When it comes to gambling, poker is undoubtedly one of the most popular games played around the world. However, there are plenty of other exciting games to play for real money that offer a similar thrill and skill level. In this article, we will explore some of the top poker alternatives, including blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a classic card game popular in land-based and online casinos, which also gained popularity through the popular movie called 21 featuring Kevin Spacey. The objective of the game is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. The game is played with one or more decks of cards, and each player is dealt two cards face-up. The dealer is also dealt two cards, but one is face down.
Players can choose to "hit" and receive additional cards to improve their hand, or "stand" and keep their current hand. Aces can be worth 1 or 11, and face cards are worth 10. The game requires skill and strategy, as players must make decisions based on the value of their hand and the dealer's upcard.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a popular card game that is often associated with high rollers and James Bond. The game is played with six to eight decks of cards, and the objective is to have a hand value closer to 9 than the dealer. Players can bet on either the player's hand, the banker's hand, or a tie.
Each player and the dealer is dealt two cards, and the values are added together. Aces are worth 1, and face cards and 10s are worth 0. If the total value of the hand is greater than 9, the second digit is used as the hand value. For example, if a player has a 7 and a 5, the hand value would be 2 (7+5=12, 2=the second digit).
Craps
Craps is a dice game popular in land-based and online casinos, popularly seen played by Mr Bond in the James Bond series, especially in the Casino Royale edition. The objective of the game is to predict the outcome of a roll or a series of rolls of two dice. Players can bet on the outcome of the roll when playing online craps, such as whether it will be a certain number or combination, or they can bet on the shooter (the person rolling the dice). The game requires strategy and knowledge of the various bets that can be placed. The most popular bets include the pass line bet and the come bet, which have a low house edge and can be profitable in the long run.
Roulette
Roulette is a classic casino game that is played with a spinning wheel and a ball. The objective of the game is to predict where the ball will land on the wheel. The wheel is divided into numbered pockets, and players can bet on a single number, a range of numbers, or the color of the pocket.
The game requires luck and strategy, as players must decide how much to bet and where to place their bets. There are various types of bets, including inside bets (bets on specific numbers) and outside bets (bets on a range of numbers or the color of the pocket).
In Summary
While poker is undoubtedly one of the most popular games played for real money, there are plenty of exciting alternatives that offer a similar level of skill and strategy. Blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette are just a few examples of the many games available at land-based and online casinos. Each game has its own set of rules and betting options, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the game before playing for real money. Whether you're a seasoned poker player or a beginner looking to try something new, these poker alternatives are sure to provide a thrilling and rewarding experience.