Three Card Poker Rules and Strategy & Where to Play It

3 card poker casino

Tri-Card is the third most popular game in Las Vegas’ gaming halls, so it’s no wonder why playing 3 card poker online is so hot right now.

While mastering the game is quite easy, finding a reliable casino site to play at isn’t. That’s why we did the heavy lifting to bring you the best 3 card poker sites available right now.

Our top pick is Red Dog Casino, an excellent platform with zero transaction fees, generous bonuses, and a free 3-card poker game so you can learn the ropes before spending money.

That said, there’s more than one gambling site to consider, so let’s take a deep dive into all the other casinos to play 3 card poker on.

Best 3 Card Poker Sites

1. Red Dog – Best 3 Card Poker Site Overall

red dog casino

3-Card Poker Games Available:

Pros:

  • Zero transaction fees across the board
  • 260% match bonus
  • Easy to navigate
  • High-quality live games
  • All games are available to test for free

Cons:

  • Could have a better game variety

Red Dog is a new player on the block that rose to popularity with a high-quality gaming selection, generous bonuses, and a well-rounded poker experience. You’ll love it if you want to play 3-card poker online — you can even test the waters for free first.

Variety of Games: 4.6/5

Red Dog Casino features one three-card poker game (Tri Card Poker), but then again, the game itself doesn’t have many variants, so it’s much more important where you’re playing the game rather than having access to multiple variants.

If you’re looking for more than three cards, popular video poker options on the site include Deuces Wild, Aces & Eights, Jacks Or Better, the Joker Poker, and more.

Red Dog is home to around 150 games from RealTime Gaming, an industry leader with a prominent position on the market. While the sheer number of games might seem small, you can rest assured that all the games are top-quality.

When you register to the platform, you are granted access to Red Dig’s live casino games, including a few roulette and blackjack variants and two Super6 games (no-commission baccarat). 

The stakes range from one dollar for roulette all the way to $2,500 for blackjack, which makes it fitting for all budgets.

Related: Best Bitcoin Roulette Sites

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.9/5

Joining Red Dog comes with a generous 260% welcome bonus with a reasonable 35x playthrough requirement.

The platform also boasts a 24/7 bonus, and for fans of RealTime Gaming, the New Game promo grants special boosts for newly-released titles in the catalog.

Payment Methods and Payout Times: 4.6/5

Red Dog supports 8 payment methods evenly distributed between crypto and fiat. You can use Visa, MasterCard, Flexepin, Neosurf, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether.

Deposit limits are standard, but minimum payouts are a bit steep at $150. However, the casino charges zero fees for all transactions.

Mobile Optimization and User Interface: 4.8/5

This online casino is fully optimized for mobile devices, easy to navigate, with fast page loads. The design is slightly on the playful side, which some players like and others not so much.

There’s a desktop app you can download, but the web-based version of Red Dog is seamless, so downloading the app is not mandatory.

Customer Support: 5/5

We hate it when casinos make their contact pages challenging to reach, and you’ll have none of that at Red Dog. The contact section is available straight from the main menu, and you get in touch 24/7 via live chat, phone, or email.

Don’t miss the 260% welcome bonus at Red Dog Casino

Read more about Three Card Poker here

2. Bovada – Best Jackpots of all 3 Card Poker Sites Online

bovada

3-Card Poker Games Available:

  • Classic Tri Card Poker
  • Tri-Card Poker
  • Teen Patti Rapid
  • Teen Patti Pro

Pros:

  • Progressive jackpots
  • $3,000 welcome package
  • Established reputation
  • High-GTD poker tournaments

Cons:

Bovada is a well-established online casino with over 10 years of experience in the business, an attractive $3,000 welcome package, and progressive jackpots on poker games.

Variety of Games: 4.7/5

Bovada Casino hosts around 200 games, and 3-card poker is one of them. We like the casino’s addition of a three-card poker guide that might help you find your ideal 3-card poker strategy.

More specifically, you can enjoy 4 three-card poker types, offering extra pair plus wager bets.

And if you’re interested in Stud Poker or Caribbean Hold’Em, the jackpots reach as high as $100,000. In case casino games become boring and you need a change of scenery, keep in mind that as one of the best offshore betting sites — Bovada features some of the most competitive odds. 

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.6/5

By registering at Bovada and depositing a minimum of $20, you can trigger the 100% up to $3,000 welcome package that spans your first three deposits. 

