How to build confidence playing table games in land-based casinos

Walking into a land-based casino and sitting down at a table game like blackjack, poker, roulette or baccarat for the first time can make you nervous. It is not necessarily the environment that makes you uncomfortable, but the fast-paced action of the experienced players can make you feel out of your depth.

The smart way to ease into table games is to start at a reputable online casino before going to a land-based casino. By doing this, you learn at your own pace, practice strategies, and gain a sense of control over the game's rules.

Start with online casino games

Feeling overwhelmed with the rules or intimidated by a land-based casino? Online gaming is the perfect training school as many of the online casinos today offer live dealer versions of popular table games, which allows you to learn the game and everything about it without any stress.

Why online casinos are a MUST for a player’s confidence

You can enjoy live dealer table games at an online casino without the fear of judgment from other players. Many operators even offer demo versions where you can play without betting real money.

Blackjack

1. You can use a basic strategy chart to tell you the best move based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard.
2. Always split the Aces and the 8s, but never split 10s or 5s, as splitting Aces gives you two chances at hitting 21.
3. Double down when you have 10 or 11, and never double down when the dealer shows a 10, face card or an Ace.

Poker

1. Avoid playing with too many hands, and stick to strong sorting hands like AA, KK, QQ, and AK.
2. Play tight and aggressive, raise instead of just calling to put pressure on other players.
3. Read your opponents, look for betting patterns and adjust your play based on their strategy.
4. Never risk too much of your stack in one hand. Always play within your limits, and don’t put everything in.

Roulette

1. Play with the Martingale System, which means high-risk, high reward.
2. You can double your bet after every loss to try to recover previous losses.
3. You can also double your bet after every win to ride on winning streaks.
4. Stick to outside bets for better odds. Outside bets pay 1:1 and have a 50% chance of winning.

Play with live dealers in real time

Live dealer games are authentic and bring a whole new casino experience to your screen. It allows you to interact with a real dealer and players using a live chat.

From online to on-the-floor

Now that you have the confidence to take on the land-based casino, here’s how to smoothly transition.

Set yourself up for success

Pick the perfect casino and table game. Your best bet will be to visit a beginner-friendly casino which offers low-stakes tables, as those tables are great for learning without breaking the bank.

Watch, learn, win

Wait a minute before you sit down at the table, spend some time watching the game, and pay special attention to:

• How bets are placed
• How the dealer interacts with the players
• The pace of the game

Being observant will help you feel less overwhelmed when you play. You may also pick up tips or interesting strategies from those in the live chat.

Master casino etiquette

Land-based gaming environments are different from those online when it comes to casino etiquette. Here's how:

• Make sure not to touch your chips once bets are placed.
• When playing blackjack, signal your decisions clearly.
• Be respectful to dealers and other players.
• Be sure not to dwell on decisions. Place your bets on time.
• Some casinos have a “no cell phone” policy, so be sure to check before taking a call.

Keeping these small details in mind will help your confidence and ensure you blend in with other players.

Master the games with ease

Nerves can be scary, and flashy lights might make them worse, but playing games with simple rules will make you feel at ease. Let's go over some of them:

• Roulette – Sit down, place your bet and let the wheel spin.
• Blackjack – Your main objective must be to get as close to 21 as possible.
• Baccarat – This is easy to learn. You can bet on the player, a tie, or even the banker.

Once you gain more confidence, you can move on to more strategic games like poker.

Help is a question away

The table game dealers are there to assist players as they are at the heart of the action. If you are unsure about something, just ask. The dealer is there to explain the rules, ensure fair play, and create a fun atmosphere, making your casino experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.

Explaining the rules

New to the game? Don’t worry. The dealer can explain the basic rules and help you to get comfortable.

Ensuring fair play

Online croupiers keep the game fair and fun. In other words, they maintain the integrity of the game and ensure that all players know the rules, place their bets correctly, and that everything runs smoothly.

Creating a fun atmosphere

A good dealer keeps everyone engaged in the game by being friendly and approachable. While not telling you what to do, some dealers can offer general insights into the game to help you make better decisions.

Bet smart

Being disciplined with your money is an important part of building confidence. So, before entering any land-based casino, follow these simple rules:

• Decide how much money you are willing to spend.
• Set win/loss limits for yourself to avoid overspending.
• When you have reached your limit, walk away.

Online vs. land-based casinos: Find your perfect playstyle

Once you feel confined and gain experience, you might prefer online or land-based. Next, we will look at some key points that differentiate the two.

Online casinos

• It is more convenient as you can play from anywhere at any time, even on your phone.
• There is no pressure from other players.
• It is easier for you to control your budget, and you can play at your own pace.
• It is great when you want to practice strategies.

Land-based casinos

• Land-based casinos offer a social aspect.
• You can enjoy an exciting atmosphere with real interactions with others.
• You get a different feeling when you hold and play with physical chips and cards.

Some players prefer online gaming, and some love the land-based casino experience. While both have one thing in common, the beauty is that you get to choose what works for you.

Winning wisdom

Here are a few words of wisdom to keep in mind when you’re ready to play and win.

• Start online to practice risk-free with demo games.
• Learn strategies and practice proper casino etiquette.
• Transition to a real casino only when you are ready.
• Stick with what works for you and with what you are comfortable with.