Las Vegas is known for its vibrant casino scene, offering a wide variety of table games for every type of gambler. From the classic blackjack to the more exotic pai gow poker, there’s something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the basics of the most popular table games, provide some tips for beginners, and reveal where to find the best odds in Las Vegas.
Blackjack
Basic Rules: The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. Each player is dealt two cards, and the dealer is dealt one card face up and one card face down. Players can choose to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep their current hand). Aces can be worth 1 or 11, and face cards are worth 10.
Basic Tips: Always split aces and 8s. Avoid taking insurance bets, as they typically favor the house.
Best Odds: Look for tables that pay 3:2 for a blackjack, as opposed to 6:5. Single-deck games also tend to have better odds.
Craps
Basic Rules: Craps is a dice game where players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls. The shooter is the player who rolls the dice. The most basic bet is the Pass Line bet, where you win if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 and lose if they roll a 2, 3, or 12.
Basic Tips: Stick to Pass Line and Don’t Pass Line bets, as they offer some of the best odds.
Best Odds: Look for casinos that offer 3-4-5x odds, as this reduces the house edge.
Roulette
Basic Rules: Players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. Bets can be placed on a single number, a range of numbers, colors, or whether the number will be odd or even.
Basic Tips: Stick to outside bets (like red/black or odd/even) for better odds of winning.
Best Odds: European roulette wheels have only one zero, offering better odds than American wheels, which have both a single and double zero.
Baccarat
Basic Rules: Two hands are dealt, the “player” and the “banker.” Players bet on which hand will have a value closest to 9. Face cards and tens are worth zero, and aces are worth one.
Basic Tips: Betting on the banker offers slightly better odds than betting on the player.
Best Odds: Look for games with fewer decks, as this reduces the house edge.
Pai Gow Poker
Basic Rules: Players are dealt seven cards and must create two hands: a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. Both hands must beat the dealer’s hands to win.
Basic Tips: Always split your highest pair between the two hands if you don’t have any other good hand combinations.
Best Odds: Look for casinos that offer the “no commission” variant, which has a lower house edge.
Three Card Poker
Basic Rules: Players are dealt three cards and must decide whether to play or fold. The player’s hand must beat the dealer’s hand to win.
Basic Tips: Always play with Q-6-4 or higher. Fold anything lower.
Best Odds: Look for tables that offer the highest payouts for straight flushes and three-of-a-kinds.
Let It Ride
Basic Rules: Players are dealt three cards and use them in combination with two community cards to make the best five-card hand. Players have the option to “let it ride” or withdraw bets as the community cards are revealed.
Basic Tips: Only let it ride on strong hands, such as a pair of tens or better.
Best Odds: Look for games that offer bonus payouts for certain hands, like a royal flush.
When playing table games in Las Vegas, it’s important to know your limits and play responsibly. Familiarize yourself with the rules and strategies of each game, and don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for help if you’re unsure. Good luck, and may the odds be in your favor!
