A beginner's guide to table games

When logging in to an online casino, you’ll be overwhelmed by the number of games on offer, as well as their variations. For beginners, it’s difficult knowing where to start and what kind of game to choose. Do you pick a game based on skill, or chance? A game with a big jackpot involved, or a higher chance of winning smaller amounts? Against the dealer, or other players? At an online casino, like https://casino.betfair.com/, games will be categorised, and in this post, we’re giving you the lowdown on traditional table games.

Baccarat

What?

A card game of luck, skill and strategy. The aim of the game is to select the winning hand – the dealer, the player, or a tie – and the winner is determined by whoever is closest to a points’ total of nine.

How to play?

The dealer burns the first card, before dealing the players and themselves two cards each. Aces are worth one point, the numbers 2-9 are their face value, while 10s and face cards are worthless (zero points). The value of the cards is their total, but in the case of a double-digit total, only the second digit counts towards the tally. For example, receiving a 4 and 5 will total 9, while a 4 and 6 will total 0.

Blackjack

What?

A card game, of player versus dealer, where strategy can be employed. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer – either by getting a points’ tally closest to 21, or by the dealer going bust (or exceeding 21 points – hence why the game is also known as 21).

How to play?

The player and the dealer each receive two cards. If these total 21 points, this is known as a natural and winnings are paid out at 3:2. The card values are as follows: Aces are worth 1 or 11 points (depending on whether they are soft or hard), 2-10 are worth their face value, and face cards (J, Q, K) are also worth 10 points, giving more opportunity to land a natural (or at least a total of 20 points). Players can choose their move depending on the cards in their hand and have four options:

1. Stick (receive no more cards)
2. Hit (receive an additional card)
3. Split (if the player has two cards of equal value, these can be split into two separate hands)
4. Double down (increase the bet to receive just one additional card)

Winning bets pay out at 1:1.

Craps

What?

A dice game of chance. The aim of the game is to predict the outcome when a pair of dice are rolled.

How to play?

Craps is played on a fairly complicated table, and there are many different wagers that can be placed, but it’s actually an easy game – once you get the hang of the betting options and terminology. But there are three outcomes you need to look out for:

1. Natural – rolling a 7 or 11, and this means you can roll again
2. Craps – rolling a 2 (known as snakes’ eyes), 3 or 12. You lose, but can roll again
3. Point – rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 indicates the ‘point’ has been established, and the player will need to roll the dice once more and hope the same number is hit again

Roulette

What?

Played with neither cards or dice, Roulette is a game of chance, using a table and a wheel. The aim of the game is to successfully predict where the ball will land, either by betting on one outcome, or a series of possibilities.

How to play?

There are two variations of Roulette – American and European. The former has a higher house edge, due to the additional number on the wheel and table (a 00), while both versions contain the numbers 0-36. Simply predict the outcome – whether it’s a single number or selection of numbers, or a number’s properties (for example, black or red, high or low, or which column it belongs to). Watch on as the wheel is spun and the ball enters the track, gradually slowing down and making its way into the winning pocket.

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There are four games to get you started with online casino table games. Why not find your favourite, and then check out any other variations, including live casino?