31 May 2024
If you have ever been intrigued by the excitement of poker, but found the idea of bluffing other players a bit daunting, Casino Hold-em might be the game for you.
This fast-paced poker variant pits you against the live dealer, not other players, making it an ideal entry point for newcomers and a refreshing change for seasoned poker players in modern casinos.
In this guide, we’ll be diving into the essentials of Casino Hold’em, such as understanding the rules and gameplay. Let’s shuffle up with these points:
- What Is Casino Hold’em?
- Understanding Poker Hands: What You’re Aiming For
- How to Play Casino Hold’em: Step by Step
What Is Casino Hold’em?
Casino Hold’em is a Texas Hold’em poker variant, created in 2000. Unlike traditional poker games where players compete against each other, in this game, your sole opponent is the live dealer.
The game uses a standard 52-card deck and follows similar hand rankings as Texas Hold’em. Your objective is to make the best five-card hand using your two personal cards and five community cards.
Understanding Poker Hands: What You’re Aiming For
Before jumping into gameplay, it’s important to know the hierarchy of poker hands, as your success depends on forming the strongest hand possible. Here’s a quick recap of the hand rankings:
|
Hand |
Description |
|
Royal Flush |
A, K, Q, J, 10 all in the same suit. |
|
Straight Flush |
Five consecutive cards of the same suit. |
|
Four-of-a-kind (also called “quads”) |
Four cards of the same value. |
|
Full House |
Three cards of one value plus two cards of another. |
|
Flush |
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. |
|
Straight |
Five consecutive cards of mixed suits. |
|
Three-of-a-kind (also called “trips”) |
Three cards of the same value. |
|
Two-Pair |
Two sets of pairs. |
|
Pair |
A single pair. |
|
High Card |
When no other hand is made, the highest card counts. |
How to Play Casino Hold’em: Step by Step
Key Terminology to Know
- Hole Cards — Your two private cards.
- Community Cards — five cards shared by all players.
- Flop — the first three community cards.
- Turn and River — the fourth and fifth community cards, dealt together.
- Ante — Initial wager to start the round,
- Call — Betting to continue after the flop.
- Fold — Forfeiting the round and your Ante.
Familiarising yourself with these terms will make following the game smoother and more enjoyable.
Place Your Ante Bet
Each round starts with you placing an ante wager. This is your initial stake to get dealt cards.
Receive Your Hole Cards
The dealer deals you two private cards face down. Dealers also receive two hole cards.
The Flop is Dealt
Three community cards are dealt face up on the table. Unlike Texas Hold’em, there is no betting round before the flop.
Decide to Call or Fold
After seeing the flop, you choose whether to continue playing by calling or fold.
- Calling means you bet twice the size of your ante to stay in the game.
- Folding means you forfeit your ante and end the round.
Turn and River Cards
If you call, the dealer deals the fourth and fifth community cards face up.
Reveal and Compare Hands
Both you and the dealer reveal your hole cards. The dealer must qualify with at least a pair of fours or better to compete. Best five-card hand wins.
Payouts
If you beat the dealer’s hand, you win even money on your Call Bet plus your Ante Bet, depending on paytable. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you win even money on your Ante Bet and your Call Bet returns to you.
|
Ante Bet Payouts | |
|
Royal Flush |
100 to 1 |
|
Straight Flush |
20 to 1 |
|
Four of a Kind |
10 to 1 |
|
Full House |
3 to 1 |
|
Flush |
2 to 1 |
|
Straight or Less |
1 to 1 |
|
Call Bet Payout | |
|
You win and the dealer qualifies |
1 to 1 |
Side Bets: The AA Bonus
Many Casino Hold’em tables offer an optional side bet known as the AA bonus. This bet is based on your two hole cards and the first three community cards. Payouts are awarded for hands of a pair of aces or better, regardless of the dealer’s hand.
|
Side Bet |
Payout |
|
Pair of Aces to Straight |
7 to 1 |
|
Flush |
20 to 1 |
|
Full House |
30 to 1 |
|
Four of a Kind |
40 to 1 |
|
Straight Flush |
50 to 1 |
|
Royal Flush |
100 to 1 |
Casino Hold’em: A Captivating Poker Game
Casino Hold’em is an exciting poker variant. Its straightforward rules, combined with its depth, make it ideal for players looking to learn poker or simply enjoy a fast-paced card game against the house.
By mastering the hand rankings and understanding the flow of play, you can enjoy your gaming experience and get a chance to win!
Ready to try your hand? Dive into Casino Hold’em today at Genting Casino and experience the excitement of poker with a twist!
