Learn How to Play Casino Hold ‘em
Casino hold ‘em is an exciting variation of the player-favorite poker game Texas hold ‘em. This explains why both games share some similarities in terms of gameplay. But the noticeable difference between the two is that when you play the former, you compete with other poker players. When you play casino hold ‘em, you go against the house.
Your objective when you play casino hold ‘em is to beat the dealer. To do so, you must make the best poker hand from your hole cards or cards that are dealt face down; and your five community cards or cards that are dealt face up. Here is an easy casino hold ‘em tutorial to help you play the game.
Casino Hold ‘em Hands
The game ranks your poker hands in the same way other poker games, like Texas hold ‘em, do. Below are the typical poker hands in casino hold ‘em arranged from that which holds the highest value down to that with the lowest value.
- Royal Flush – This hand features a combination of A, K, Q, J, and 10 in matching suits.
- Straight Flush – This hand features five sequential cards in matching suits.
- Four of a Kind – This hand has four cards of the same rank and one card of another rank.
- Full House – This hand features a combination of Three of a Kind and a Pair.
- Flush – This hand features five random cards in matching suits.
- Straight – This hand has five sequential cards in different suits.
- Three of a Kind – This hand is composed of three cards of any suit in matching values and two unrelated side cards.
- Two Pair – This hand has two sets of One Pair cards and one unrelated card.
- One Pair – This hand contains two cards of any suit with matching values and three cards of other ranks.
- High Card – This hand contains a set of five cards without any pair or sequence.
Among these hands, Royal Flush holds the biggest payout but has the most elusive odds. If neither you nor the dealer hit any of the aforementioned hands, then whoever holds the highest card value wins.
Rules of the Game
Casino hold ‘em has a simple gameplay. In fact, you can learn how to play the game in just three easy steps.
1| Place Your Bets
Before starting the game proper, you will need to place your wager or chips on the Ante section of the poker table and then click Deal. This step buys you into the game, like placing the blinds in Texas hold ‘em. You will receive two hole cards thereafter. At the same time, three community cards, or the flop, will be laid on the table.
2| Fold or Call
You can decide whether to fold or call in accordance with the rank of your card. When you fold, you withdraw from the game by forfeiting your cards and the ante bet. Calling, on the other hand, means proceeding with the game by doubling the amount of the ante bet. If you think your cards have the potential to beat the dealer’s hand, you should opt for call.
If you want to win an additional reward, you can choose casino hold ‘em games that allow you to place AA+ Bonus side bet after placing your ante. This side bet counts the value of the poker hand you can create from your two hole cards and the three flop cards. Regardless of the result of the game, you win this side wager if you can make a five-card hand containing a pair of Aces or higher. Simply click on the AA section of the game table to place your side bet.
3| Make the Best Poker Hand
Two community cards will be dealt if you decide to call, completing the five community cards. At the same time, the dealer’s card will be revealed. Both you and the dealer need to make the best five-card poker hand using your hole cards and three cards from the five community cards. The dealer needs to have a pair of 4s or a better hand to “qualify” or proceed with the game. The result of the round can be any of the following:
- If the dealer does not have a pair of 4s or a higher hand, you win the game. The house will pay the ante bet accordingly and return the call bet.
- If the dealer qualifies and beats your hands, you lose both your ante and call bets.
- If the dealer qualifies but you have a better hand, the call bets will pay 1:1 and the house will pay the ante accordingly.
- If the dealer’s hand and your hand tie, the house will return all the bets.
Playing with typical poker strategies in casino hold ‘em will not help you ace the game. For instance, you cannot bluff to intimidate other players because you are competing against only one opponent–the house. Generally, the best way to maximize your game is to play most of your hands. But of course, be rational in doing this as calling too much may risk your bankroll.
Test your poker skills by playing a round today. Better yet, check out this easy online poker guide to know your way around the game even better. For more gaming tips, tutorials, and guides to make the most out of your betting experience, you can visit HappiStar Tips.