Learning how to play Three Card Rummy can be a lot of fun, and you may even win some money along the way. This card game has been popular at casinos for decades, and you can even play it online.
This guide will provide in-depth explanations about everything you need to know to play Three Card Rummy online. I will cover the basic rules and strategies that all players should know, as well as the top online casinos for playing this card game.
How to Play Three Card Rummy Rules
Three Card Rummy rules are among the easiest of any casino game to learn. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand by having a lower point total. 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.
Three 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 and most online slot games.
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 deal to have a point total of 20 points or fewer for the hand to qualify. If the dealer 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 have the right strategy. Similar to real money blackjack and other card games, your decisions after your cards are dealt can have a major effect on your chances of winning. Here are three casino tips to help you win more often when playing Three Card Rummy.
Know when to fold: The most successful online blackjack technique is the Basic Blackjack Strategy, which strictly defines when players should hit, double down, stand, and more. You can use a similar method in Three card Rummy by having a strict cut-off point. If your score is 20 or higher, you are better off folding because the dealer’s hand must be worth 20 or fewer points to qualify.
Use low stakes on the Bonus Bet: Like many casino table games, many Three Card Rummy games offer side wagers, such as the Bonus Bet. This bet can help increase your potential prize for any given hand, but it also has a higher house edge. You can make this bet every hand, but it is best to keep your stake for the Bonus Bet low to minimize your risk.
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. To truly master the game, though, you need to actually play it. Safe online casino sites like El Royale Casino make it easy to enjoy this card game online.
El Royale offers its members free and paid versions of Three Card Rummy. It also offers exciting casino bonuses, such as its 230% VIP welcome bonus, which is worth up to $23,000. You can even play on your favorite mobile device using the site’s online casino app.
- One of the highest welcome bonuses in the US
- Plenty of special promo offers available
- Easy to use interface and fast, dependable gaming
