What Casino game to learn?

[boomhower]

Since I last cruised I've quit drinking and am looking for a new avenue of entertainment for my New Years cruise.  My wife likes playing slots but I don't care for them so I am looking at learning a table game before I go.  From the time I've browsed through the casino most of them seem different than traditional games.  What would be your suggestion of something to learn that I can get good entertainment value per dollar.  Of course I am not expecting to win money, just able to stretch it the best for entertainment value.  Most ships I've been on the roulette table has been dead but open there as well. 

[skrufy]

Wife is a slots player, will not try a table game. Try craps, easy to learn and fun to play.

[IntrepidFromDC]

My daughter's boyfriend is a Carnival pit boss (casino supervisor, really) and he says the two games with the best payout ratios are craps and blackjack.

[mz-s]

Eventually this thread will recommend every game in the casino.

 

I vote blackjack. Generally the house edge if you play well is only on the order of 2-5%, so you won’t lose much over the long term.

 

The biggest mistake people make is trying to gamble with a low limit like $50 or something. You lose 3 or 4 hands in a row, which will happen, and you’re broke. Whereas if you are playing with a $250 bankroll you can weather a few losses in a row.

[CruiserLucas]

If you're looking for a table game, Craps is my favorite. But go when it's quieter, or watch the table for a bit if you go when others are there. Seasoned Craps players are superstitious and particular. Most are easy going and will help a newbie, though, usually. The dealers will help you with the basics, but since they rotate out a lot, they're more Jack-of-all-trades Ace-of-none. Read up on Craps before as well. It's fairly simple for the most part, but there's a lot going on that can make you feel overwhelmed.

 

Though if you want good payout, try video poker. 

[Riles34]

Blackjack. Play the lowest dollar amount they offer (bet whatever you want its just a more relaxed table) and learn the "rules" on when to hit or stay. I have won a lot of money by the "rules" and lost a lot of money when others just go with the flow and don't follow the trends as it is a team against the dealer. Either way, its fun and I budget for each cruise. Have fun!

[1kaper]

Second what everyone else is saying about blackjack. 
Playing the low bet can draw out your play and it’s the best odds (odds are still in favour of the house). 
i just googled a chart online and learned the basic strategy of when to hit or stand. I also played a free online game to practice. 
 

 

You don’t get as many points playing on Carnival precisely because the odds. But doesn’t sound like you are playing to earn casino points. 

[mz-s]

Note that there is a difference between "Fun21" and "Blackjack" with different "rules" as to when to hit or stay etc. I like Fun21 better although by the book it has worse odds than Blackjack.

[cruisingguy007]

Craps and blackjack, in that order. You'll also hear people talk about "rules" and playing as a team in blackjack but that's more of an allusion. You'll have some mad if you play your hands more aggressively as they think you "took" their cards but that's nonsense. I don't give a crap if someone is mad that I spit 10's and doubled down with a  face card rich deck. Then again, most are using many deck shoes these days but you could still find yourself in situations where pressing convention is prudent, especially if you enjoy it and enter tournaments. That will all come later though, basic strategy is a good place to start until you get a better grip on what's going on. Free online playing can help hone your skills and provide a solid foundation/understanding.        

Edited November 28, 2022 by cruisingguy007

[EngIceDave]

I know this goes against your initial post, but let me try to sway you a little...

 

I like playing slots, it's mindless. Table games require thought and math, I want to chill out.

When playing slots (or anything) you have to disassociate the dollar from the wager or wins, they're points. When you buy in on a slot, don't look at the numbers as dollars, but as points, like when you played pinball.

 

Same for table games, but easier on slots, try to disassociate dollars from the chip denomination. Then it's not "real money" until you cash out.

 

Some agree and some disagree, I just find it easier to not think of it as money once playing

[1kaper]

25 minutes ago, cruisingguy007 said:

Craps and blackjack, in that order. You'll also hear people talk about "rules" and playing as a team in blackjack but that's more of an allusion. You'll have some mad if you play your hands more aggressively as they think you "took" their cards but that's nonsense. I don't give a crap if someone is mad that I spit 10's and doubled down with a  face card rich deck. Then again, most are using many deck shoes these days but you could still find yourself in situations where pressing convention is prudent, especially if you enjoy it and enter tournaments. That will all come later though, basic strategy is a good place to start until you get a better grip on what's going on. Free online playing can help hone your skills and provide a solid foundation/understanding.        

