looking at your own three cards. If you have less than 1 pair, the bet is lost.
Pairs Plus Payouts
With hands of 1 pair or better, you’ll be paid according to the table below:
- Mini Royal (Ace / King / Queen of the same suit): 80-to-1
- Straight Flush: 40-to-1
- 3 of a Kind: 25-to-1
- Straight: 6-to-1
- Flush: 3-to-1
- Pair: 1-to-1
Note that you can find casinos with minor variations of this pay table. Some casinos do not offer a boosted prize for a mini-royal, instead increasing the prize for the flush.
The other popular side bet involves all 6 cards in your hand and the dealer’s hand. The best possible 5-card poker hand using a combination of these cards will qualify for the bonus. There are several variations under the generic title of 6-card bonus.
Some of these may include progressive jackpots. For example, Caesars Entertainment casinos have a linked progressive which pays on a 6-card ‘Super Royal’ in diamonds only.
Payouts for 6-card bonus
Typical payouts for 6-card bonuses are as follows:
- Royal Flush: 1000-to-1
- Straight Flush: 200-to-1
- 4 of a Kind: 5-to-1
- Full House: 25-to-1
- Flush: 15-to-1
- Straight: 10-to-1
- 3 of a Kind: 5-to-1
Any hand below 3 of a kind results in a loss. There are many side-bet variations. Some casinos add a (smaller) progressive element to the 3 card hands of individual players. Note that the side bets have a much bigger house edge than the main game. This can be as high as 15.28% in some 6-card bonus variations.
How to Play 3 Card Poker online
Regulation for online casinos is happening at the state level. The online casinos in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia will only work within state lines in each instance.
Big casino brands have partnered with local brick and mortar venues to create mobile apps as well as desktop casinos. Brands include 888 Casino, Golden Nugget and Sugarhouse.
You’ll be able to enjoy slots, video poker and table games via these casino apps. This includes 3-Card Poker, alongside blackjack, roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and more.
There are two ways to enjoy 3 Card Poker online. First, you can play against casinos on software-based games. These are fast, include side-bets and can be enjoyed for micro-stakes starting at around 50c per hand.
You can also bet on the result of games streamed from a casino. Live dealer 3-Card Poker uses an overlay to bet, with a real dealer handling the cards in real time. Everyone bets on the same hand, with the hand being continued to its conclusion each time (for those people who did not fold).
This way of enjoying 3-Card Poker has social element. You can chat with the dealer and share messages with other players. Stakes are higher compared to the software-based games. You’ll have to stay focused on the game. If you time out (or disconnect) before making your decision, then your hand will be folded.
How to clear your bonus using 3 Card Poker
Most mobile casinos in the regulated states offer new players generous bonuses to sign up. These include no-deposit (free play) style bonuses, matched welcome bonus offers based on your first deposit – and many other promotions.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to play through your bonus a set number of times before any winnings can be withdrawn.
If you are playing slot machines, then all of your play counts towards ‘clearing’ your bonus. With table games including 3-Card Poker, the contribution towards bonus clearing is weighted. Some casinos will allow for 25% of your play to count, while others will offer 10% or under. Before you choose a casino bonus, checking the terms of each bonus for excluded games and weightings is always a sound strategy.
With free-play casino bonuses, you might find that only slots are permitted.
Other casino table games
| Ultimate Texas Hold'em | 3 Card Poker | Let It Ride |
| Baccarat | Blackjack |
Pros and cons: Live vs Online 3-Card Texas Hold’em
While both online and live casino table games have their place, there are distinct advantages to each. If you are lucky enough to live in a state with legal online casinos, the pros and cons are outlined below:
The pros and cons of playing 3-Card Poker online are as follows:
Pros
- No need to travel to a casino to enjoy the game
- Stakes are lower
- Live dealer games include a social element
Cons
- Only available in a handful of regulated states
- Disconnections or time outs (live dealer) mean your hand will be folded
- Game is not fully weighted for clearing casino bonuses
Live 3-Card Poker Casinos
The pros and cons of playing Live 3-Card Poker online are as follows:
Pros
- Enjoyable social settings
- Casinos often have progressive jackpot side bets
- Loyalty schemes with free-play/resort benefits
Cons
- Stakes are generally higher than online ($5 minimum is typical)
- You’ll need to travel to a casino
- Naturally slower pace of play
FAQ
Can you cheat at Three Card Poker?
While some forms of collusion are possible, these would be fraudulent and require marked cards or a casino dealer getting involved. Collusion among players would not result in a positive expectation for the game. If players developed a system to share their hands, several cards could be accounted for. This would increase or decrease the chances of the dealer having a good hand slightly – although not enough to win any money over time.
