Deal and decision
The player makes an Ante and receives three cards. After viewing them, the player folds and loses the Ante or makes a Play wager equal to the Ante.
The dealer reveals three cards and qualification, comparison, and bonus rules determine settlement.
Hand rankings
In standard three-card poker, straight flush ranks above three of a kind, followed by straight, flush, pair, and high card. A straight is rarer than a flush with three cards and therefore ranks higher.
Some side bets add named mini-royal categories without changing base comparison.
Dealer qualification
The dealer commonly qualifies with queen-high or better. If the dealer fails to qualify, Ante wins and Play pushes under standard rules.
When the dealer qualifies, both Ante and Play win, lose, or push with the hand comparison.
Ante Bonus
A standard Ante Bonus pays on player straight or better regardless of dealer qualification or comparison. Exact awards belong to the posted table.
Alternative qualification or bonus schedules require a separate edge calculation.
Practical checklist
- Confirm queen-high qualification
- Copy Ante Bonus table
- Use Q-6-4 only for standard Ante/Play
- Separate Pair Plus
- Check optional Six Card Bonus
Rules, probabilities, and payouts apply only to the model stated on this page. Posted casino rules control when they differ. Last reviewed September 20, 2026.