How to Play Casino Games: A-Z

• How To Play: A-Z Guide
• Guide to Casino Games
• Where to Play Casinos Online

A - American Roulette

American Roulette is one of the most popular table games at real world casinos the world over; it differs from 'European' Roulette in having 38 rather than 37 number pockets for the ball to land in. There's a double "0" green pocket which doesn't exist in the european version.

B - Blackjack

Another equally famous game, especially in the states, is Blackjack. Known in French since the 1700's as "Vingt-et-un" and also known as 'Twenty One" or "Pontoon". It is a simple card game and very easy for new players to pick up the basics, making it one of the most popular card games. The objective being to get as close to 21 in value of cards as possible, without going over 21, or 'bust'.

Cards 2-10 count as their face value, picture cards are worth 10, and the Ace counts as 11 unless drawing that card forces the player to go bust at over 21, in which case the Ace is then counted as one. If the dealer and the player have the same non-bust hand value, then neither wins; however, if the dealer goes bust and the player goes bust then the dealer wins.

At each turn the player chooses his next move: to "hit", "stand", "split" (only available when each card has equal value) or "double down"(double the wager when taking his next card then stand).

C - Craps

Craps is a dice game - a staple of the casinos and game rooms of North America, but not popular outside until the advent of online casinos brought the game to a worldwide audience. A simple dice game in principle, the rules and options can be a little confusing at first, but once learned they offer a very exciting game.

Some of the terminology used in Craps includes "Naturals" - The total of the two dice adds up to 7 or 11; "Craps" - The total of the two dice adds up to 2, 3, or 12; "Point" - The total of the two dice adds up to 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10; "Snake Eyes" - 1's rolled on both dice; "The Shooter" - you, the player; "Come out roll" - The first roll of the dice.

R - Roulette

Roulette is one of the most glamorous and well-known casino games. Featured in many Hollywood movies over the years including famously in Casablanca it's glitzy spinning table wheel and the sound of the ball rolling around until it comes to a rest is something most people are familiar with and instantly creates the atmosphere of casino glamour and excitement.

The player places bets on where and what colour the ball will come to rest on at each spin, with the excitment building as the bets build up and as the wheel spins.