Three Card Poker is a table game which means it is played against the house rather than against other players. This means that the casino makes money based on the house edge. Depending upon the precise payout schedule of each individual casino, the house edge can vary. In addition, there are two distinct phases of the game. Each wager has its own odds. 3 card poker odds are offered on the ante bet, the play bet and the side bets such as the pairs plus bet.
3 Card Poker Payouts
Payouts result from three different elements. The first element that results in payout is beating the dealer. The payout here is one-to-one, but the odds favor the house because if the dealer’s hand does not qualify, the ante pays, but the play is a push.
The second payout on the ante is for special hands and is paid out according to the casino pay table. These are bonuses for being dealt particularly good hands. The hands paid out on are straights, three-of-a-kind, flushes and straight flushes, all of which give a bonus, regardless of whether they beat the dealer’s hand. The third type of payout in the game of 3 card poker is on the pairs plus wager, and it pays on any hand of pairs or better.
Odds on Ante Bonus
Each casino has its own pay table for the ante bonus. Depending upon the pay table, the house edge ranges from 3.37% to 4.28%. The best pay table available gives a payout of 5:1 for a straight flush, 4:1 for three-of-a-kind, and 1:1 for a straight. The worst pays 3/2/1.
Odds On Pairs Plus Bet In 3 Card Poker
The pairs plus wager wins about one quarter of the time, but the vast majority of those wins pay even money. Depending upon the pay table, the house edge can range from 2.32% to 7.28%. The best way to judge the house edge on the pairs plus wager is to check the payout on the flush and the straight. Since you’re much more likely to hit a flush or a straight than three-of-a-kind or a straight flush, the payouts on those influence the house edge much more.
When looking at 3 card poker odds, look for a casino that offers 4:1 for a flush and 6:1 for a straight. Odds for a straight flush can range from 35:1 to 50:1, with 40:1 being most common. Similarly, the odds for three-of-a-kind range from 25:1 to 33:1 with 30:1 being most common. These differences, however, are less important. If the pairs plus payout table is 40/30/6/4/1 or 35/33/6/4/1, you should always take the bet. If the straight and flush don’t pay 6:1 and 4:1 respectively, don’t take the bet, as it greatly increases the overall house edge in the game.
