If the player’s hand is indeed higher than the dealers, the Ante wager pays even money. The player is wagering that their three-card hand will be higher than that of the dealer. Most players start their play with the Ante wager, which is a bet against the house. If the low bet is $5, expect each hand to cost $15 to complete. New players should keep in mind that they will often be wagering at least three times the table minimum. Unlike baccarat or blackjack, where only one bet is necessary, 3 Card Poker players routinely place wagers on all three circles. Once the player is seated at the table and has gaming chips, they will see that there are three circles for wagers in front of them. Think of the game as 3-card stud with nice bonus payoffs for big hands! Once the wagers are placed, the dealer will deal three cards face down to each player and to themselves.

To receive cards each player must place a wager in the Ante and/or the Pair Plus wager circles. Regular casino chips are used to signify bets. The game of 3 Card Poker uses a Standard English deck of 52 cards and is played on a blackjack-style, half-moon shape table with a layout made specifically for the game.