Top Tips to Win at Classic Casino Card Games

Updated on June 12, 2021

The adage that the house always wins is as old as casinos themselves, and it is completely true if you take the long view. Indeed, if there were a magic way to win every hand, then casino-goers would suss it out and gambling houses would be out of business in no time. So, if this is the case, what is the point in writing about how to win at casino card games? Well, there are strategies that can considerably improve your returns and minimize losses, so while you may never fully beat the house you can certainly give them a run for their money. Once you have read up on our top tips, you can practice with the best Canadian online casino bonuses – find out more here. 

Blackjack 

This is a favourite with serious gamblers because it is possible to significantly reduce the house edge with just a little bit of basic strategy. You can even buy a strategy card to consult (or look one up online if you are playing at an online casino) while you are learning. Even absolute beginners should find it fairly easy to have some success. 

Basic Blackjack Tips

  • Remember that you only need to beat the dealer.

Many novices mistakenly perceive the goal of blackjack to be making a hand of the value 21. In actual fact, all you need is to be closer to 21 than the dealer – no matter what cards the other players have. 

  • Employ basic strategy and work up.

There are quite well-established rules for a basic blackjack strategy, based on mathematical probabilities. Stick to these while you get your bearings, and gradually work up to more complicated gameplay.

  • Practice for free.

It’s so easy now to find sites that have free demo versions of virtual blackjack. Practice to your heart’s content in a risk-free environment, so that when you start playing for real money you will be ready for anything. 

Baccarat

Another easy, fun card game with a low house edge, baccarat is beloved by novices and veterans alike. Unlike blackjack, you cannot make a decision that will change the outcome of the game, since all bets are placed before the cards are revealed. Bet on Player, Banker, or Tie – it’s as simple as that. But how can you bet smart?

Basic Baccarat Tips

  • Bet on the Banker.

The first thing to know is that mathematically speaking, betting on the banker is the way to go. This bet has the lowest house edge, but the payout is the same as a Player bet.

  • Do not be tempted by the tie payout.

Banker and Player bets pay out at 1:1, while Tie bets are much higher at 8:1. While this may seem like a worthy risk, in fact the math is against you. Statistically, betting on a tie is not worth the risk. 

  • Consider using a betting system.

Functionally speaking, baccarat is similar to roulette outside bets, or a coin toss. This makes it a perfect candidate for a betting strategy such as the Paroli system – just avoid Martingale unless you have very deep pockets. 

Poker

Poker needs more than just a quick paragraph; indeed, many books have been written about poker strategy and technique. It is a complex game of luck and skill, with a multitude of variables. Playing online and in person require different approaches, and there are many variants of the game to boot. 

Basic Poker Tips

  • Choose your variant.

You can dabble in different poker types, but if you want to be a consistent winner then choose one and stick to it. Texas Hold’em has been the most popular for some time, but you may be better off learning the tricks of Three Card Poker for decent returns. 

  • Have patience.

Some games can be picked up in no time, but unless you have a natural aptitude then proficiency at poker will come more slowly. It’s a bit like learning chess – you won’t become a master overnight. 

  • Try video poker

If the full game is too much, try the simplified digital version. Fun, relatively easy and with a low house edge.

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