When visiting a casino, table games offer some of the highest odds and most exciting gaming experiences. The atmosphere surrounding the tables builds an energetic environment filled with anticipation and cheers when players win big. It’s no surprise table games have remained some of the most popular casino entertainment options for centuries.
While slot machines continue growing in popularity due to their simple, solitary play, table games involve more social interaction and skill. Many players enjoy exercising their gambling prowess against the house in blackjack or using betting strategies while interacting with others around the tables.
If you’re new to casinos or haven’t played table games before, knowing which ones to try first can be overwhelming with so many options. Here’s an overview of the 5 most popular casino table games, including a summary of how each game is played along with beginner tips and betting strategies.
Blackjack
Without question, blackjack reigns as the most popular table game not only in land-based casinos but also on online sites like SkyCrown Casino. Its longevity comes from the perfect blend of luck and skill with odds that fluctuate based on strategic play.
How It’s Played
The objective is to form a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Numbered cards hold their pip values while face cards count as 10. The ace can be worth 1 or 11. The best hand is called a “blackjack” or natural 21 with an ace and 10-value card on the first two cards dealt.
Players compete against a dealer hand, trying to beat it or get closer to 21. You can stand, hit, double down, split pairs or take insurance when the dealer shows an ace. Blackjack offers some of the best odds in the casino with skilled players able to gain a mathematical edge over the house.
Beginner Tips & Strategy
- Never split 10-value cards
- Double 11 vs dealer upcards 2-10
- Hit soft 17 and under hands
- Stand on hard 17 and above
- Take insurance when you have blackjack to protect it
Following basic strategy charts gives you optimal decisions for every scenario. Counting cards also tips odds further in your favor but gets you banned from most casinos if caught.
Roulette
Alongside blackjack, roulette also enjoys tremendous popularity, especially among new and casual gamblers. Its iconic spinning wheel with red and black numbers epitomizes the glitz and glamour of casino gaming.
How It’s Played
Players make wagers on which number the ball will land in on the wheel. The numbers 1-36 alternate between red and black while 0 and 00 are green. Wagers involve betting groups of numbers, individual numbers, red or black, even or odd, dozens and columns.
The dealer spins the wheel then rolls the ball in the opposite direction. Wherever the ball comes to rest is the winning number. Payouts vary from even money up to 35 to 1 depending on the bet type.
Beginner Tips & Strategy
Roulette requires no skill to play, making it easy for beginners to learn. However, the odds overwhelmingly favor the house. Some tips include:
- Stick to outside even money bets like red/black to play longer
- Avoid single number bets with heavy house advantage
- Manage your bankroll and walk away if losing too much
- Play European Roulette with one 0 for better odds
Since past spins don’t affect future outcomes, no specific betting strategy or system beats roulette long term. For entertainment, make unique bets combining numbers for more excitement when you occasionally win.
Craps
Craps delivers an intensely social experience centered around a large table with room for plenty of rowdy participants. It looks complicated at first but easy to learn for beginners.
How It’s Played
Players wager on the outcome of the shooter’s dice rolls trying to guess the total. You can bet with or against the shooter. Major bet types include:
- Pass Line – Bet with shooter, win on 7 or 11, lose on 2, 3, 12
- Don’t Pass – Bet against shooter, win on 2 or 3, lose on 7 or 11
- Come/Don’t Come – Same as above but betting on next rolls
- Odds – Extra bets with no house edge made after a point number is rolled
A loud, fast-paced game filled with streaks, craps delivers some of the best odds on winning bets. Skilled players sticking with good odds wagers can gain a slender house edge advantage.
Beginner Tips & Strategy
- Stick to simple bets like Pass Line to start
- Take maximum odds behind Pass, Come bets
- Avoid sucker bets like Big 6, Big 8, Hardways
- Throw dice hard enough to hit back wall to randomize rolls
With so much going on, Craps has a steep learning curve. But after a few rounds, you’ll get into a flow with the game and other players.
Baccarat
Although not as widely known, Baccarat has earned recognition in casinos worldwide as a high stakes game for wealthy gamblers betting thousands per hand. Its simpler rules also appeal to mass market players.
How It’s Played
The objective is to predict which hand between the player and banker will be closer to 9. Numbered cards hold their values while 10 through King count as zero. The hand with the highest point value wins, though neither can exceed 9 points. Tens digit scores get dropped.
After placing a bet on player, banker or tie, two cards each get dealt to the player and banker hands. Sometimes a third card gets drawn by predetermined rules. If you bet on the outcome that occurs, you win even money less a small house commission on bankers.
Beginner Tips & Strategy
- Avoid tie bets with hefty house edge
- Banker bets hold a slight house advantage
- Manage your bankroll well since minimums tend high
- Use scorecards to track results for betting patterns
Baccarat contains no decisions beyond choosing a side to bet, making it straightforward to play. But that also means no skill or strategy affects outcomes. Results stay random so you can’t predict what will happen next.
Poker
Many casino-goers don’t realize poker gets offered as a table game as well as in poker rooms. Multiple variations exist with casinos dealing house-banked versions pitting you against the dealer.
How It’s Played
In Three Card Poker, you and the dealer each receive three cards then make the best possible poker hand. Ante bonus payouts occur with straight flushes, three of a kind suited and straight or better hands.
Raise wagers then continue the action where stronger poker hands than the dealer’s receive payouts. Even with the dealer qualifying, you can still win on the ante bonus. Side bonus bets are also available.
Beginner Tips & Strategy
- Play Pairs Plus side bet for easier wins with just a pair or better
- Bet banker when no qualify on strong hands
- Fold weak hands with no potential when dealer must qualify
- Play optimal strategy to reduce house edge
You’ll need to learn proper strategy charts and know hand rankings when playing against the dealer. But poker fans enjoy the casino version pitting their cards against the house.
Conclusion
I hope this overview gives you a better understanding of the most popular casino table games. Each one provides unique rules, odds and gambling experiences. With so many options, explore a few different games to discover new favorites to play on your next casino trip.
The social environment and skill involved in table games allows you to interact with others and exercise gambling prowess against the house. So gather some friends and check out the tables next time you visit your local casino. Just remember to set a budget and have fun!