A player must be aware of how to place bets in three card poker. The playing area both live and online will have three areas where you place bets. The three areas are as follows: 1) Ante
Here one places a bet at start of game and it is mandatory. You place this bet before you see your cards.
2) Play (sometimes called Raise)
Here one places an amount equal to ante if you want to see dealer's cards. You will be able to see your cards before placing this bet. If you are not happy with your hand, you can fold at this stage and do not place any money on Play area.
3) Pair+
Here you place an optional bet in hope of you getting a pair or better three card poker hand. You can place any amount here and you must place this bet before you see cards you are dealt. If you do get a pair or better hand you get paid out an extra bonus amount.
The payout of winnings is determined if dealers hand “qualifies”. The term “qualifies” means if dealer's hand has a queen high or better hand.
If dealer qualifies and you beat him, dealer covers your bet and raise. For example, if you placed $10 on ante and then raise dealer, you will get paid back $40. The $40 is split as follows $20 that you placed and $20 dollars from dealer to cover your bets.