Marked cards or fraudulent collusion would be picked up by casino security as soon as losses from the table were significant. With the base strategy very simple, diversions from this would be very easy to spot.
How big a bankroll do I need for 3-Card Poker?
Compared to many casino table games (UTH, Mississippi Stud and Casino Hold’em for example) the natural variance of 3-Card poker is low. On most hands, you’ll be winning or losing single bets. There is also a low house edge, at least in the main game, of 3.27%.
20 times your ante bet is a common starting point for this game. This is enough to enjoy a session, with the possibility of upping your bets if you go on a hot streak.
Your total bankroll depends on how much you can afford to lose and how easily your gambling money can be topped up.
How does the house edge of 3 Card Poker compare?
Compared to other casino table games based on poker hand rankings, 3 Card Poker has a slightly higher house edge. This game has an easy strategy, which means new players can quickly realize the house edge. Compare this with blackjack, where small mistakes made by newer players can have large effect on the casino’s edge.
You should keep in mind that 3-Card Poker side bets have a big edge in favor of the house compared to the main game.
Three Card Poker House Edge vs. Other Table Games
Here is how 3-Card Poker’s house edge compares:
- 3 Card Poker: 3.27%
- Blackjack: 0.5% to 3% (depends on the rules)
- Baccarat: 1.06% (if you play the ‘Player’ bet)
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em: 2.2% + 0.5% of any play bets
- Roulette: 2.7% / 5.26% (European / US wheel)
- Casino Hold’em: 2.16%
Is it legal to play 3-Card Poker online?
States determine their own laws for online casinos. In each state where these are legal, the casinos will only work within their borders. So far, PA, NJ, MI and WV have legal online casinos. There are many more states in various stages of introducing gambling online.
Outside of these states, you can enjoy limited casino table games and slots at ‘Sweepstakes Casinos’. 3-Card poker has not yet made it to any of these brands.
Final thoughts on 3 Card poker
Of all the casino games based on poker hand ranks, 3-Card Poker is the most popular. This game combines a straightforward strategy (play Q-6-4+/fold otherwise), with the chance of boosted payouts for big poker hands. The house edge, at just 3.27%, is reasonably low. It is harder to make mistakes in this game which could boost this edge in favor of the casino. Optional side bets are available, many of them with big progressive jackpots.
If you live in one of the regulated states, you can now enjoy free and real money 3 Card online. This can be played against software, or at live dealer online casinos – where you’ll bet on a dealt game streamed from a studio.
Real Money Video Poker
Video poker’s popularity has grown so much in recent years because savvy players know the game offers some of the best odds found in land and online casinos. Plus, the variety of video poker games can cater to both beginners and hardcore poker players. If you want to play a few hands of poker at the fast pace of classic casino table games like blackjack or a slot machine, look no further than the real money video poker games we have to offer at our online casino.
Our online casino offers a wide variety of real money video poker games that are accessible to all skill levels. Create an account today and take advantage of the highest odds in casino gambling with a complimentary welcome bonus and spins on the house. If luck is on your side, it won’t be long before playing our real money video poker games leads you straight to our exclusive VIP rewards section. All from the comfort of your own home.
All you need to start winning hands is an internet connection. Sign up today to claim your welcome bonus and use it to start winning real money at the video poker game of your choice. We are proud to offer a giant selection of video poker games, everything from Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and many more. So start playing today to find a game that’s going to make you rich!
Why You Should Play Video Poker
Video poker was first introduced to casinos in the 1970s and it’s been going strong ever since simply because it’s one of the few games where players have high odds while also having a chance to influence the game’s outcome. Unlike a game like roulette where you don’t have much say over where the ball will stop, players can use their skills to create winning outcomes, which is likely to happen given the low house edge.
Another reason why real money video poker has been a staple of both brick-and-mortar and online casinos is due to the lack of psychological warfare that is a key component of live poker games. Being an expert at reading body language is not a prerequisite for success in video poker. You don’t have to worry about hiding tells or calling bluffs in these popular casino games. There will be no pit bosses, dealers or players breathing down your neck. It’s just you versus the machine to claim a big fat jackpot.
And because your only opponent in video poker games is a machine, it makes each hand very winnable. All you need is a little bit of skill, strategy, knowledge of the game and, of course, luck and you are, on average, five times more likely to hit a royal flush when playing online video poker games than you are in just about any other kind of poker game.
How to Play Online Video Poker
The first step to playing, and winning, real money video poker is creating an account at our online casino. Once your account has been verified, you will be eligible to claim an exclusive welcome bonus and you can start playing any video poker, slot machine or classic casino table games on our dime. Whether you’re a new or experienced player, there’s nothing better than getting your feet wet on someone else’s bankroll.