So the first time I played the tables was our March cruise. I enjoyed it. But I had no idea what I was doing. I realized after I probably pissed a lot of people off. Particularly by not hitting when I “should” have. 
i knew we’d play on this cruise so I made an effort to learn basic strategy. I would often stand when I should hit. I had many successful hands this time round for hitting when basic strategy said I “should” whereas I normally wouldn’t have. 
 

Anyway. I’m agreeing with you. Just adding on. Learning basic strategy was an advantage to me. But I don’t worry about taking other’s cards. 

[Super27]

Well if Carnival had baccarat that would be the easy answer, but alas...

 

Blackjack if you're willing to learn basic strategy. Wizardofodds.com is a good place to start for that. If you play basic strategy correctly the house edge is extremely low. But do NOT play Fun 21 or any of the other weird variants...and do NOT make side bets...just stick with plain blackjack.

 

Craps is a fun game to play too and very easy to learn. Just bet whatever starting bet you're comfortable with on the pass line, and once a point is rolled put double that on the odds behind the pass line. Then sit back and wait. Of course you can add more excitement by making a couple come bets as well. Go on YouTube and search "craps three point molly" and you'll see what I'm talking about. With a $5 table on Carnival betting the minimum you can have a lot of fun with that strategy with a very low house edge and you'll never have more than $45 at risk on the table.

[mz-s]

47 minutes ago, 1kaper said:

So the first time I played the tables was our March cruise. I enjoyed it. But I had no idea what I was doing. I realized after I probably pissed a lot of people off. Particularly by not hitting when I “should” have. 
i knew we’d play on this cruise so I made an effort to learn basic strategy. I would often stand when I should hit. I had many successful hands this time round for hitting when basic strategy said I “should” whereas I normally wouldn’t have. 
 

Anyway. I’m agreeing with you. Just adding on. Learning basic strategy was an advantage to me. But I don’t worry about taking other’s cards. 

 

Basic strategy is calculated over the long term. Playing other strategies (or "going with your gut") might work out for a session, but over the long term basic strategy works.

[my kids mama]

1 hour ago, EngIceDave said:

I know this goes against your initial post, but let me try to sway you a little...

 

I like playing slots, it's mindless. Table games require thought and math, I want to chill out.

When playing slots (or anything) you have to disassociate the dollar from the wager or wins, they're points. When you buy in on a slot, don't look at the numbers as dollars, but as points, like when you played pinball.

 

Same for table games, but easier on slots, try to disassociate dollars from the chip denomination. Then it's not "real money" until you cash out.

 

Some agree and some disagree, I just find it easier to not think of it as money once playing

You don't give a crap when talking about craps, hahahaha!  That was cute!

[ldubs]

20 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

My daughter's boyfriend is a Carnival pit boss (casino supervisor, really) and he says the two games with the best payout ratios are craps and blackjack.

 

X2 - craps.   Don't get fancy, bet the odds, and avoid the sucker bets.  

[YourWorldWithBill]

23 hours ago, boomhower said:

What would be your suggestion of something to learn that I can get good entertainment value per dollar.  Of course I am not expecting to win money, just able to stretch it the best for entertainment value.  

I agree with those who recommended blackjack and craps. As someone who has a few years of experience with each, here's my opinion: blackjack is easier to learn and doesn't move as fast as craps. Craps is a lot more fun, as everyone is pulling for the same thing and cheering for each other. So, if you want to relax, play blackjack, which is the only game I used to play.

 

But, once I started craps, I never looked back! Just study how to make the basic "odds" bets, as others said, and nothing fancy. And as others said, the dealers will help you learn a bit. Someone mentioned starting blackjack with a decent bankroll, and that is even more important with craps. You can lose a lot quickly, but you can win it back quickly. Read a quick page about the important superstitions! (7 is only "big red", for example.)

[skeeter195]

Blackjack is OK as long as you play at tables that pay 3:2 odds for a Blackjack.  The lower denomination tables will have a 6:5 payout and that just increases the house edge dramatically and will make you lose your money quicker.    

