Best 3 Player Card Games

Introduction

Are you in search of card games for 3 players?

You have reached the right place!

We have to be honest, though. Most popular card games are best suited for larger groups. Numerous captivating choices fit a group of three players.

In this article, discover the most entertaining and thrilling card games for 3 people to keep you engaged endlessly.–

What is a 3 Player Card Game?

The game of three-player involves a trio of players, with each individual receiving cards from either a regular or customized deck. The aim and rules vary, but players compete or collaborate to achieve specific goals or combinations with their cards.

Best 3-Player Card Games

Here’s the list of the most well-known card games to play with 3 people:

Poker Game

Win chips by having the best hand or convincing other players to fold!

Yes, we are talking about the classic poker game.

Poker has many variations, but for three players, Texas Hold'em is one of the most popular. 

How to Play:

Deck: Standard 52-card deck.

Players: 3.

Chips: Each player starts with an equal number of chips.

Blinds: The two players to the dealer's left post the small and big blinds, respectively.

Rules:              

One of the most interesting features of Poker is its rules. 

• Each player receives two private cards (hole cards). Five community cards are dealt face-up in the centre of the table.
• After hole cards are dealt, the player to the left of the big blind starts the betting.
• Flop: Three community cards are dealt face-up. A new round of betting follows.
• Turn: A fourth community card is dealt. Another round of betting occurs.
• River: The fifth and final community card is dealt. The final round of betting takes place.
• Showdown: If multiple players are left at the end of betting, the player with the highest five-card hand wins. Players can utilize the combination of their pocket cards and communal ones.

Rummy Game

The objective of Rummy is to form sets and runs using the cards dealt. While two players can play this game, it becomes even more captivating with three participants.

How to Play:

Deck: Standard 52-card deck (sometimes two decks are used).

Players: 3.

Rules:

• The process of dealing involves distributing 10 cards to each player (or sometimes just 7). The remaining deck is then designated as the draw pile, and a single card from it is revealed face-up to initiate the discard pile.

• You have to form valid sets, which should contain three or four cards of identical rank and runs that include a minimum of three sequential suit-matching cards.

• One turn involves picking a card (from the draw or discard pile) and removing one card.

• Players can place their sets or runs during their turn but are not obligated to until they are ready to go out.

• The round ends when a player successfully lays down all their cards. The other players then reveal their cards, counting points based on unmelted cards.

Scoring:

• Face cards (J, Q, K): 10 points each.
• Aces: 1 point each (or 11 points in some variations).
• Number cards: Face value.

The player with the lowest score at the end of a predetermined number of rounds or when a player reaches a specific score limit wins.

Crazy Eights Game

The objective of the Crazy Eights card game is to be the first player to discard all your cards. This classic game resembles Uno, but utilizes a regular deck of playing cards instead.

How to Play:

Deck: Standard 52-card deck.

Players: 3.

Rules:

• Each player is dealt 5 cards (or 7 cards in some variations). The rest of the deck is placed face down as the draw pile, and the top card is turned face up to start the discard pile.

• The goal is to discard all your cards before anyone else.

• Turns: at each turn, a player must match the rank or suit of the card on top of the discard pile or play an Eight (to change suits). If unable to move, they must draw from the draw pile.

• Eights are unique as they can be placed on any card and authorize the player to announce a fresh suit.

• The game concludes when a player successfully discards all their cards, resulting in victory. Afterwards, points are calculated by evaluating the remaining cards held by opposing players. The value assigned to face cards (J,Q,K) equates to 10 points each, and number cards earn corresponding point values identical to their numeral denomination.

Scoring:

• Face cards: 10 points each.
• Number cards: Face value.
• Eights: 50 points each.

Hearts Game

In Hearts, players aim to avoid accumulating cards with negative points to emerge as the game's victor. Upon conclusion, the player who has accumulated the fewest penalty points wins.

How to Play:

Deck: Standard 52-card deck.

Players: 3.

Rules:

• Each player is dealt 13 cards.
• At the start of each round, players select three cards to pass to an opponent.
• Trick-Taking: The player with the 2 Clubs leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible. Otherwise, they can play any card.
• The highest card of the suit led wins the trick.

• Hearts cards are worth 1 point each.
• Thirteen points is the value of the Queen of Spades.

• Shooting the moon in this game involves a player taking all penalty cards and having two options: adding 26 points to each opponent's score or subtracting 26 points from their respective scores.

• Emerging as the victor requires obtaining more than 100 points. Nevertheless, the person with the fewest points ultimately claims victory.

Gin Rummy Game

Although originally designed for two players, Gin Rummy can be adjusted to accommodate three. The objective is to create sets and runs before declaring ‘knock’ to conclude the round.

How to Play:

Deck: Standard 52-card deck.

Players: 3.

Rules:

• Each player is dealt 10 cards (or 7 in some variations). The remaining cards form the draw pile, with one card turned face-up to start the discard pile.
• The aim is to create groups of cards consisting of three or four with identical rank or consecutive suits comprising a minimum of three.
• On every turn, players will draw a card from the discard pile or draw deck and then discard one of their own.
• If a player's unmatched cards total 10 points or less, they can conclude the round by knocking. He then lays down his sets and runs, and the other players reveal his hands.

Scoring:

• Unmatched cards (deadwood) are scored based on their face value. Face cards (J, Q, K) are 10 points each, and number cards are worth their face value. Aces are worth 1 point. 
• The player with the lowest deadwood score wins the round. The game typically continues until one player reaches a predetermined number of points (e.g., 100).

Whist Game

Whist may be last on our list but do not undervalue its appeal. This classic game involves trump cards and aims to procure as many tricks as possible. The simplified version discussed here is designed for three players.

How to Play:

Deck: Standard 52-card deck.

Players: 3.

Rules:

• Each player is dealt 13 cards.
• Players take turns playing one card each, with the trick being won by the highest card of the suit originally played.
• A basic game of Whist does not incorporate a trump suit, though some variations may involve its usage.
• The next trick is led by the player who wins the previous one.

Scoring:

• The game is often played in fixed-number rounds (e.g., 13), and the goal is to win as many tricks as possible.
• In some versions, scoring is based on the number of tricks won compared to a predetermined number (e.g., 6).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play 3-player Poker (Texas Hold'em)?

In Texas Hold'em:

• Each player gets two private cards.
• Five community cards are dealt face-up.
• Players bet in rounds: Pre-Flop, Flop, Turn, and River.
• The best five-card hand wins using any combination of private and community cards.

How do you play 3-player Rummy?

In Rummy:

• Every player receives 10 cards.
• Players gather cards by drawing and removing them to create either sets (cards of the same rank) or runs (consecutive cards belonging to a single suit).
• The round is concluded once a player melts all their cards.

How to play 3 card Poker online?

Three-card poker involves players receiving three cards each. The players make an ante bet, and they can fold or place a play bet. The dealer's hand compares hands, and the winner has the best hand. Several online gaming platforms host Three-Card Poker online around the clock.

Conclusion

Having discovered the best three-person card games available, joining the table with your friends is time. Though learning the rules may require patience, mastering them will bring much satisfaction as you display your wits against fellow players.