This promotion carries a lower 25x playthrough requirement, and you can also use it to play 3-card poker, but you should remember that the wagering contribution is not the same as slots.

If you use crypto, the promo rises to $3,750. Just make sure to enter the code BTCCWB1250 when depositing. If you want to spend your bonus funds on three-card poker, the game will only contribute 10% towards the playthrough requirements.

Payment Methods and Payout Times: 4.5/5

You can use 9 banking options to fund your Bovada casino account, covering crypto and fiat. Apart from credit cards and wire transfers, players can go with Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum.

Related: Best Fast Withdrawal Casinos

Minimum deposit and withdrawal requirements are reasonable, and your crypto payouts should hit your digital wallet within 24 hours at the most. If you’re using credit cards, note that Bovada charges fees for all your deposits after the first one.

Mobile Optimization and User Interface: 4.9/5

Since the latest revamp, Bovada has become one of the top mobile-friendly casinos with a stellar user interface. The platform looks sleek and elegant, and every section is easy to reach with no more than a few clicks. 3-card poker games load fast and are entirely lag-free.

Customer Support: 4.8/5

In case you need assistance, the Bovada support agents are available around the clock. You can use live chat or email for communication, or check out the FAQ library first.

We have to give the platform kudos for including an on-site public forum for public queries, questions, and feedback.

Grab your slice of the fantastic $3,000 welcome bonus at Bovada

Click here to read about Top 10 Live Casinos

3. Ignition – Best Poker Bonus of any 3 Card Poker Site Online

ignition

3-Card Poker Games Available:

  • Teen Patti Pro
  • Teen Patti Rapid
  • Tri-Card Poker
  • Classic Tri Card Poker

Pros:

  • $3,000 dual casino and poker bonus
  • High-GTD poker tournaments
  • Ignition Rewards program
  • Fast-Fold Poker
  • 35+ live dealer games

Cons:

  • Lacking phone customer support
  • A limited number of casino games

Ignition Casino is universally acclaimed as one of the best poker sites, especially for crypto players. With four different 3-card poker variants and the best poker platform with high-GTD tourneys, Ignition was a natural choice.

Variety of Games: 4.4/5

You can check out 4 three-card poker variants at Ignition, and they’re well worth the admission price. These include Teen Patti Rapid, Teen Patti Pro, Classic Tri Card, and Tri Card Poker.

You can test each title for free to see if you like it first — something we definitely recommend if you’re unfamiliar with the game. You can also join top-of-the-line poker tournaments at Ignition, with GTDs going as high as $1,000,000.

The rest of the casino (we’re talking slots here) is not that varied, though. You’ll only have 120-or-so games to play here, which isn’t enough variety for most players.

Bonuses and Promotions: 5/5

For all the cryptocurrency players, Ignition offers up to $3,000 in bonus funds at a 150% match rate. This bonus is split between casino and poker funds.

That’s a massive plus because not all casino sites have dedicated poker bonuses. Note that to unlock the poker promo, you are required to collect Ignition Miles. For every 30 Miles you earn, you will unlock a $1 increment of the promo.

Payment Methods and Payout Times: 4.4/5

Just like the welcome bonus, the payment options are evenly split between two sides – four fiat methods and four cryptocurrencies.

The payment options are pretty standard, including MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, Vouchers, BTC, BCH, LTC, and ETH. Cryptocurrency payouts are processed within 24 hours with no fees attached.

Mobile Optimization and User Interface: 4.8/5

In terms of design, Ignition is free of clutter and looks simple. Mobile optimization is fantastic, and you’ll recognize the platform from a mile away, thanks to the vivid orange details. You can use the site from all iOS and Android devices without hassle.

Customer Support: 4.6/5

Ignition Casino’s support representatives are available 24/7 throughout the year, including holidays. Live chat is the fastest option, but you can also send an email.

If you want a more public conversation, the on-site Ignition Forum is frequented by Ignition agents and casino members ready and willing to help.

Claim up to $3,000 at Ignition and start playing 3-card poker the right way

4. Slots.lv – Best for Free Three Card Poker Games

slots casino

3-Card Poker Games Available:

  • Tri-Card Poker
  • Classic Tri Card Poker
  • Teen Patti Pro
  • Teen Patti Rapid

Pros:

  • All 3-card poker variants have free play
  • Super-impressive $7,500 welcome package
  • 100% mobile optimization
  • Progressive jackpot slots on the side

Cons:

  • Limited variety of live casino games

Slots.lv is famous for progressive-jackpot slot games, but many players miss the fact that this gambling site hosts four 3-card poker games, all of which are available in free-play mode. And as the cherry on top, you can score up to $7,500 in welcome bonus money.

