Whether you play online poker with friends or prefer to keep it old school with classic in-person games, sometimes it’s good to take a break from your favorite game to get a fresh perspective and return with a renewed sense of appreciation for the game. While an outdoor adventure or trip to your favorite restaurant is always a good idea, there are times you’d like to keep things closer to home. So how do you strike the perfect balance? A game of cards, of course!
Join us as we take a look at five of the best card games that poker enthusiasts enjoy. Ready for a change of pace?
1. Blackjack
Players who enjoy playing at online poker sites will find blackjack an easy transition from their preferred game. The best online casinos offer a variety of casino table games, so depending on the platform, you’re likely to find many blackjack titles available too. While the basic rules of the game are simple, there is a degree of strategy involved. This is especially regarded when it comes to betting, making this game ideal for those who enjoy the mental challenge of live poker online.
Blackjack is played between individual players and a dealer, so you’re not pitted against any other players. Each participant is dealt an initial two cards with the aim of getting as close to 21 as possible without going bust (exceeding 21.) Participants can either hit (ask for another card) or stand (play with their current cards until the end.)
Just as there are a number of poker variants available online, there are also a number of blackjack variants including live dealer versions, leaving players with a lot of entertainment options. This game also offers a particularly generous RTP (return to player,) making it among the most popular casino card games.
2. Baccarat
If you’re looking to add some James Bond flair to your game, baccarat’s the game for you. It’s also ideal for players who enjoy card games of chance because unlike poker, there’s no skill or strategy involved in the game – only luck (or the lack thereof.) In a game of baccarat, there are only three possible outcomes: player wins, banker wins or a tie. The game begins with those at the table betting on one of these three outcomes. The dealer then deals a hand for the player and the banker and the first to get to nine wins.
Because a bet on the banker has a house edge of 1.06%, a bet on the player has a house edge of 1.24%, and a bet on a tie carries a casino advantage of 14.36%, our only strategic tip for this game is: Never bet on a tie!
3. Gin
Gin is a two-player game, arguably the most popular of its kind, and was invented in the early 1900s. Because Texas hold’em poker can be played with anything from two to 10 players, players who like this variant are likely to feel right at home during a game of gin. Each round lasts around 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick game or for a few rounds. During the game, each player is dealt 10 cards which they must use to form valid sequences of three or more cards (these can be runs, or three- or four-of-a-kind.) The player to form combinations from all the cards in his hand announces, “Gin,” and will then score 20 points plus the value of the opponent’s unmatched cards. The first player to reach or exceed 100 points wins the game.
Gin is a variant of rummy, which has a similar concept.
4. Spades
Spades was invented in the US in the 1930s but only became internationally recognized in the 1990s. It can be played solo, against other opponents or in partnerships. Similar to poker, spades can be played by two or more players, and uses a standard 52-card deck. Like bridge, the objective is trick-taking and each player gets a 13-card hand. After the cards have been dealt, each player must make a bid, that is, estimate how many tricks they expect to win (between one and 13.) The game starts after all the players at the table have made their bid, as players must now chase their tricks, and win what they bid for. Players who fail to meet their target are penalized and those who clear it get points. The player or team to reach a certain number of points (usually 500) wins the game.
5. Bridge
Bridge is so famous that the International Olympic Committee recognizes it as a sport! Considered the ultimate trick-taking game, bridge is played by millions of people all over the world. The game offers both fun and challenges, making it an ideal alternative to video poker online. Bridge is played by four players who form two partnerships. A standard 52-card deck is dealt out clockwise around a table so that each player holds 13 cards, sorted into separate suits. The object is to win tricks, with each trick consisting of one card played by each player in turn. The game is divided into bidding and play, a structure that makes it highly engaging. Each deal is played within seven or eight minutes, which serves to keep things interesting.
Other great card games favored by poker players include:
- Canasta
- Euchre
- Cribbage
Play real poker online with BetMGM
When you’re back in the mood, online casino BetMGM offers an extensive selection of world-class poker games including video and live dealer versions of a range of poker variants. You’ll also get to enjoy daily online poker tournaments when you register with BetMGM, as well as a 100% deposit match and up to $75 in tournament tickets.
Our online poker guide features everything you need to know to get started, while our BetMGM blog covers an extensive range of poker topics, including how poker strategy has changed in recent years and what the future holds for women in poker. Discover all this and more with BetMGM!
