First time gambling at the casino...advice

[kmc500]

Blackjack has the most even odds of winning.

 

Actually, a Craps passline bet with double odds has the best odds in the casino.

 

Always remember that it is your money and no-one else has the right to tell you how you should play.

scrat

 

For sure.

 

Kevin C

[BK512]

I downloaded a free casino app to my smartphone and learned to play some of the games there.

[rjackieb]

I love 3 card poker & am actually pretty good at it. I play online & we have monthly game nights with friends. I always say I wanna play when I go to Atlantic City, but chicken out & say I'll play when I go on cruise. Of course when I get to the ships casino & see a group of people at the table I get intimated & hits the slots. So hopefully this time I can put on my big girl undies & try a hand.:rolleyes:

I hope you do! I've always found the atmosphere at the 3-card table very fun and friendly. Good luck! :)

[Miller_KC]

My advice, keep your winnings...know when to stop..it makes things more fun for most to pay for part of next cruise!!

 

Set a loss limit. Get up and leave when you loose your set amount. As you win continue to stick with your loss limit, or adjust it as you feel comfortable. I usually shrink my loss limit if I'm winning so I can take more away with me. ie, If your buy in and limit is $40 play until your $40 is gone or you are ready to leave. If you get ahead $20 then you have $60 on the table. Still leave if you drop down $40 but now you will still have $20 left. If somehow you get $100 ahead you have $140 on the table still leave when you go down $40 and you will have an extra $60 in your pocket.

 

Blackjack strategy can be learned from a book, but still get a good simulator and play hands on your computer before hitting the tables. There are even programs called Trainers that will coach your play. Be careful of all the extra rules at "Fun Blackjack" and other variations. Basic rules are almost good for the player. The variations usually benefit the casino even tho they sound like they are for the player. Usually a fun advantage is paid for by taking away something else that truly helps the player.

 

Basic roulette is to place chips on numbers and hope the ball lands on a number you picked. Odds are not as good as basic rules blackjack or pass line betting on craps but still an easy game to play. Variations include the side bets outside of the numbers and placing you chip to touch multiple numbers, or at the beginning of a row to bet on the whole row. They hit more often but pay smaller amounts. Red or Black, Odd or Even pays even odds (you get your bet back plus an amount equal to your bet) but don't forget that the true odds of hitting those are not even because there are 2 green numbers 0 and 00 that do not pay out for any of those bets.

 

If you ignore all of the distractions of the craps table you can get the best odds by betting on the pass line when the number is "off" (look for a black or white puck that says on or off. Bet when off, then once a number is "made" put the maximum amount allowed behind your bet. Those chips get paid out in the true odds of that number getting hit. Stay away from any other bets until you have learned the game. The other bets make for pretty fast profits or losses so they require a lot of care. Books and on line games help but do not fully get you ready for craps in a casino. I've used the computer games to help tune strategies and loss limits but you need to understand the game first before they help.

 

Before you go I would recommend finding a local Charity party that is hosting a "casino night" and playing the night for whatever donation you make. Strike up a friendship with the dealer of your chosen games and you will be able to learn fast without risking a lot of money.

[bshow]

But it does affect the morale of the table. A player at first base making bad plays should get the boot immediately.

 

Nonsense.

[memecakes]

But it does affect the morale of the table. A player at first base making bad plays should get the boot immediately.

Additude like this is what has kept us from playing in tha past!

[vegadog2]

Hubby and I have been on several cruises but have never done anything more then lose a few quarters in the slot machines. He really wants to try some of the other games but because we have never played them before we always feel like we would be in the way, or just plan old "dumb county hicks" if we sat down at a table. So my questions for all of you that do gamble is, What is the best game for a newbe to start with? How does one learn the rules? (Just standing and watching just don't work!) Thanks

The casinos love new gamblers. If you really have toooo much money I'll take some. I know an old add-age A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE QUICKLY PARTED. Have FUN.