Variety of Games: 4.7/5

At Slots.lv, you can check out Tri-Card Poker, Tri Card Poker Classic, as well as Teen Patti Rapid, and Teen Patti Pro, with the latter two being some of the most sought-after variants.

All games are available in free-play mode, allowing you to test the waters before you play 3-card poker for real money. We strongly stand by responsible gambling, and the demo mode makes it a lot easier and stress-free.

In the slots section, you’ll find around three dozen progressive jackpot games. Some of the titles we briefly checked out offer $300,000 in prizes, which is stellar. The live dealer department, however, could use a few more games to match the likes of Bovada.

Related: Best Blackjack Sites

Bonuses and Promotions: 4.5/5

The welcome promotion at Slots.lv is divided into nine tiers, granting you up to $7,500 in bonuses if you use crypto. Not only is that more than other casinos, but it actually makes your first nine deposits count.

The playthrough requirements are 35x, which is around the industry standard. Note that the same welcome bonus principle applies to fiat deposits, except that the bonus goes up to $5,000.

Payment Methods and Payout Times: 4/5

You can use both fiat and crypto at this 3 card poker site. Your options are decent but nothing to write home about. As always, it’s better to use cryptocurrency because the fees are lower and the payouts are faster.

In this specific instance, transaction fees are zero, and crypto options include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum. Payouts only take 24 hours or less, which is a significant plus.

Related: Best Litecoin Casinos

Mobile Optimization and User Interface: 4.5/5

The developers did the right thing by utilizing memorable colors for brand visibility but still keeping the platform light and easy on the eyes.

The entire site is mobile-optimized and hosts instant-play games. This means you can access the titles straight from your mobile browser.

Customer Support: 4.8/5

The customer service is available over live chat or email. The FAQ is packed with useful info and we like how they added a Discord server. We would still like to see a dedicated, toll-free support line, though.

Take advantage of the $7,500 welcome package at Slots.lv

5. Las Atlantis – Best New Site to Play 3 Card Poker Online

las atlantis

3-Card Poker Games Available:

Pros:

  • $14,000 welcome package
  • Unique design
  • Zero fees

Cons:

  • Yet to establish a reputation
  • Welcome promo doesn’t cover 3-card poker

Las Atlantis is the hot new player on the block that is bound to catch your attention with a staggering $14,000 welcome package, no fees, and a unique design.

Variety of Games: 3.7/5

Las Atlantis is loaded with video poker variants, although only one of them is a three-card option. You can also enjoy over a dozen live casino games and over 200 games in total.

The classic Tri Poker game loads swiftly and is lag-free. You can enjoy it in free-play mode and put real money on the line only when you are ready.

Bonuses and Promotions: 4/5

The welcome bonus package at Las Atlantis is mind-bending, to say the least, going up to $14,000 with reasonable 35x playthrough requirements.

But we must point out that poker variants do not contribute to wagering requirements, meaning that you don’t receive bonus funds for 3-card poker. If you enjoy slots, however, you’re in for a treat.

Payment Methods and Payout Times: 4/5

Banking options at Las Atlantis cover just about everything a new player needs, offering a mix of crypto and fiat banking.

Similarly to Red Dog — our top dog for today — there are no fees involved on all transactions, whether you choose Visa or Bitcoin. That’s a significant plus. We believe the minimum payout requirement should be lower than $150, though.

Mobile Optimization and User Interface: 4.9/5

The Las Atlantis platform looks amazing. The colors are vivid, the graphics are exciting, and on top of all that, the page load times are solid. The platform is safe, SSL encrypted, and easy to navigate. You can access the casino games using all iOS and Android mobile devices.

Customer Support: 4.6/5

The Contact Us page is easy to find and visibly displays the contact email and two dedicated phone lines to reach customer support.

Live chat is the fastest option, and you can use it from the bottom-right corner button.

Check out the $14,000 welcome package at Las Atlantis

How We Ranked the Best Sites for Playing 3 Card Poker Online

Variety of Games:

You can’t have the best 3-card poker casino without three-card poker, right? We want as many variants as possible but also appreciate the addition of other table game options. After all, the best three-card poker site should cover all the bases to give you a great gambling experience.

