Learning how to play Three Card Rummy can be a lot of fun since the game is easy and fast-paced. This card game has been popular at casinos for decades, and you can even play 3-Card Rummy online for real money.
I can help you get started with an overview of the rules, a few strategy tips, and The Sports Geek’s recommendation for a top site for Three Card Rummy.
How to Play Three Card Rummy: Rules
The goal of 3-Card Rummy is to beat the dealer’s hand by having a lower point total from your three cards compared to theirs. Aces are worth one point, face cards are worth zero points, and all other cards are worth their face value.
Before you can evaluate your hand, though, you need to make an ante wager. Many online versions of the game, such as the one offered by Betsoft, have a Bonus Bet as well. Here is a step-by-step guide to playing Three Card Rummy Online.
1. Ante Wager and Bonus Bets
Your first step to playing Three Card Rummy is to decide how much you want to wager on the ante bet. This is the opening wager that you have to place every round to play. You also have the option to make the bonus bet, a side wager that you win if your hand’s value is 12 or less.
2. Assessing Your Three Card Hand and Raising the Bet
After placing your starting wagers, you will receive your three-card hand. Depending on the total value of your hand, you will win or lose the bonus wager. If your hand is strong enough to continue, then you need to raise the bet to continue to the next round.
3. Determining a Winner
Your cards are dealt face up so you and the dealer can both see them. However, the dealer’s cards are dealt face down and not revealed unless you raise the stakes, as discussed in step two. If you do decide to stay in the hand, then the dealer will reveal their cards and declare a winner based on which hand is worth the fewest points.
3-Card Rummy House Edge and Payouts
One reason Three Card Rummy is so popular is that it is easy to learn. Another reason is how rewarding the game can be when played correctly. Refer to the table below to see the payouts offered in this table game.
| Player Hand Total | Three Card Rummy Payout |
|---|---|
| 0 points | 4:1 |
| 1 to 5 points | 2:1 |
| 6 or more points | 1:1 |
The house edge for the ante wager in Three Card Rummy is 1.93%. It is not as low as blackjack, but the house edge in Rummy is still better than many other casino table games available at the top online casinos.
Players also have the option to make the bonus bet before every hand. The bonus bet has its own pay table, and you can win even if you lose the ante wager against the dealer.
| Player Hand | Bonus Bet Payout |
|---|---|
| Suited Ace, 2, 3 | 100:1 |
| 0 points | 25:1 |
| 1 to 6 points | 2:1 |
| 7 to 10 points | 1:1 |
| 11 to 12 points | 4:1 |
| 13+ points | Loss |
The bonus bet in Three Card Rummy has a house edge of 3.46%. You want the lowest value possible in your hand to give you the best chance to beat the dealer. However, many casinos require the dealer to have a point total of 20 points or fewer for the hand to qualify. If the dealer’s hand does not qualify, then the round is a push, and your ante wager is returned.
Three Card Rummy Strategy and Tips
The trick to winning at Three Card Rummy is to know your odds of winning and make decisions based on that. Here are three tips that will improve your results.
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Know when to fold: It’s important to fold weak hands. The most obvious example would be if you have a score of 20 or higher, you are better off folding. For a start, it’s a high score and you’re unlikely to win. Even if you have fewer points, the dealer’s hand must be worth 20 or fewer points to qualify.
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Avoid the Bonus Bet: The bonus bet in 3 Card Rummy can be fun, but the house edge is significantly higher than the base game, so you should avoid it.c
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Take advantage of casino bonuses: Land-based players can try advantage play techniques like hole carding to gain an edge over the house. Online players do not have that option, but you can gain an edge by using casino bonuses. The right bonuses can help you add tons of extra funds to your bankroll, allowing you to play more hands and win more money from the casino.
Where to Play Three Card Rummy?
As you can see, learning how to play Three Card Rummy is easy. If you want to try your luck for real money, I recommend checking El Royale Casino, which offers its members free and paid versions of Three Card Rummy.
You can also enjoy exciting casino bonuses, such as its 230% VIP welcome bonus, which is worth up to $23,000.
- One of the highest welcome bonuses in the US
- Plenty of special promo offers available
- Easy to use interface and fast, dependable gaming
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