Understanding the Basics
3 Patti, also known as Three Card Poker, is a popular card game that has gained immense popularity over the years. It’s a simple game to learn and play, making it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned gamblers. In this article, we will delve into the rules and strategies of 3 Patti, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you master the game.
Game Setup
Before diving into the rules, it’s essential to understand the game setup. 3 Patti is played with a standard 52-card deck, without any jokers. The game is typically played with three players and a dealer. Each player is dealt three cards, and the goal is to have the highest-ranking hand. The dealer’s hand is also dealt three cards, but only one card is shown to the players, known as the “dealer’s up card.” The other two cards are kept face down.
Hand Rankings
Understanding the hand rankings is crucial in 3 Patti. The hands are ranked from highest to lowest as follows:
| Hand | Description |
|---|---|
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank. |
| Straight Flush | Three consecutive cards of the same suit. |
| Flush | Three cards of the same suit, but not in a sequence. |
| Straight | Three consecutive cards of different suits. |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank. |
| Two Pair | Two different pairs of cards. |
| One Pair | Two cards of the same rank. |
| High Card | No matching cards or pairs. |
Betting Options
Once the cards are dealt, players have two betting options: the “ante” and the “play” bet. The ante is a mandatory bet that all players must make before seeing their cards. The play bet is an optional bet that players can make if they believe their hand is strong enough to beat the dealer’s up card.
Playing the Game
After the ante and optional play bets are made, players can choose to fold, call, or raise. If a player folds, they lose their ante and play bets. If a player calls, they match the amount of the play bet. If a player raises, they must increase the play bet by an agreed-upon amount.
Dealer’s Hand
The dealer’s hand is revealed after all players have made their decisions. If the dealer’s hand is a qualifying hand (Three of a Kind, Straight Flush, Flush, or Straight), the dealer’s hand is compared to the players’ hands. If a player’s hand is higher, they win the play bet. If the dealer’s hand is higher, the player loses the play bet. If the hands are equal, the play bet is pushed.
Ante Bets
The ante bets are paid out according to the following schedule:
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Three of a Kind | 1:1 |
| Straight Flush | 5:1 |
| Flush | 1:1 |
| Straight | 1:1 |
| Three of a Kind | 1:1 |
| Two Pair | 1:1 |