Classic Casino Table Games: Rules, Variants, and How to Play

Blackjack

Blackjack is often the first table game new players try, and for good reason. It’s quick to learn, has one of the lowest house edges, and allows for real decision-making that can influence the outcome. The goal is simple: get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.

Rules in Brief:

• Players start with two cards, while the dealer also receives two.
• You can draw more cards (“hit”), keep your hand as it is (“stand”), double your bet with one final card, or split pairs into two separate hands.
• The dealer must follow strict rules, usually drawing until reaching at least 17.
• Whoever ends up closest to 21 wins.

Variants of Blackjack:

• Spanish 21: Played without 10s, but with added bonuses and flexible rules.
• Free Bet Blackjack: Lets players split and double at no cost, though ties can work differently.
• Pontoon: A British twist with unique terminology and slightly altered payouts.

Baccarat

Known for its sophistication, baccarat is one of the simplest table games. It’s all about betting on which hand – Player or Banker – will come closest to nine. Despite its high-roller image, anyone can enjoy its straightforward gameplay.

Rules in Brief:

• Place a bet on Player, Banker, or Tie.
• Both sides are dealt two cards. Aces count as one, face cards and tens as zero.
• A third card may be drawn depending on preset rules.
• The hand closest to nine wins.

Variants of Baccarat:

• Punto Banco: The standard casino version, especially popular in North America.
• Chemin de Fer: Common in France, where players take turns acting as the banker.
• Mini-Baccarat: A faster, lower-stakes version found in many U.S. casinos.

Casino Poker

Poker isn’t limited to tournaments and cash games between players—casinos offer their own versions where you play against the dealer or a paytable. These combine the excitement of poker hands with the fast pace of table play.

Rules in Brief:

• Make an opening wager.
• Cards are dealt according to the specific poker variant.
• Form the best hand possible from your cards.
• Beat the dealer’s hand or hit certain combinations to win payouts.

Variants of Casino Poker:

• Three Card Poker: Quick and simple, using three-card hands.
• Caribbean Stud: A five-card battle against the dealer.
• Pai Gow Poker: A mix of poker and Chinese domino rules, where hands are split into two.
• Let It Ride: A slower-paced option where players can pull back bets mid-hand.
• Texas Hold’em Bonus: A house-banked version of the famous Hold’em game.

Roulette

Roulette has been thrilling players since the 18th century. You place bets on numbers, colors, or groups, then watch as the ball spins around the wheel before landing in a pocket.

Rules in Brief:

• Place your bets on the layout, anything from a single number to odd/even or red/black.
• The dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball.
• Winning bets are paid out according to the odds.

Variants of Roulette:

• European Roulette: Features a single zero, offering better odds.
• American Roulette: Includes both a zero and double zero, raising the house edge.
• French Roulette: Uses special rules like La Partage that can soften losses.
• Mini Roulette: A smaller online version with just 13 numbers.

Big Six Wheel

The Big Six Wheel, also called the Money Wheel or Wheel of Fortune, is one of the simplest casino attractions. Players bet on which segment the wheel will stop, making it easy for beginners to join in.

Rules in Brief:

• Bet on a symbol, number, or payout marked on the wheel.
• The dealer spins it, and if it lands on your choice, you win.

Variants of Big Six Wheel:

• Money Wheel: The classic casino format with dollar denominations.
• Dream Catcher: A live-dealer version online, often featuring multipliers.

Craps

Craps is loud, lively, and packed with energy. It’s played with two dice, and while the betting layout looks intimidating, the basics are easy once you know them.

Rules in Brief:

• The “shooter” rolls the dice.
• On the first roll (the “come out roll”), 7 or 11 wins, while 2, 3, or 12 loses.
• Any other number becomes the “point.”
• The shooter rolls again until they repeat the point (win) or roll a 7 (lose).

Variants of Craps:

• Bank Craps: The standard version found in casinos.
• Street Craps: A simplified version often played informally.
• High Point Craps: A variant where low rolls (2 or 3) are ignored.