The Best Casino Table Games: Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat and Craps
Casino games have been popular around the world for well over a century. Pursuits like poker and blackjack are now reaching an even wider audience thanks to technological advancements and online platforms. Gamers can access a range of casino table games in just a few clicks of a mobile device.
This article will profile the most popular casino table games which you can access on your smartphone or tablet at your convenience, any time, anywhere. It's important to compare and assess different casino platforms via AskGamblers before playing so that you can find the site that will best suit your gaming needs and preferences.
Poker
Poker remains hugely popular and since the advent of the internet, is the subject of countless tournaments online as players pit their wits against each other in the ultimate game of cunning and bluff.
The game features a hand of five cards for each player with the aim being to convince your opponents that you have the highest ranking hand. If you choose to make the claim, it’s up to the other players to match the bet or accept defeat. Therefore, it is possible to win a game of poker, even if you have not been dealt the strongest hand and so requires a strategy and quick thinking.
Poker's popularity has continued to soar throughout the 21st century with the World Poker Tour claiming there are 100 million poker players around the world online with a massive 60 million coming from the United States.
Blackjack
When it comes to blackjack, you are playing against the dealer and it is a game of making decisions based on percentages and chance. That’s not to say though, that the entire premise revolves around luck.
Receiving three cards face up, the object of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible and closer than the dealer. However, only the dealer’s first card will be visible at first with the second card remaining face down. The moment a player goes over 21, that’s the end of the game and the bet is lost.
It’s enjoyed by millions of players as it is a relatively simple game that moves at a swift pace and requires quick decision-making. It’s also a game which can be practised as you work out the likelihoods of different numbers being reached. Deciding whether to stick with the total or risk it and make a move adds to the thrill and excitement of the pursuit.
Baccarat
Baccarat is another game which involves assessing a hand before hitting a certain total. While the magic number in blackjack is 21, the figure for baccarat is nine which alters the decision making required as it is a much smaller total. The victor in baccarat is the player with the hand that equals nine or comes closest to it.
The player and dealer each get two cards. If the total of the initial cards is less than five, a third card is added. It is important to note that face cards count as zero while aces count as one. If the initial hand goes over nine, the overall total is reduced by ten.
If you have not played baccarat before, you can practise at free sites online before gaming for real. After only a few games, you’ll have an idea of different moves which will help you make smart choices in future.
Craps
Craps is a basic game to play but full of excitement as you roll two dice to determine the result of your wager. The aim is to roll a number and then roll that same number again before a seven is rolled. The beauty of craps is its simplicity as it is based heavily on luck and all you have to do is roll the dice to determine the outcome.
If a seven is rolled before the point is met, then control goes to the next ‘shooter’ who is also tasked with repeating the total they first roll before scoring seven. Playing this online offers great fun as you anticipate the numbers on the dice to see if you have made the right call. Just like the other table casino games, it is imperative you learn about the game and have a strong understanding of the aim before playing for real.
Live Dealer Games
Technological developments have helped online casino platforms transport players to new worlds. Live dealer games are hosted by an individual who deals cards and players can watch, play and interact with this setup exactly as they would in a physical, land based casino.
Whether gaming while sitting in the comfort of their own home or while on the move, people can play and feel like they are in the same room as fellow gamers who may not even be in the same country or even continent. Technologies like virtual reality (VR) are revolutionizing casino gaming and enhancing the experience for people all around the world.
Summing Up
Online platforms offer casino players a range of opportunities to enjoy classic games including poker, blackjack, baccarat and craps. The pursuits continue to climb in popularity with more and more people around the world gaining access via mobile devices. Such convenience and accessibility means these games can be played any time, anywhere.