If you bid for the first round, the Ante round against the dealer, you need to decide whether you are folding or playing once you look at your hand. If you decide to fold because you think your hand is no good then your casino game is over. If you decide to stay in you have to bet an equal amount and place it in the play circle. Once all the players have decided to make or dropped their bets the dealer will flip their cards.

At this point the dealer needs to qualify. If the dealer does not have a queen or higher in there hand then play stop. All active players win the Ante round and the money for the play round is given back so there is no loss to anyone playing but the dealer. If the dealer's hand manages to qualify then it would be time to compare hands with the players at the table. If you beat the dealer or you tie then you win twice, once for the first round and an equal amount for the second. However, if the dealer beats you then you lose both bets.

The major difference between traditional casino poker and three card poker is the ranking. Obviously some combinations just would not be possible with only three cards. You can see the rankings in three card poker below from lowest to highest:

      High Card - The high card leads your hand

      Pairs - Two of the same number cards

      Flush - Three cards which may be in any order but are all the same suit

      Straight - Three cards that go in a logical order but do not match in suit

      Three of a kind - Three cards that match in number

      Straight Flush - Three cards that go in logical order and match in suit

You may also be eligible for a bonus. If you have a straight, three of a kind, or a straight flush you will receive a bonus whether you beat the dealer or not. There is a pay table on the table which will tell you the amount of the bonus. In the majority of casino gambling a straight flush will get you either 4 or 5 to 1. If you're wondering what the strategy might be for three card poker you may have already figured it out. Obviously, if your hand is not up to snuff then you're going to want to fold.  In this case, you should plan to have at minimum, a Queen, a card that is above five, and a card that is below five. If he anything less than this combination you're going to want to fold your hand.

Based on the ease of this game it's no wonder to me why it is becoming so popular. The strategy is simple and its lots of fun to play. So, next time you're at the uk casino, give three card poker a try. You won't be sorry you did!