Three Card Poker is a Fast Version of Poker

For those poker players who are looking for a fast and fun version of poker, it is worth trying the game known as three card poker (or tri-poker). While three card poker utilizes the same essential rules of poker, the game is far more straight forward and simple. Only three cards are dealt and there is no re-dealing. Three card poker does not have any elements of bluffing in it. It is a straight forward gambling and game where luck and strategy are the deciding factors.

Two Kinds of Three Card Poker

In fact, there are two kinds of three card poker. The first is a simple deal where every hand greater than a pair wins something. This kind of game is classically known as 'pairplus'. The precise payout sums differ slightly from casino to casino. The individual payout table for every online casino should be checked for more information. The second kind of three card poker is known as 'ante and up' and is a little more complex. How to play 'ante and up' will be elaborated somewhat in the next paragraph.

Ante and Up

In this game, after the initial ante bet is placed, three cards are dealt to both the player and the dealer. The player then decides if he wants to up the ante and play or fold. Then, if the dealer's hand is good enough to play, both hands are compared to see who holds the highest hand. If the player folds, he loses the ante bet. If the dealer doesn't have a good enough hand, the player wins the ante bet. If the player's hand is lower than the dealer's hand the player loses both ante and play bets. If the player holds the better hand, he wins both bets. In some online casinos there is an additional bonus for having exceptionally good hands. This bonus can be earned even if the dealer's hand isn't good enough to play.