[sjn911]

Set a loss limit. Get up and leave when you loose your set amount. As you win continue to stick with your loss limit, or adjust it as you feel comfortable. I usually shrink my loss limit if I'm winning so I can take more away with me. ie, If your buy in and limit is $40 play until your $40 is gone or you are ready to leave. If you get ahead $20 then you have $60 on the table. Still leave if you drop down $40 but now you will still have $20 left. If somehow you get $100 ahead you have $140 on the table still leave when you go down $40 and you will have an extra $60 in your pocket.

 

Blackjack strategy can be learned from a book, but still get a good simulator and play hands on your computer before hitting the tables. There are even programs called Trainers that will coach your play. Be careful of all the extra rules at "Fun Blackjack" and other variations. Basic rules are almost good for the player. The variations usually benefit the casino even tho they sound like they are for the player. Usually a fun advantage is paid for by taking away something else that truly helps the player.

 

Basic roulette is to place chips on numbers and hope the ball lands on a number you picked. Odds are not as good as basic rules blackjack or pass line betting on craps but still an easy game to play. Variations include the side bets outside of the numbers and placing you chip to touch multiple numbers, or at the beginning of a row to bet on the whole row. They hit more often but pay smaller amounts. Red or Black, Odd or Even pays even odds (you get your bet back plus an amount equal to your bet) but don't forget that the true odds of hitting those are not even because there are 2 green numbers 0 and 00 that do not pay out for any of those bets.

 

If you ignore all of the distractions of the craps table you can get the best odds by betting on the pass line when the number is "off" (look for a black or white puck that says on or off. Bet when off, then once a number is "made" put the maximum amount allowed behind your bet. Those chips get paid out in the true odds of that number getting hit. Stay away from any other bets until you have learned the game. The other bets make for pretty fast profits or losses so they require a lot of care. Books and on line games help but do not fully get you ready for craps in a casino. I've used the computer games to help tune strategies and loss limits but you need to understand the game first before they help.

 

Before you go I would recommend finding a local Charity party that is hosting a "casino night" and playing the night for whatever donation you make. Strike up a friendship with the dealer of your chosen games and you will be able to learn fast without risking a lot of money.

 

Thanks so much...now I have to find Tom-n-Cheryl's nice post for me and OP....like anything some folks will be "experts and take one or be cranky"...good advice...and should be prepared...

 

 

Upon reflecting with Tom on wiseness or opportunity of learning gambling on the lines ...

 

"I think there's a chance for a fun/learning experience (gambling) on any line. Just know that there's always a chance that someone at the table takes things too seriously and may show their a&& if there is someone playing "wrong" or "slowing down the game". Just know that you have every right to donate your $'s there the same as them! Play in the afternoon when it might not be as crowded and keep a lookout for lessons that the casino sometimes offers.

 

 

Tom "

[rjackieb]

Additude like this is what has kept us from playing in tha past!

Don't let any negative players stop you from playing! Dealers don't like cranky people, the other players don't either. You'll get a few who seem to have their entire lives riding on a hand, but playing in a casino is for entertainment and most people remember that.

[sjn911]

Set a loss limit. Get up and leave when you loose your set amount. As you win continue to stick with your loss limit, or adjust it as you feel comfortable. I usually shrink my loss limit if I'm winning so I can take more away with me. ie, If your buy in and limit is $40 play until your $40 is gone or you are ready to leave. If you get ahead $20 then you have $60 on the table. Still leave if you drop down $40 but now you will still have $20 left. If somehow you get $100 ahead you have $140 on the table still leave when you go down $40 and you will have an extra $60 in your pocket.

 

Blackjack strategy can be learned from a book, but still get a good simulator and play hands on your computer before hitting the tables. There are even programs called Trainers that will coach your play. Be careful of all the extra rules at "Fun Blackjack" and other variations. Basic rules are almost good for the player. The variations usually benefit the casino even tho they sound like they are for the player. Usually a fun advantage is paid for by taking away something else that truly helps the player.

