3 Card Brag: Winning Hands Ranked In Order & How To Play

Originating from the British Isles, 3 Card Brag is a traditional card game that continues to captivate players around the world. It’s a unique blend of strategy, chance, and bluffing that makes every round thrilling. 

This Red Casino article will delve into the fascinating world of 3 Card Brag and provide a comprehensive guide on how to play, alongside a detailed ranking of winning hands. 

What Is 3 Card Brag?

3 Card Brag, often simply referred to as Brag, is a classic British card-playing game. It’s typically played amongst a group of 2 to 8 participants using a standard 52-card deck. 

The objective of the game is to either have the highest-ranking hand at the end of the round or be the last player standing after all others have folded. 

Is 3 Card Brag The Same As 3 Card Poker?

Despite bearing some semblance to 3 Card Poker, the two games are distinct and not to be confused. 3 Card Poker is a more contemporary casino game that melds aspects of poker and Brag. 

3 Card Poker is played against the dealer, unlike 3 Card Brag, where the players compete against each other. The primary objective in 3 Card Brag is to either bluff your opponents into folding or to end the round with the highest-ranking hand. 

How To Play 3 Card Brag

Playing 3 Card Brag involves a series of steps, starting from the initial ante to the final showdown. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play: 

• Ante Up: To kick off the game, all players agree on an ante, which is a compulsory initial bet placed in the pot.
• Deal the Cards: The dealer shuffles the deck and deals three face-down cards to each player, one card at a time. Players can inspect their cards but must keep them concealed from their opponents.
• Betting Rounds: The game proceeds with a series of betting rounds. During their turn, players can either fold or bet. A player who folds forfeits their cards and any chips they’ve bet so far. If they opt to bet, they must place a bet that’s equal to or greater than the previous bet.
• Showdown: Once all betting rounds are over, the remaining players reveal their cards. The player with the highest-ranking hand claims the pot.
• If all players fold but one, the remaining player wins.

3 Card Brag Rules

3 Card Brag rules are straightforward. The game uses a standard 52-card deck, excluding jokers. Anywhere between 2 to 8 players can partake in the game. The cards are shuffled once at the start of the game or after a winning three-card hand. 

The rounds typically last between 5 to 10 minutes, with the ultimate goal being to have the best three-card hand or be the last player standing. 

3 Card Brag Winning Hands Ranked In Order

Understanding the hand rankings in 3 Card Brag is crucial. Here’s a list of possible hands you can have in 3 Card Brag, ranked in order from highest to lowest: 

• Prial (Three-of-a-Kind): This is the highest-ranking hand in 3 Card Brag. It comprises three cards of identical rank. For instance, a hand could be 4-4-4 or Q-Q-Q.
• Running Flush: This is a set of three cards in sequential order from the same suit. Examples include 7-8-9 of Hearts or A-2-3 of Clubs.
• Run: This comprises three cards in sequential order, but they needn’t be of the same suit. An example of a Run is a 5 of Diamonds, 6 of Hearts, and 7 of Spades.
• Flush: This consists of three cards from the same suit, but they don’t need to be in sequential order.
• Pair: A Pair consists of two cards of the same rank, such as Q-Q-5 or 6-6-A.
• High Card: If a hand contains none of the above combinations, the highest card determines the hand’s ranking.

Of course, if you are the last player standing because all others have folded, then you win regardless of your hand.