Although online slots are incredibly popular these days and keep both land-based and online casinos afloat, it is often said that more experienced online casino players prefer table games. Even with slot games boasting some of the largest jackpots around, the more experienced player prefers the challenge that table games have to offer.
Whether you prefer a live dealer game or just playing against the computer, online casinos are brimming with a variety of table games as well as variants. These table games are super easy to learn and with time, you will be able to build up your skills and develop your own strategies.
What table games are available at casinos?
Whichever casino you land on, more likely than not, you will find a fantastic selection of table games. The most popular of which are usually online blackjack, roulette, baccarat as well as a variety of poker games.
Overall, the game of blackjack is by far the most popular amongst players, since it combines elements of strategy as well as a dose of luck.
Every table game under the sun can be found at online casinos, just as you would at a land-based one. We would go further to say that many more additional games are available online than you might find at a brick and mortar casinos.
If you are looking for that authentic casino experience, you also have the option to play at a Live Casino. Essentially, the Live Casino or Live Dealer games offer you the same identical experience but without the inconvenience of having to get dressed and drive for miles. Even better, you can play round the clock, and you don’t have to abide by the opening and closing times of the casino.
Additionally, most table games, as well as live dealer games, can be played on the go. You no longer have to be confined to your desktop PC, as you can enjoy the same games from your smartphone or tablet, provided you have an internet connection.
Blackjack
The game of online blackjack is probably one of the most popular and much-loved table games available. Not only is it simple to learn, but since you are playing against the house and not other players, it is more about careful decision-making, than sheer competitiveness.
The main aim of the game is to build a hand whose total value amounts as close as possible to 21 than the dealer but without exceeding it.
The rules of Blackjack are simple. All cards are worth the same number as stated on the card, with the exception of face cards. Face cards such as Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10. Aces, on the other hand, can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on how you want the game to play out.
The game kicks off with both the dealer and the player receiving two cards each. For your convenience, one of the dealer’s card is placed facing up.
Once you have your cards in hand and basing your decision on the dealer’s face-up card, you would have to decide whether you want to:
- Hit: Ask for an additional card
- Stand: You’re happy with your hand and require no extra cards
The good news is that you can keep on Hitting until you are satisfied or else, going over 21, resulting in a bust. Once you are done with your turn, the dealer will turn over their other card (Hole card), and according to the total hand value, the player will either win or lose.
If the player’s hand and the dealer’s match, it will result in a ‘push’ and the player’s bet is returned. If the player’s hand is greater than the dealer’s but without going over 21, then the player wins.
Roulette
The game of online roulette is the second favourite to blackjack. It is a game that can be picked up very quickly and is distinguished by its wheel. Despite being a fast-paced game, the main aim of roulette is to simply pick a number on the wheel and wherever the ball lands is declared a winner. You can learn more about the rules of roulette here.
You can place bets on a myriad of options, including single numbers, odds or even, black or red and even columns. Whatever you want to place your bet on, the option is right there. Just make sure you place your bets before the start of the round.
Once the bets have been placed, the dealer will spin the roulette wheel in one direction and a tiny ball in the opposite direction. You can continue to place bets until the dealer says, “no more bets”. Once the wheel and the ball come to a rest, the winning number will be declared.
There is, as such, no strategy which you can apply, although your aim should be to try to lower the house edge as much as possible. This will depend on your choice of game, whether it’s European or American Roulette.
European Roulette has a lower house edge compared to American since it has one number less on the roulette wheel. Although no strategies can be applied to this game, we always advise that players are mindful of their bankroll, and to have a bankroll management strategy in place.
Baccarat
While some players think that this game is solely reserved for high rollers, they might want to think about it again. Baccarat is a game that is easy to learn and super fun, with as little decision-making as possible.
You only have to make two decisions when you are playing the game of online baccarat: Your bet size and whether you will be better on the player, the bank or the tie.
There are many guides out there that recommend on betting on either the bank or the tie since the odds are better, but you should also be aware that the house edge is a lot higher when betting on these options.
In the game of online baccarat, the cards count at face value with the exceptions of 10s that have a value of 0. Aces have a value of 1.
The goal of this game is similar to that of blackjack: To bet on a hand that has the closest total value to nine. You can learn more about the rules of Baccarat here.