 

Basic roulette is to place chips on numbers and hope the ball lands on a number you picked. Odds are not as good as basic rules blackjack or pass line betting on craps but still an easy game to play. Variations include the side bets outside of the numbers and placing you chip to touch multiple numbers, or at the beginning of a row to bet on the whole row. They hit more often but pay smaller amounts. Red or Black, Odd or Even pays even odds (you get your bet back plus an amount equal to your bet) but don't forget that the true odds of hitting those are not even because there are 2 green numbers 0 and 00 that do not pay out for any of those bets.

 

If you ignore all of the distractions of the craps table you can get the best odds by betting on the pass line when the number is "off" (look for a black or white puck that says on or off. Bet when off, then once a number is "made" put the maximum amount allowed behind your bet. Those chips get paid out in the true odds of that number getting hit. Stay away from any other bets until you have learned the game. The other bets make for pretty fast profits or losses so they require a lot of care. Books and on line games help but do not fully get you ready for craps in a casino. I've used the computer games to help tune strategies and loss limits but you need to understand the game first before they help.

 

Before you go I would recommend finding a local Charity party that is hosting a "casino night" and playing the night for whatever donation you make. Strike up a friendship with the dealer of your chosen games and you will be able to learn fast without risking a lot of money.

 

The casinos love new gamblers. If you really have toooo much money I'll take some. I know an old add-age A FOOL AND HIS MONEY ARE QUICKLY PARTED. Have FUN.

Why I would take a long time learning...do the simplest..and have a real limit...

 

I have heard many folks go looking for the foolish newbies...to pay for their cruise..

 

I may just stick with group slot pull...LOL...but still think if i cruise to slowly learn and carefully play can be done...my girlfriend always won 80 or so at blackjack...keeping it simple but knowing something...then on to Bridge for her..that has truly been a cruise delight for her...don't think it will be for me...prefer the sight seeing, the water and the spa..LOL..Sarah

[Caribbean Amphibean]

Don't let any negative players stop you from playing! Dealers don't like cranky people, the other players don't either. You'll get a few who seem to have their entire lives riding on a hand, but playing in a casino is for entertainment and most people remember that.

 

I agree. And,you know what?... Most of the time you can ask your fellow players what the best play is on a particular hand. I know I have more than a few times asked, "What's the right move here?"

 

I agree that if you read up on Blackjack strategy, it's more fun.

[tiff123]

Hubby and I have been on several cruises but have never done anything more then lose a few quarters in the slot machines. He really wants to try some of the other games but because we have never played them before we always feel like we would be in the way, or just plan old "dumb county hicks" if we sat down at a table. So my questions for all of you that do gamble is, What is the best game for a newbe to start with? How does one learn the rules? (Just standing and watching just don't work!) Thanks

 

 

When I was 18 I stayed at a resort in PR that had a casino. My first "table" game was craps. NOT an easy game to learn but I still played it anyway and it was great fun. Table mates were quite friendly and helped to explain what was going on. Funny how when you're 18 you don't care what people think of you. Now I am too chicken to try the craps table again.

[SadieN]

I downloaded a free casino app to my smartphone and learned to play some of the games there.

 

 

Got DD started playing BJ on the web. pogo.com or games on yahoo.com

 

DD's last cruise we taught her how to play at the tables. The casino was empty and there were several cheap tables. Sat her down by herself and with my help, played. Warned others that it was her first time, they stood back and watched. (There were seats at the other tables.)

When she was done she had doubled her money and got an ovation from the crowd.

 

Most importantly we taught her how to tip out the dealer.

 

***

To tip out --

What we do is give the dealer an option of keeping the $1 chip or betting it alongside your bet. Usually they gamble with it.

We only tip if we are winning or leave the table up.

[dubois]

On our Freedom cruise in February, one of the channels on the TV in the cabin had an almost continuous loop on the different table games and how to play them.

[cccer]

I would think blackjack is the game for you. Study up before you go, maybe try playing some free online games.

 

If you don't play the "correct" way, might get some looks from some other players, but if you help the table they will like you then.