You’ve definitely heard stories of professional poker players who routinely win million-dollar prize pools. But what exactly is professional poker? But have you ever tried to put yourself in their position? Now is the appropriate moment. It is possible to walk away with a million dollars even if you do not spend every waking hour reading extensive poker strategy books replete with intricate calculations and tables of fractions. In fact, it’s easier now than it’s ever been…
THE HAND OF SUCCESS
The Caesars Entertainment casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City are now offering a Three Card Poker “side bet” that is just too spectacular to pass up: the following: In order to produce a six-card royal flush in diamonds, you must combine your three cards with those of the dealer… and return home with a million dollars in your pocket. Does this seem impossible? Tell that to the more than a half-dozen players who have already walked away with the $1 million first-place award.
Oh, and if you manage to get a six-card royal flush in a different suit, you will not be sent home empty-handed; instead, you will get $100,000. That’s not too shabby, is it? (You may verify this lack of shabbyness by speaking with any of the twelve players who have brought home the $100,000 prize.)
The number of million-dollar winners is expected to rise in the near future. It’s a big step up. Caesars Entertainment Corporation has extended the million-dollar side bet to include additional types of casino games in Las Vegas. Let it Ride, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and four-card stud poker are all receiving million-dollar bonuses this year.
INTRODUCTION TO THE RULES AND GAMEPLAY: A SUPER-SHORT PRIMER
This is a fast review of Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Let it Ride for those who have never played before: When playing these games, you do not compete against other players; instead, you compete against the dealer. The hand rankings are the same as they are in’regular’ poker (a pair is good, two pair is better, three of a kind is better, and so on), except that you do not compete against other players; instead, you compete against the dealer. Thus, you won’t have to be concerned about smart Las Vegas natives taking advantage of your hard-earned money. Poker games featuring million-dollar side bets pit players against one another, and the house has a distinct advantage. As a result, when the dealer is dealt a bad hand, everyone at the table benefits.
(There is one important exception: if you win the million-dollar reward, you are responsible for the award.) Expect the other players to be quite envious of you. Sure, you may offer to buy them a round of shots, but at Las Vegas casinos, the shots are already included in the admission price of the casino. So, sure, be prepared to deal with resentment when you arrive.)
Three Card Poker is a good place to start if you’ve never played any of the games detailed in this narrative before. That’s because the ideal strategy for that game is really simple to remember: Play any three-card hand that contains a queen or better. You are intended to play Q-6-4 or better, but if you forget, simply remember to search for a queen and work your way up the board.
If you follow that criterion and buy-in with enough chips, you’re likely to have a successful run at the poker table at least. And, of course, you’ll end up a million dollars wealthier in the most worst case scenario.
So consider this: what would you do with the money if you won it?