Related: Best eSports Betting Sites

Bonuses and Promotions:

The casinos we highlighted present players with bonuses that can be used for casino and poker games. We like a sweet welcome bonus but don’t want the fun to stop there. The best casinos think beyond the first-deposit promo and want you in for the long haul. That includes reload bonuses, time-sensitive promos, and more.

Payment Methods and Payout Times:

This benchmark is based on the variety of payments, transaction fees, and withdrawal times. We kept it simple; we wanted swift payouts and the lowest fees. In terms of banking options, we like when a casino covers both traditional payment options like credit cards and crypto.

Mobile Optimization and User Interface:

Since most players use mobile devices to gamble, optimization for Android and iOS tablets and smartphones is a must. We also searched for an easy-to-use interface and swift page load times. Every casino we showcase is 100% safe and SSL encrypted.

Customer Support:

Whether you want to know more about the three card poker rules or have any issues related to the casino, the gambling site must address it promptly over live chat, email, or phone. For public discussion, we like when a platform hosts a dedicated forum or is active on social media. The house rules should be easy to understand, too.

How to Play 3 Card Poker Online (Rules & Best Strategy)

Three Card Poker Rules

Three-card poker is an easy-to-understand table game. The dealer’s hand consists of three cards, and so does your own hand. Obviously, the goal is to beat the dealer’s hand.

The player first makes their ante bet, after which they can surrender their ante wager if the cards are bad or make a play bet equal to the ante bet before the dealer’s hand is unveiled. You will win the pot if your hands are better than the dealer’s, but there are a few caveats to note.

  • If the dealer holds Jack-high or worse, the hand will be voided, and your bets will be returned
  • When selecting the Pair+ wager, you’re actually betting that you will at least score a pair. Even if you have better cards than the dealer’s but don’t get a pair, you will lose
  • The dealer must have Queen-high at the very least for the game to continue
  • Straight is stronger than flush in 3-card poker (something Texas Hold’em players should note)

Three Card Poker Strategy

Before we continue, you should always keep in mind that there’s no such thing as a strategy that’ll allow you to beat the casino. Instead, there are a few rules you can follow to increase your winning chances playing 3-card poker, as well as have some fun “dreaming” that you finally figured out the utopia.

When it comes to three-card poker, the optimum strategy to follow is simple: do not play hands weaker than Q-6-4. Playing stronger hands means taking advantage of the super-low house-edge of the game and having the best chance to win money if you’re lucky.

Another strategy you can put to use is money-management — we’re talking about the Martingale strategy, where you double or triple your stake (based on the payout value) each time you lose a hand and reset after you win.

It’s something fun to implement during a single session, but you should never forget that none of these are profitable in the long run.

Guide to Playing 3 Card Poker

What Are the 3 Card Poker Payouts?

The bonus payout varies when it comes to 3 card poker.

Regarding Ante bet payouts, a straight flush earns players 5:1, three-of-a-kind reels in 4:1, and a straight is 1:1. Switching to Pair Plus payouts, a straight flush scores 40:1, three of a kind delivers 30:1, strait sits at 6:1, flush at 4:1, and a single pair brings you 1:1.

The pair+ wager is indeed more rewarding if you get lucky, but the house edge is much more in favor of the casino compared to the ante bet.

What Is the Basic Three Card Poker Strategy? 

The basic three-card poker strategy is placing a play wager with Q-6-4 or a better hand. This includes landing King or Ace as the high card. It is advised to fold if the hand you receive is weaker. Experts recommend folding if your high card is a Jack, regardless of the other cards. The best-case scenario is you will get your stake back if you continue — you can’t win.

What Is a Straight Flush in 3 Card Poker?

In 3-card poker, a straight flush is a hand that has three same-suit cards ranked consecutively. The highest-ranked straight flush is the same-suit Ace-King-Queen, while the lowest ranking straight flush is the same-suit 4-3-2. That highest-ranking straight flush is also known as the Mini Royal Flush.

What Is Three-Of-A-Kind in 3-Card Poker?

Three of a kind is a hand of three cards of the same rank. The highest-ranked three-of-a-kind is when you land three aces. The lowest three-of-a-kind, on the other hand, is scoring three deuces.

What Is the Strongest Three-Card Poker Hand?

The three-card poker hand rankings are as follows. Mini Flush Royal is the highest-ranking three-card poker hand. It’s followed by the Straight Flush, a Three Of A Kind, a Straight, Flush, and finally, a single pair.

What Is an Ante Wager in Three-Card Poker?

The Ante bet or the Ante wager is seen as a bet against the dealer’s hand. The player’s final poker hand must beat the dealer’s hand to win.

