It is the most popular proprietary table game ever when measured by win generated for casinos or by revenue generated for the rights owners. Just like other games similar to this one, it can also be played in other formats such as in online gambling over the Internet.
This game is played with a single deck of 52 cards. This game is actually two games in one. There is the Play/Ante game where you are playing against the dealer to see who has the highest hand. There is also the Pair Plus game where you are wagering on whether or not you will be dealt a pair or better. In most casinos you can bet on either of the games but some casinos require you to make an Ante Bet in order to bet the Pair Plus portion of the game.
In front of each set are three betting circles. The top betting circle is labelled Pair Plus, and this is where the players put a wager on the pair plus game. Beneath this circle are the two other circles which are labelled Ante and Play for the base game. Once the player has made a wager in the Pair Plus and/or the Ante circle which is equal to the table minimum, the game starts. After all the players have made their bets, the dealer will give each of them a three card hand. Play begins with the first player to the dealers left and continues clockwise around the table.
The hand rankings are a little different than with traditional five card hands because you are only dealt three cards in Three Card Poker.