Card sharks have prowled casino floors since gambling dens first opened their doors. While the bright lights and clamor of slot machines beckon novice players with promises of big payouts for small bets, the real odds favor those gathered around the card tables. Mastering casino card games takes skill and practice regardless of whether you play at online casinos like Platin Casino or in physical ones. Anyway, the effort pays off with better odds and some of the highest payouts per bet.
If you want to up your casino game, these five card games should be at the top of your list to learn and master.
Blackjack
Of all the casino card games on our list, blackjack offers some of the best odds. Also called twenty-one, this popular game pits each player against the dealer in a contest to reach 21 points or get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
Each numbered card carries its pip value while face cards count as 10 points each. An ace can count as either 1 or 11 points. The object is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting 21 points on the initial two-card deal (a “blackjack”), by reaching a final score higher than the dealer without exceeding 21, or by letting the dealer draw cards until their hand exceeds 21 points.
Blackjack hands are paid at even money, except for player blackjacks, which typically pay 3-to-2 or 6-to-5. With optimal playing strategy, the house edge is only 0.5% or less, making blackjack very attractive for players.
Baccarat
James Bond’s casino game of choice, baccarat has an air of elegance and high stakes attractive to high rollers. Players bet on which hand between the player and banker will be closest to nine when all cards are dealt.
Gameplay is simple – two cards are dealt to both the player and banker hands. A third card may be dealt to either hand per fixed rules. Hand values are tallied modulo 10 with face cards and 10s counting as zero. For example, 7+5=12 would equal 2. The hand closest to 9 wins.
Baccarat bets typically pay even money minus a small house commission on banker bets. The casino edge is low, around 1.06% for player bets and 1.24% for banker bets. Baccarat’s simplicity and good odds make this game popular among VIPs.
Poker
A game of skill and luck, poker allows players to test their mettle against others rather than the house. Casinos make money by taking a cut from each pot. Many variations exist, but one of the most popular is Texas Hold ‘Em.
Each player gets two down-cards, followed by five community cards revealed in stages known as the flop, turn, and river. Players try to make the best five-card hand using their down cards and the community cards. Strategies like bluffing and reading other players are often as vital as the cards dealt.
Payouts depend on what players wager into the pot and the ranking of their hands per traditional poker hand hierarchies. Skilled poker players can gain an edge to win consistently, making this one of the most profitable casino card games.
Three Card Poker
A simpler version of poker, Three Card Poker pits players against the dealer in two optional bets. The ante bet plays against the dealer’s hand with bets paid out per a payout table ranging from even money to 40 to 1. Players also have the pair plus side bet which pays if dealt a pair or better.
With optimal strategy, the house edge on ante bets is around 3.4% and on pair plus bets around 2.3%. Three Card Poker is popular among those seeking a taste of poker without mastering complex strategies.
Caribbean Stud Poker
Another poker variant, Caribbean Stud Poker has players compete against a dealer hand with poker hand rankings determining payouts. Players get five cards with the option to raise after seeing the dealer’s first card. If the dealer doesn’t qualify with at least ace-king, raises get paid 1-1 rather than per the payout table.
The house edge runs around 5.2% for this game. Caribbean Stud Poker appeals to players who enjoy the poker hands factor along with some blackjack-style rules.
Which Card Game is Right For You?
While games like slots and roulette seem easier at first glance, savvy players know casino card games offer better odds overall. If you’re willing to put in some time to practice blackjack strategies or master poker tells, profits await.
Before hitting the tables, research the rules and optimal strategies for your game of choice. Remember that baccarat offers good value for simple gameplay, while blackjack and poker allow skilled players to gain an advantage. Focus on one game rather than jumping around to start.
Card games do require more knowledge than slots. But a bit of effort goes a long way when the dealer turns up that ace and a blackjack hand means a big payout. Know which game fits your style and soon you’ll have the upper hand against the house.