Card games pose some of the toughest challenges to casino players, with their blend of skill and chance.
Learn about the trickiest of all to master, either land-based or online casino games, and the best way to start your journey with each of these difficult games.
The Origin of Card Games in Casinos
Playing cards started as hand-painted materials used for entertainment in ancient Asia. Over time, they spread to the Middle East, where their designs evolved to include different suits and styles. After arriving in Europe, their popularity continued to grow, and they quickly became tools for gambling.
By the 18th century, gambling houses emerged with structures created to accommodate card games and other kinds of gambling. These formed the basis for today’s casinos, bingo halls, and poker rooms. As gambling houses popped up in different places around the world, variations of card games were created with different rules and styles.
Over time, these became standardized. Today, card games are a staple, whether you play at an online cryptocurrency casino or a land-based casino in Las Vegas.
The Most Challenging Card Games at Casinos
There are dozens of card games to be found in the casino, the majority of which use the standard 52-card deck. These games, and others played in a similar style, are referred to as casino table games.
Generally, they involve players betting on specific outcomes while calculating odds and considering the house edge. They also involve social interactions that you won’t find with single-player games like slots, especially when you play in a land-based casino.
However, not all card games in the casino are table games. One notable exception is perhaps the hardest of all to master. So, it makes sense for this game to be at the top of the list.
1. Poker
One of the most popular games in the world, especially in cities with the best gambling culture, is poker. Games like Texas Hold’em, Seven Card Stud, and Omaha are played against other people, as opposed to the house. Whether playing in an online poker tournament or a cash game in your local poker room, there’s simply no game like it.
The rules of each form of poker are straightforward enough, but these games can take a lifetime to master. There are far more complexities and nuances than most table games, and, as such, poker demands a higher level of skill. You’ll need a strong understanding of probability and math, the ability to read opponents, and how to control your own body language.
The best way to improve your poker game is to simply dive in and play. Most online poker rooms and casinos offer regular free-to-enter tournaments known as freerolls. Sometimes, there are even real cash rewards up for grabs for winning these. Such events can be a great way to build up experience without risking any of your hard-earned money.
Make sure that you spend time analyzing your hands and discussing results with like-minded individuals, either in person or online poker forums. This is a great way to learn.
2. Blackjack
Casino regulars may be shocked to see blackjack on this list since the game seems simple enough. However, to truly master the game, you’ll need an incredible amount of patience and dedication. It really is one of the best casino card games to try and master since blackjack can be turned into a profitable venture.
First of all, you’ll need to commit a basic strategy to memory. Since blackjack is a solved game, the perfect play for every possible hand is already known. Following a basic strategy allows you to reduce the house edge down to less than 1%. Not only do you need to memorize it, but you must also play perfectly, never making a mistake. That’s impossible, of course, which is partially why blackjack appears on this list.
In addition, you still can’t turn a profit at blackjack until you learn how to count cards. This is an entirely different skill set, which also requires hours and hours of practice and commitment.
There are no shortcuts to mastering blackjack. You’ll simply need to take every opportunity to hit the tables. Whether it’s in a physical venue or playing at an online blackjack live dealer casino. Practice makes perfect.
3. Baccarat
These days, baccarat is actually one of the easiest online casino card games to play. That’s because the game has evolved massively over the years. In the past, people preferred to play Chemin de Fer, which saw multiple players taking turns to act as the banker. The remaining players would collectively bet against that individual, with the spectators also joining in if required
If you’ve never seen Chemin de Fer, it can be extremely intimidating. Luckily, though, Punto Banco is the baccarat game of choice nowadays. Here, the house takes care of everything for you. Players simply pick one of the two hands to bet on — or a tie if you prefer — and the dealer does the rest.
So, if you’re looking to play some old-school Chemin de Fer, it’s definitely best to start with Punto Banco first. This will help you get the gist of how hands work and to understand the most simple rules.
Playing online is a good idea, too, as you can get through many hands in a short space of time. What’s more, you can even find freeplay versions, allowing you to practice without risk. Once you’re feeling more confident, you can work up to a live Chemin de Fer table.
Tame the Most Difficult Card Games at BetMGM
From poker’s rapid-fire calculations to the instant recall of blackjack strategy charts, each game on this list is laden with complications. Nevertheless, careful analysis of the odds, wise betting decisions, and a good grip on your emotions will spur you toward success. And, of course, there’s no substitute for good old-fashioned hard work.
Register at BetMGM to try a wide variety of card games, including those named in this guide. You can enjoy a number of live dealer casino games, as well as their more traditional animated counterparts. Best of all, many can be played for free in demonstration mode, allowing you to get in plenty of practice.
