How to play 3-card poker on a cruise ship
3-card poker is very simple and is a variant of poker with straightforward strategy which makes it suitable for even newcomers as well as seasoned players. The aim of the game is to try getting the best three-card hand, and you play against the dealer not against other players.
Basic rules
Ante and play bets
Start off by placing a bet branded the ante. When you get your three cards, you then have the option to either ‘play’ the hand by placing another bet equivalent to the ante. Or you can fold the cards, and lose your ante.
Pair plus bet
Alternatively, you may decide to make a pair plus bet, which is betting that you will have, at the very least, a pair or a better hand regardless of the dealer’s hand.
Dealer qualification
To play, the dealer must have a queen high or above. When the dealer does not qualify, you win your ante bet and the play bet is a push. Qualified dealers will compare your hand to theirs. If you had the better hand, both the ante and play bets are paid according to the predetermined payouts.
3-card poker table in the MSC Seashore casino.
Cruise ships with 3-card poker tables
Playing 3-card poker on a cruise ship
3 card poker game is not as popular as Blackjack and Craps but it can be easily found on one or two tables of any cruises on cruise ships. Similar to all the other games, the 3 card poker is available at some tables on the tessera and some cruise ships.
Small casinos, fewer employees means less wear on the 3 card poker table so be aware that you might have to request a casino employee to step up and deal the cards themselves; however, there is always an option to get access to the game.
For starters, in the US, this game is quite rarely available but if there is lots of demand for it, then it becomes difficult to find an empty seat on the table. Generally, as of recent, the Oasis cruise has a high number of players which generates demand for the game and results in toughness to find a seat.
Special side bets and house edge
Cards on 6 Card Bonus bets are usually added to the cruise ship employees and another extra side wager can be placed out of three of the dealer's cards creating the best five card hand out of the six using the three card kure.
In comparison to the Pair Plus bets, the Payouts for the Harmony of the Seas are 40, 30, 6, 3, 1 adding to 7.3% house edge but the worksheet card bonus side bet has a higher edge adding to 15.28%.
Comprehending these bets and corresponding edges has sharpened up my betting decisions significantly.
Opening hours
Cruise ship casinos generally operate only while the ship is sailing in international waters, which means they are not open /7. Therefore, you won't be able to play 3-card poker at all times. It's important to keep this in mind, especially you are new to cruising Always check the ship’s daily schedule to plan your gaming sessions accordingly.