 

The best games for a beginner are baccarat and pai gow poker.  Both games have small house edges and you actually hold the cards when playing which makes it fun.  pai gow may seem difficult to learn but it is not.  Even if you are unsure as to what to do, you can just choose your cards to be set up the house way(the dealer will set your cards according to a chart).  The best thing about pai gow is that you must win both of your hands to win or lose both of your hands to lose.  Most hands are win one, lose one making the game a push and you keep your bet.  Your money can last for hours as it is very hard to lose 5 or more hands in a row like you can at blackjack

[lenquixote66]

On 11/28/2022 at 3:47 PM, boomhower said:

Since I last cruised I've quit drinking and am looking for a new avenue of entertainment for my New Years cruise.  My wife likes playing slots but I don't care for them so I am looking at learning a table game before I go.  From the time I've browsed through the casino most of them seem different than traditional games.  What would be your suggestion of something to learn that I can get good entertainment value per dollar.  Of course I am not expecting to win money, just able to stretch it the best for entertainment value.  Most ships I've been on the roulette table has been dead but open there as well. 

I have been going to casinos more than 40 years and never once played craps.My preferred table game is blackjack.

My late BIL only played craps ,nothing else.

[K32682]

Another vote for blackjack. Learn the basic strategy and stick to it. 

[angela12345]

Another vote for craps because its FUN !!  If you are winning, typically everyone at the table is winning, its a fun group, cheering for the wins.  And if you're losing, everyone is losing, so its not like blackjack where the person next to you might be winning but you're losing every hand.  Bummer.

Craps have the absolute best odds in the Carnival casino (least house edge) if you're playing passline with 2x odds.  On Carnival, minimum bet is $5, so you put $5 on the passline, and $10 (2x your original bet) behind it after the point is established. 

Here's the easy explanation of what that means ... put $5 chip in the strip that says "Pass Line" directly in front/closest to you ... on the first roll if the roll is 7 or 11 you win $5 - you can pick up your $5 in winnings and leave the $5 bet on the table if you want to keep playing or pick up all of it and leave;  or if the first roll is 2 3 or 12 you lose your bet;  and if its any other number rolled its the Point (the numbers in the boxes across the top in the pic - 4 5 6 8 9 10).  If there is a Point number, there will be a black & white puck placed on one of those numbers that says ON so you can remember what the Point number is (note: if you have just walked up to the table, wait until that puck is flipped to OFF before placing your $5 passline bet).  After a point number is established, place $10 in chips in the space right behind your passline bet (where it says no call bets in the pic), so now your total bet is $15.  On every roll after the first roll you want the shooter to roll the Point number BEFORE rolling a 7 ... if the point number rolls you win, if 7 rolls you lose the $5 and the $10, and if any other number rolls the shooter keeps rolling until they roll 7 or the Point.  THAT's THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CRAPS !!! 

If anyone wants to know more, I can post more tips and information ??
 

[navybankerteacher]

11 hours ago, K32682 said:

Another vote for blackjack. Learn the basic strategy and stick to it. 

And, if you stick to it long enough, you can be sure that you will come out a loser.

[K32682]

18 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

And, if you stick to it long enough, you can be sure that you will come out a loser.

 

If you read the original post you'll discover the OP specifically said he is "not expecting to win money" and is looking for "good entertainment value per dollar."  Blackjack is found on most cruise ship casinos and is generally a relaxing and social game in a cruise environment. 

 

Another option is pai gow poker which is a very slow way to lose your money but it's not always offered on cruise ships. 

 

[ldubs]

20 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

And, if you stick to it long enough, you can be sure that you will come out a loser.

 

Anyone who spends money on entertainment will end the day with a little less in their pocket.  Unlike most entertainment, at the casino there is at least a chance to walk away even or ahead.    

[K32682]

On 12/1/2022 at 4:21 PM, ldubs said:

 

Anyone who spends money on entertainment will end the day with a little less in their pocket.  Unlike most entertainment, at the casino there is at least a chance to walk away even or ahead.    

 

There is one absolute, guaranteed way to make money at a casino.

 

Work for one. 😉

 

 

Edited December 2, 2022 by K32682