Once your account is created and your welcome bonus has been collected, playing real money video poker is just a few simple clicks. It’s important to note that we offer many variations of video poker. And it’s a good idea to use the cushion of our exclusive welcome bonus to figure out which video poker variation you like best since your Jacks or Better strategy will be different from your Deuces Wild strategy.
Even though we offer a huge variety of real money video poker games that will require different approaches, virtually all video poker games are built on the mechanics of five-card draw poker. So, whether you want to play a popular variation like Jacks or Better or something a little bit more obscure, the first thing you should do to start winning at our real money video poker games is to understand these mechanics.
The objective of 5-card draw poker is to make the best five-card poker hand. For those of you who don’t know, these are the combinations from weakest to strongest:
High card One pair Two pair Three-of-a-kind Straight Flush Full house Four-of-a-kind Straight flush Royal flush
In real money video poker games, players will first place their wager and then press “Deal”. When they do, they’ll be given five cards at random. At this point, players must choose which cards to keep and which ones they’ll throw away.
Once players have selected which cards they want to keep, players will hit the “Draw” button and their cards will be replaced. Most games only allow for one round of discards, so choose your cards wisely.
After the discard, the amount players win is determined by the poker value of their hand and the posted paytable of that specific poker game. If you want to make real money playing video poker, the first thing you need to do is review the paytable. The paytable allows players to know the expected return before they are dealt a single card. And this is crucial information for all players since you’ll know whether or not any given video poker game is worth your time.
How to Play Jacks or Better Video Poker
There are tons of video poker variations on our online casino, but the one you’ll find no matter where you play is Jacks or Better. It is probably the most popular video poker variation, which is why it’s worth going over how to play so you’re equipped to win wherever you’re playing video poker.
Jacks or Better remains one of the most popular variations because it’s one of the simplest video poker games around. It’s perfect for new players to get a feel for real money video poker games. With Jacks or Better, players will receive an extra point for every pair of Jacks or higher they receive.
It may seem insignificant on paper, but the fact is that just by receiving a bonus for any pair of Jacks or higher can dramatically increase player’s earnings because the probability of getting a hand of at least a pair of Jacks or better is a lot higher than you might think.
Like any other kind of video poker game, it’s critical that you take a look at the paytable as well as get familiar with any kind of bonus you might be eligible for as it may influence which cards to keep and which ones to throw away. The reason this variation has become standard is that it offers players better odds. With better odds at a game that already offers some of the best edges over the house, Jacks or Better is the perfect place for newcomers to get familiar with the flow of the game and develop a strategy to win big.
How to Win at Video Poker
At the end of the day, the reason we all play is to win. Video poker, of course, is no exception. And so, how do you win at video poker? There are a number of ways to do it. As we’ve mentioned several times, winning begins with reviewing the paytable, going over the specific rules of any given variations and making sure you’re familiar with the bonuses you might be eligible for. Play with these principles and you’re set up for success.
That said, there are a few more tips that new and experienced players can benefit from.
Never discard a winning combination. If you have a pair of Jacks, but you throw it away for the chance at a flush, you are guaranteed to regret it. We all want to catch that white whale, but there’s no shame in playing it safe and building up your balance incrementally.
Never discard a wild card. If you’re playing Deuces Wild or some other kind of game that contains wild cards, it’s foolish to get rid of any card that can make your hand stronger, no matter what it ends up being.
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Never keep three cards to chase a straight or a flush. Keeping three cards with the hope of grabbing a straight or a flush will leave you in a losing situation. The only time you should keep three cards is when you have a chance to get a straight flush or a royal flush. Otherwise, you’re better off discarding more or less cards. Getting rid of three cards to chase a straight or a flush puts probability against you, which is never a good thing in any kind of gambling.
Go slow. It’s important to remember that no one is going to call a shot clock violation on you when you’re playing video poker. A lot of players make the mistake of thinking that this is like any old poker game where other players or the dealer will push you to make timely decisions. You’re up against a machine who is always on the clock, so if you’re not sure what to do, take your time. Panicked, rushed decisions are rarely good ones, so make sure to slow down from time to time and make sure you’re making smart, deliberate choices on how to play.
Practice makes perfect. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that if you want to win at video poker, you have to invest some time into learning the minutiae of the game. You can read all the articles and books on video poker strategies you want, but eventually, you’re going to have to play. Ultimately, the best teacher is experience. So, if you want to win real money video poker, you need to play.
Of course, not everyone wants the process of getting familiar with a particular online video poker game to cost them. That’s why we offer players free play modes where they can get a feel for the interface and pace without risking a dime.