|  Post Reply

Stand
End your turn. Used when your hand total is low (e.g., 11 or less) and you are unlikely to bust. Double Down
Double your initial bet, but you only receive one more card. You must place a second bet equal to your first. Split
If you have two cards of the same value (e.g., casino two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands. Never split 10s or 5s. A powerful move used when you have a strong starting hand (e.g., a total of 10 or casino 11) and the dealer's upcard is weak. A good option when you have a very weak hand (like 16) and the dealer has a very strong upcard (like a 10 or Ace). Action
What It Means
When to Consider It


Hit
Take another card. This set of decisions is called "Basic Strategy." It was developed through computer simulations and is typically displayed in a color-coded chart. Surrender
(Not always offered) Give up your hand and lose half your bet. Always split Aces and 8s. Used when your hand total is high (e.g., 17 or more) and hitting is too risky. Introduction to Basic Strategy
For every possible combination of your hand and the dealer's upcard, there is one mathematically optimal decision (hit, stand, casino (pa00.com) double, or split) that will result in the highest expected return over the long run. While memorizing the entire chart can seem daunting, learning a few key rules can dramatically improve your game:

In these situations, you should be more conservative. This is also the prime time to double down and split to get more money on the table when the dealer is vulnerable. You should hit your hard totals of 12-16 until you reach at least 17. When the Dealer is Strong (Upcard 7 through Ace): The dealer is likely to make a strong hand. A "soft hand" contains an Ace that can count as 11 without busting. Avoid hitting on risky hands like 12-16. You can play soft hands more aggressively because you cannot bust by taking one more card. Soft Hands: A "hard hand" is one without an Ace, or where the Ace must count as 1. When the Dealer is Weak (Upcard 2 through 6): The dealer is more likely to bust. By playing smart, you can turn a simple card game into a compelling strategic challenge. For example, you should always hit on a Soft 17 (Ace-6). Learning and applying basic strategy is the single most important thing a Blackjack player can do. You need to be more aggressive to win. It won't make you win every time—luck is still a major factor in the short term—but it will give you the best possible chance to win and will ensure that the casino's edge over you is as small as possible.

Punters, often masked to preserve their anonymity, would congregate to play games like Biribi, a lottery-style game, and Basetta, a card game. The Genesis of an Entertainment Giant
The idea of placing stakes is as old as civilization itself, but the organized institution we know as the casino has a more specific origin. The inaugural government-sanctioned public gaming establishment was the Ridotto, founded in Venice, Italy, in 1638. This represented a pivotal shift from private, often illicit, gambling dens to state-controlled venues. Its chief objective was to regulate gambling during the carnival season.

Roulette (European)
2.7%
The single zero (0) on the wheel cuts the house edge in half compared to its American counterpart, making it a much better choice for casino players. Following basic strategy can lower the edge to ~0.5%. Simple bets like the Pass/Don't Pass line have a low edge. "Proposition" bets can have an edge of over 16%. Slots
Highly Variable
Each machine is programmed with a specific Return to Player (RTP). Roulette (American)
5.26%
The presence of two zeros (0 and 00) on the wheel significantly increases the house advantage compared to European Roulette. Poor play increases it dramatically. Game
Average House Advantage
Key Factors Affecting the Edge


Blackjack
0.5% - 2%
Player skill and strategy are paramount. This is not disclosed on the machine itself in most land-based casinos. A 95% RTP means a 5% house edge. Craps
Varies
The edge varies wildly depending on the bet. Baccarat (Banker Bet)
Very Low
The Banker bet has one of the lowest house edges in the casino, even after accounting for the 5% commission on wins.

Card Points: Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value. An Ace can be worth either 1 or 11, whichever is more beneficial to the hand. You and the dealer are both dealt two cards. - Game Start: You place your bet. - Exceeding 21: If your hand total exceeds 21, you bust and immediately lose your bet, regardless of what the dealer has. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10. You have several options, and choosing the correct one is the essence of Blackjack strategy. Your cards are usually face up, while the dealer has one card face up (the "upcard") and one card face down (the "hole card"). Your Options: The Player's Decisions
After receiving your first two cards, it's your turn to act.

Add comment