Tag Archives: gambling

The Definitive Guide to Punto Banco

Punto Banco is a hugely popular card game that gets players totally hooked. It is a game of chance which is dependent on the cards the player receives. This means that players have just as much chance to win as anyone else, because no skills or form of strategy is necessary. The winning hand will be either the Player’s or the Banker’s. The winning bets depend on the casino, however in most cases, 1-1 (even money) is given for Player’s bets. The house edge is quite low at approximately 1%.

The game is very similar to Baccarat, except that there are not any optional plays, and there are fixed house rules as to how the cards are dealt. There is a shoe (which houses four, six or eight pre-shuffled decks. A card sized piece of plastic, which is usually yellow, is included in the shuffling, and is the sign which shows the shoe’s last coup.

The aim of the game is for players to bet on the winner of the two hands given to the players and the bank. The winner is the one who has 9, or the closest to it. This is calculated when the card values are added together, and the last digit is used as the accepted number.

The different rules for the players and banker mean that if in the beginning, the player has between 0-5 as a total card value, he is eligible to draw another (third) card. If his total is 6 or 7, then he has to stand. If the player only has 2 cards, then the banker has to follow the same rule as the player, and has to regard only his own cards, and the 0-5 and 6 or 7 card rule applies. There are more complicated rules if the player draws a third card.

If at the end of the deal, if the Player and the banker have scored the same value, it is classed as a ‘tie bet’, which is awarded with 8-1 odds. In this instance the bets on both sides stay active for the following game.

If you want a game of Punto Banco come on down to Les Croupiers. We’re happy to serve both first timers and experts.

5 Odd Chinese Superstitions Which May Just Bring You Luck

Chinese superstitions can be prevalent within Asian gambling culture. For example, baccarat players in Macau believe that even the manner in which cards are squeezed or creased can determine the outcome of a game. Practice these 5 Chinese gaming rituals and who knows? You too may hit a winning streak!

Mind Your Numbers

In Chinese culture, certain numbers are considered to be lucky depending on their similarity to words that sound prosperous.

The number 8 is therefore a very lucky number, as it sounds much like the Cantonese word for “prosper” or “wealth.”

To create fortuitous outcomes, Chinese gamblers often combine the number 8 with other lucky numbers such as 3, 6 and 9.

Wear Red

The Chinese believe the colour red to be a symbol of life, joy and prosperity.

Therefore, wearing red at a casino (and in particular red undergarments), is thought to appease the gods and bring players good luck.

Side Entrances

Many Chinese gamblers think it bad luck to enter a casino through the main entrance. There are two reasons for this.

Firstly, it is thought that these doors have been cursed by Feng Shui masters.

Secondly, they believe that if you happen to rub shoulders with a loser on his way out, his bad luck may be transferred to you.

Trends

Chinese players will often obsessively looks for patterns or trends in a game.

If a player wins 3 times in a row, they will bet on the player winning a fourth time.

If a player starts to lose, they will bet against him to improve their chances.

Players can often be seen studying other tables looking for these patterns.

Wash Your Hands

If you hit an unlucky streak, the Chinese believe it is best to go and wash your hands and so wash away your bad luck. Some even carry their own lucky soaps for this very purpose.

Conversely, it is considered bad luck to wash your hands whilst winning, as this will wash away good luck.

These superstitions may seem odd to some, but with millions to be won at casinos, they may be worth some serious consideration.

The Ultimate Guide to Successful Poker Bluffing

Have you got a good poker face? Do know when to hold’em and when to fold’em. Here are a few simple pointers on bluffing in poker.

Bluff Believably

Make sure your bluffs are believable. Remember your opponents are trying to determine your hand strength and your decipher your play; if your bluff doesn’t make sense you’ll likely get caught and lose the pot. If you check pre-flop and flop but the suddenly raise on the river, it will be obvious that you are either bluffing or a weak player. Bluffing is most believable when you could potentially have a winning hand and no one knows you don’t. For example if a pair of Ace’s is on the table and you bluff opponents may think you have an ace in your hand giving you an intimidating 3 Ace’s. However if the community card pool is JH 2D 7S 8S and you suddenly start to raise when you get 3C on the river, it will be obvious you are bluffing because the best you could likely have is a pair.

