3 Card Video Poker is an exciting Poker game that features two entertaining elements – it’s made up of two games in one! Not your quintessential online Poker game, a player can play against the Dealer in the hopes of having the better hand – “The Ante and Play”. With this game, its player versus Dealer – the highest hand wins! The second game, “Pair Plus” requires a player to wager on whether or not they will be dealt a pair or better.
3 Card Video Poker Rules
With both games, the same rules apply – three cards are dealt to each player as well as the Dealer. Originating from England in the mid 1990’s and created by Derek Webb; the game features a single deck of 52 cards. The game’s name, 3 Card Video Poker – originated from the time when the game made its debut in America.
3 Card Video Poker Play
This consists of 3 betting circles in front of each seat with the top betting circle dubbed “Pair Plus” where player’s put a wager on the Pair Plus game. Underneath that, are two circles marked Ante and Play which form the foundation of the game. The “Pair Plus” game will only commence when a player makes a wager in the Pair Plus or Ante circle equal to the table’s stipulated minimum.
3 Card Video Poker Bets
Should a player make a bet on the Ante, they must either fold or play – this is determined by the hand they’re holding. If a player folds, they lose their Ante wager. If however, a player wishes to continue, they will be required to make another bet within the Play circle equivalent to their Ante bet. A Queen or higher is what the Dealer’s hand needs in order to continue playing. If the Dealer’s hand does not have a Queen or higher and the player has a good “hand” – the player will be awarded a higher payout for their Ante wager and their bet on the Play will be given back to them.
What follows is a comparison between the Dealer’s hand and that of the player – the better hand holds the victory. This is where the game of Poker gets really interesting, if the player’s hand is “better” than that of the Dealer – the player will be paid a bigger sum of money for their Ante and Play bets. However, if the Dealer’s hand smashes the player’s hand – the player will lose both bets. It’s a game of chance, skill and strategy – the highest hand always wins. In a rare case of a tie, the player will win the hand.
3 Card Video Poker Hand Rankings
The hands are rated from the highest to the lowest:
- Straight Flush – three cards of the same suit in sequence. For example 6-7-8 or Spades
- Three of a Kind – three cards of equal rank
- Straight – three cards in sequence of mixed suits
- Flush – three cards of the same suit
- Pair – two cards of equal rank
- High Card – the highest card in the players hand
3 Card Video Poker Ante Bonus
The cool part about this Bonus is that it doesn’t need an additional wager to be acquired. If a player has a Straight, Three-of-a-Kind or Straight Flush, they will be paid a Bonus regardless of whether they beat the Dealer or not. A Bonus payout is issued based on the pay table displayed. With a Straight Flush, players will be paid 5-1 or 4-1. Three-of-a-Kind pays out 4-1 or 3-1 and a Straight only pays out 1-1 for the placed Ante bet.
3 Card Video Poker Pair Plus
This wager is determined on whether the player’s three card hand has a Pair or higher. If a player holds a hand with a pair or better, they win. However, if the player does not have a pair, they will automatically lose. With the Pair Plus wager, the payout is determined by the pay table.
A game of skill, maths and a bit of luck, 3 Card Video Poker is an impressive game that’s made for Poker lovers. It’s a game that simply challenges your thinking and Poker experience – a classic game that never gets old. Powered by Microgaming TM software, it’s packed with all the entertainment value needed for any Poker game. With a cool interface and spectacular design elements – 3 Card Video Poker is ideal for Poker fans and seasoned players. Take a chance with the “The Ante and Play” or “Pair Plus” – it’s about discovering the game that’s made for you and holding the best hand.
