Three Card Draw Poker

Introduction

Three Card Draw Poker is a video poker based game. Instead of five cards there are three and instead of one deck there are four. The player may choose from two games: sevens or better and bonus poker. The player may also choose between three pay, five pay, and ten pay. The machines I have seen have been multi-coin. So far I have noticed the game at the Orleans and Caesars Palace.

Sevens or Better

The following table shows the pay table and associated statistics for the best paytable I have seen for either variation of Three Card Draw Poker. It is available at the $1 coinage at Caesars Palace.

The next pay table is available at the 25 and 50 cent coinage at Caesars Palace, and the 25 cent coinage at the Orleans.

The next pay table is available at the 5 and 10 cent coinage at the Orleans.

All the statistics in this section were based on optimal computer strategy. Following is a player strategy, which should correctly advise in all situations. It will work correctly for both the 97.92% and 95.52% return pay tables of sevens or better. To use the strategy play the hand that can be found highest on the list below. For example if you had a suited 3/4/J it would be better to play the 3/4 rather (two to a straight flush, no gap) rather than keep the pat flush.

1. Pat three aces or higher
2. Two ace of spades
3. Straight flush
4. Suited aces, except spaded
5. Straight, three of a kind
6. Suited pair 2-K
7. Ace pair, unsuited
8. 2 to A/K/Q suited
9. Pair 7-K, unsuited
10. Two to a straight flush, no gap, except A/2
11. Flush
12. Two to a straight flush with one gap, suited A/2 & A/3
13. Ace of spades
14. Two consecutive unsuited cards 6/7 to Q/K¹
15. Ace, except spades
16. Queen
17. King
18. High card. If more than one then usually the highest one is best, however keep middle card if (1) middle card is 7-K, and (2) high card is suited with low card, and (3) there are two or more gaps between low and middle card.
19. Toss everything

Exceptions:

Hold jack and queen over ace of spades if jack is spaded.

Following are some of the hands you should never play:

• A low pair
• Two suited high cards with more than one gap
• Two unsuited high cards with one or more gap
• Unsuited king and ace

The following is the best pay table I have seen for bonus poker. It can be found at the $1 coinage at Caesars Palace.

The next pay table can be found at the 25 and 50 cent coinage at Caesars Palace.

Written by: Michael Shackleford