Bluff To Win Pots

Often the best time to bluff is to save a pot gone bad. Say you have a heart in your hand and two more come down on the flop, you raise hoping for a flush. Your opponents call. On the turn you get another heart..you still have a shot at your flush on the river so you bet again, your opponent calls. On the river you get a diamond. You didn’t get your flush but your opponents doesn’t know that. Since you’ve been betting consistently it will be believable for you to try and take the pot now. If you bet with a weak hand your opponent will likely think you have a flush and fold the pot to you. Be careful to watch your opponents play as well in case he was also looking for the flush.

Bluff in Moderation

Last but not least, don’t over bluff. Bluffing is a powerful poker tool and should be used when it is needed, but don’t over do it.

The Surprising History of Slot Machines

Slots are a popular casino game and one of the simplest to play, with the spin of the wheels for a small investment providing the chance to win big. This type of gambling game has been around for many years now and its history goes all the way back to the end of the 19th century.

The Beginning

The evolution of slots started with simple machines that were based around poker and had playing cards on the wheels. However, the development of the first three-wheel slot machine that was recognizable in comparison to what can be found in casinos today is attributed to Charles Fey of San Francisco. He put together a mechanical device in the mid-1890s, which was known as the Liberty Bell because this was the symbol that gave the top payout. Unlike previous machines, Fey’s incorporated an automatic payout system based on the combination of symbols showing on the winning line and this helped his machine become a huge success.

Getting Fruity

This encouraged others to get involved in the business during the early 20th century, with Chicago-based Herbert Mills being one of these. He is the man generally credited with introducing many of the fruit symbols that are so familiar on today’s machines. State gambling legislation against the use of these first slot machines led to payouts other than cash to get around the laws banning them. Many offered the chance to win chewing gum or food to the players pulling the handle.

Mechanical Rise

The rise of mechanical slot machines continued until the early 1960s when Bally Manufacturing produced the first electronic versions of the game. These machines were operated by pushing a button rather than pulling a handle and the technology made them much more secure. This allowed the introduction of bigger payouts, which helped the slot industry grow. Video machines were developed in the mid 1970s by the Fortune Coin Company, with these first introduced in the gambling mecca of Las Vegas. This technology enabled 5, 7, and even more reels to be played, and video technology has become the industry standard for the slot machines that are played today.

The Essential Beginners Guide to Blackjack

Blackjack is a popular game that has been around for hundreds of years. It’s a simple and entertaining casino game that anyone can learn how to play. No matter how many players are at the table, the real opposition is the dealer. You need to beat the dealer to win the game. Want to learn more? Of course you do! Here’s a beginners guide to get you kick started into the world of Blackjack.

You start with two cards; one facing down, and other facing up. You may ask for another card or stand which means you stop taking any more cards and keep your current ones. If you exceed 21, you will lose and the dealer wins.

If you happen to deal 21 with your first two cards, you will win, unless the dealer has also matched 21, in which case there is a tie and the hand is played again until someone

wins. Once you and the dealer have your hand, he will turn over his second card. This is when the game gets exciting. The dealer has the possibility to win here if his cards total 17 or more. He may also go bust, so you can try your luck and chance bigger numbers for the win.

Here are some essential blackjack terms to learn:

Split- This is when you have two of the same cards and they are split into two hands, making them worth twice as much.

Insurance- This is a side bet where the dealer’s card that is facing up is an Ace and the other is Blackjack.

Surrender- this is when you opt to fold once the first two cards are dealt.

Blackjack is a straightforward game to learn, but it does take a lifetime to master. It is one of the most popular games in casinos as well as the most exciting ones. If you want to win you need a little bit of skill, determination and a lot of luck.

Try your luck down in Les Croupiers today.

A Guide to Craps Etiquette

Craps is a casino game that many people enjoy, and those that want to roll the dice need to learn the etiquette. The following guidelines should be helpful in showing you how to behave whilst living in the sprawling world of craps.