What Are Play Wagers in 3-Card Poker?

Play wagers are bets that players place if they like their hand and want to continue playing. If you want to fold because you don’t like the hand you were dealt, your ante gets forfeited. 

If you opt to make a Play wager, you go against the dealer’s hand. Then it’s simple; if the player’s final hand is stronger than the dealer’s hand, the player wins. If the dealer’s hand beats you because your hand’s worse, the dealer wins.

What Is an Ante Bonus in Three-Card Poker?

The Ante Bonus is the bonus payout that you can score even if the dealer’s hand wins. To win an Ante bonus wager, the player’s final poker hand must include a Straight Flush (Mini Royal Flush included), a Three Of A Kind, or a Straight.

What Is the Three-Card Poker House Edge?

The house edge three-card poker players are facing ranges between 2% and 2.3% (for the optimum strategy). The exact number depends on the three-card poker strategy you implement. It is possible to cut the house edge in multi-hand casino games but not enough to turn it in your favor.

What Is a Pair Plus Bonus in Three-Card Poker?

The Pair Plus wager bonus focuses on the three cards in your own hand. If you score at least a pair, you win the Pair Plus wager bonus. So at least a pair or better. Note that the Pair Plus payouts are higher than the regular bonus payout options and Ante bets bonuses.

What Is a Six-Card Bonus in Three-Card Poker?

Unlike the Pair Plus wager bonus, the six-card bonus focuses on your own hand but also on the dealer’s hand.

If the three cards in your hand and the three cards in the dealer’s hand produce a three-of-a-kind or a stronger hand like a straight flush, you will land a six-card bonus. Note that the Pair Plus bonus and the six-card bonus are qualified as optional wager bonuses.

Comparing the Top 5 Sites to Play 3 Card Poker Online

Read on for the lowdown of the best sites to play three-card poker on:

  • Red Dog: The best casino for three-card poker overall. This well-rounded platform covers all types of players and greets newbies with a generous 260% welcome bonus. You can play Tri-Card to learn the rules for free, too.
  • Bovada: If you want poker games with fantastic jackpots, check out Bovada. Since the latest revamp, this spot has become one of the smoothest casinos online. Joining the platform as a new player grants you up to $3,000 in welcome bonus funds.
  • Ignition: Ignition is one of the leading poker sites in the world, and of course they also include three-card options. The tournaments are fantastic and we love that the site includes a dedicated poker welcome bonus.
  • Slots.lv: If you want to stay on the safe side, all 3-card poker variants are available in free play modes. The welcome package is through the roof at Slots.lv, going up to $7,500 for crypto users.
  • Las Atlantis: This casino is the best option if you seek a new gambling site to spice things up. The welcome bonus reaches a shocking $14,000 but does not apply to three-card poker, unfortunately.

How to Sign-Up & Start Playing 3 Card Poker

Joining an online casino to play three-card poker and other games only takes three steps. We’ll use Red Dog as an example and take you through the process. You’ll be able to play the game in no time!

Step 1: Register at Red Dog

  • Visit the Red Dog Casino website and click the red Sign-Up button in the top right corner
  • Create a username and password, and enter your email. Click Next Step
  • Enter your full name, date of birth, and gender. Click Next Step
  • Enter your country, currency, ZIP code, state, city, address, and phone. If you want, tick the box confirming you want to receive news and offers from Red Dog. Click Complete

Step 2: Email Verification

  • Visit the email address used during the registration process
  • Open the welcome message from Red Dog. If it’s not there, wait a few minutes or check the Spam folder
  • Click the link inside the message to verify your new account

Step 3: Make the First Deposit

  • Adjust the sum you wish to deposit in the deposit section of your casino account
  • Fund your account and claim your welcome bonus
  • You can now play three-card poker online!

So, What Is the Best Site for 3 Card Poker Online?

If you’re still uncertain about which gambling site is your best option to play three-card poker, you won’t go wrong with Red Dog Casino.

However, to ensure you make the right decision, check out our summary of the 5 best casinos to play three-card poker online or take an in-depth look at our reviews again.

Once you create an account and deposit, we urge you to remember to play responsibly — whether it’s Tri-Card or other games.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks and it’s important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.

While we review different gambling sites, you should check with local laws in your area before gambling online. Also, all gambling sites and our guides are rated 18+ only. We may receive compensation from the sites we recommended in our guides, but our reviews remain independent and reader-supported.