Other Table Poker Games: Three Card Poker, Casino Hold'em and More

Pai Gow poker is one of several casino games based on poker hands. Unlike a regular poker room, these games are played against the house, not other players. This page introduces the most common ones and how they compare.

Three Card Poker

In Three Card Poker, you and the dealer each receive three cards. After seeing your cards, you either fold or place a play bet equal to your ante. The dealer needs at least a queen high to qualify. There is also a separate pair plus bet that pays for a pair or better, regardless of the dealer's hand. With only three cards, a straight ranks higher than a flush.

Casino Hold'em

Casino Hold'em is based on Texas Hold'em. You receive two cards and the dealer deals three community cards. You decide whether to fold or call with a bet of twice your ante. Two more community cards follow, and your best five-card hand is compared with the dealer's. The dealer must usually have a pair of fours or better to qualify.

Ultimate Texas Hold'em

In Ultimate Texas Hold'em, you place equal ante and blind bets. You can raise at different moments: a large raise before the flop, a smaller one after the flop, or the smallest after all cards are out. The earlier you raise, the more you can bet. Good decisions matter a lot in this game.

Let It Ride

In Let It Ride, you place three equal bets and receive three cards, with two community cards dealt face down. As cards are revealed, you can take back two of your bets. Payouts depend on the final five-card hand, starting from a pair of tens.

How they compare with Pai Gow poker

• Pace: Pai Gow poker is the slowest, with many pushes. Three Card Poker is very fast.
• Decisions: Ultimate Texas Hold'em and Pai Gow poker reward careful decisions the most.
• House edge: all these games have a house edge, which varies by game and rules. Side bets usually have a higher edge.

Learn more about the Pai Gow basics in how to play Pai Gow poker and its odds in odds, house edge and commission.

Play for entertainment, set a budget and only play if you are 18 or older.