Learn the Language

Craps has a vocabulary of its own, with terms like Come out Roll, Big Red, and Craps Check being used. Players need to understand these to follow the game, so should take the time to learn the common terminology to help with proper etiquette.

Buying Chips

Players looking to buy chips should place money on the table to get these before the shooter has the dice in their hand. They cannot hand money directly to a dealer, so do not try to do this. Simply place the bills on the table and the dealer will provide the equivalent worth of chips.

Making Bets

Players can make their own Pass/Don’t Pass and Come bets by placing chips directly on the correct space in front of them. They can also place field bets on the table themselves or get a dealer to make them. As with money, dealers can’t take chips directly from a player, so simply put them on the table and ask for the bet to be made.

Hands Up

Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t play by this rule. A player must get their hands up from the table quickly after making a bet to avoid affecting the game by having the dice hit them.

Throwing

The dice should be thrown hard enough by the shooter to hit the opposite wall and leave the bed of the table before settling down in place to show the numbers.

Noise

It is acceptable for players siding with the shooter to make some noise and cheer a win. Those betting against should hold their peace though as it is considered bad etiquette to be cheering for a loss. Don’t be surprised when you’re called out for acting like crap(s).

The etiquette details shown above are some of the guidelines to be aware of. Take the time to learn them and you can soon have some fun rolling with the dice.

Tips for Playing Craps

Craps is an exciting game that is enjoyed by millions of enthusiasts throughout the world. Let us that a quick look at some sure-fire tips that can help any player walk away a winner.

Perhaps most importantly, it is always recommended to play the odds. This is important, for an odds game will not give the house any edge. Thus, the chances of winning a round are vastly increased.

The “gambler’s fallacy” needs to be ignored. In other words, there is no such thing as a trend in craps. If two threes are rolled in a row, the chances are just as equal that a third three will be encountered. Each roll is independent of the others.

Finally, such craps lingo as “Comin’ out!” and “Bet those hard ways!” are terms that are commonly heard. Understanding the meaning of these and other phrases is essential to develop a robust playing strategy.

Get Your Head Around Craps Lingo

Taking some time to learn the terms used in a craps game will not only help you enjoy the game more but may also improve your chances of winning. Some of the main terms are:

Any 7 -this is a bet that the next roll of the dices will equal seven.
Boxcars – this is when two sixes have been rolled and it refers to the American term for the last cars on a train.
Any craps – this is a bet that the next roll will equal either two, three or twelve.
Big Red – this refers to the number seven. Craps players will not say seven at the table during a game.
Bones – this is another term for dice.

There are many other terms used in craps. If you hear something that you don’t understand, just ask!

For more craps terms this website is a goldmine.

The Ins and Outs of Poker Tells

Poker is not just a game of chance; it is a game of skill and deception. When it comes to playing poker in a casino or at a tournament it all boils down to how well you can deceive your opponents. ‘Poker tells’ can give away your game completely, however well you think you may be bluffing.

It is completely natural to have signs that you may be lying, but what are the most common tells in poker? Unconscious tells are something that we do when we think we’re not being watched or that we don’t even realise we’re doing. This could be anything from yawning to scratching your head. A deliberate tell, on the other hand, is when we deliberately try to put the other player off; this could be a sly smile or an action passed off as an unconscious tell.

Your body language can tell a thousand stories when playing poker, so be careful of those sneaky giveaways and watch for your opponents’ too.

What Makes a Good Poker Hand?

Every poker player will agree that a good poker hand is a “winning hand”! However, what two cards you hold at the beginning of each round can play an important role in whether you win big or not.

An Ace, with another high card such as a King, Queen or Jack is considered a great starting hand – especially if they are of the same suit.

A pocket pair (two of the same cards), is another good poker hand. With this hand, you are already a step ahead of everybody else sat around the poker table. You should raise the blinds before the flop to eliminate anyone with mediocre cards; from out-flopping you.

Suited Connectors (two running cards of the same suit), is one of the most favoured poker hands to begin with. These cards mean you have better over-all odds of winning the hand by catching a flush, a straight, or even a straight flush.