DON’T FEAR THE FELT
A beginner’s guide to table game basics
By Frank Scoblete
Many new table game players approach the experience with a dash, a dab or even a cartload of anxiety. Brand-new players can sometimes be frozen with fear.
Newbies often worry: How are these games played? How do I get chips? How do I bet? Will other players get annoyed if I don’t know what I’m doing? The panic sets in: What do I do? What if I mess up? Maybe I’ll just go to the slots—no one will notice me there, and I can relax.
And it’s true—slot machines don’t scold, smirk or snicker at you. If that sounds appealing, go for it. But for many new players, the table games hold a certain allure they just don’t find with the machines.
So, let me help. Here’s a beginner-friendly overview of five table games I recommend trying: blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and pai gow poker (the dark horse of casino games). I won’t go into deep strategy—I’ve written books for that—but I will give you a simple introduction and a few basic tips so you can walk up to the table with confidence.
For all table games, the first step is to put your money on the layout. The dealer will count it and give you chips in return. Each casino has a standard way dealers distribute chips, so don’t worry—it’s routine.
Blackjack
Of all the games, this one requires the most decision-making. Your goal is to beat the dealer without going over 21. Aces are worth 1 or 11, face cards are worth 10, and the rest are face value. Both you and the dealer get two cards, and you base your decisions on what the dealer’s face-up card shows.
You can hit (take a card), stand (stay with what you have), split a pair by matching your bet, or double your bet and take one more card. Sound intimidating? Here’s the good news: most casino gift shops sell basic strategy charts that show exactly what to do based on your hand and the dealer’s card. Still confused? Ask the dealer. They often know basic strategy well and are happy to help a new player.
Craps
Craps is the most exciting game on the floor, but also one of the most intimidating due to the wide range of bets—many of which aren’t great for beginners. Focus on the basics. The shooter rolls the dice after betting on the Pass Line. A roll of 7 or 11 wins; 2, 3 or 12 loses. Rolling any other number sets a Point, and the goal becomes rolling that number again before rolling a 7.
As a new player, just place a simple bet on the Pass Line. Still nervous? Try placing a $6 or $12 bet on one number, like the 6. Just hand the chips to the dealer and say, “Place the six.” If the 6 hits before a 7, you win—$7 for a $6 bet, $14 for $12.
Roulette
This one’s easy. Bet on a number or a proposition like red or black, odd or even, high or low. The dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball. If it lands on what you picked, you win.
A straight-up number bet pays 35 to 1. Even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, etc.) pay 1 to 1—bet $5, win $5.
Baccarat
Baccarat is elegant and simple. Bet on “player” or “banker.” Don’t bet the tie. If “player” wins, you’re paid even money. If “banker” wins, you’re paid 95 cents on the dollar. That’s it—no decisions to make beyond what you want to bet on.
Pai Gow Poker
You receive seven cards and must make two hands: a five-card hand and a two-card hand. Your five-card hand must be stronger than your two-card hand. Both must beat the dealer’s hands for you to win. Not sure how to set the hands? Ask the dealer to show you the “house way,” which they’ll gladly do.
There you have it—a short, simple intro to five popular table games. Don’t let fear keep you from trying something new. The games are there to be enjoyed, and with a little knowledge and curiosity, you’ll fit right in.
Now get in there and give ’em hell. ´
Frank Scoblete’s website is www.frankscoblete.com. His books are available from Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, e-books, libraries and bookstores.
