First time gambling at the casino...advice

[memecakes]

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

[RRFPresident]

Blackjack is really the only table game outside of slots that I've played. Only a mild amount of strategy in that since you're only competing against the dealer's hand.

 

I suggest looking out for mentions of the blackjack tournaments in the daily schedules once on board. One time buy in charge to play and you play in rounds depending on how many people sign up. Person with most chips left over after each round gets their name on the board and the highest chip totals compete in a finals round at the end. Great way to get experience at the game without too much of a commitment.

[RipDaddy]

Carnival's dealers are very good at helping players learn the game. Just pull up a seat and ask questions. If you can find an empty table to start at that would be preferable.

[AFAMILY]

The casino staff will be MORE THAN HAPPY to teach you how to play. You can also buy the "Gambling for Dummies" book which teaches you about any game, along with gambling etiquette, etc., you might find in the ships casino. It's pretty helpful.

 

Good Luck!!!!

[LitchfieldParkCruisers]

I recall the cruise ship casino having a class on a few mornings to learn how to play different games. Check the Carnival fun times, or ask the casino once you get onboard.

I learned to play craps on a cruise ship and it's so much fun.. Play early in the day to learn or check out "you-tube" for instructions prior to going.

 

LPC

[lions1995]

I assume you are reffering to Table games. I would think Black Jack would be the easiest followed by Roulette. I would suggest before you leave, to google these two games and find some simple explanations on the web. I am sure if you search hard enough you may find a site that lets you try the game as a demo.

 

Once on board, find if the casino has any "how to play" classes. I do not remember if they have them on board or not. Lastly, Pick a time when the tables are pretty empty (morning or afternoon) and sit down. Let them know you are a begginner. There are some rules (betting limits, don't touch the chips after you bet...). If you start to break a rule, they will tell you. If they are really nice, they may explain more of the game to you.

 

I know it is hard to take that first step, but I prefer table games over slots. There is more human interaction and general requirement to think a little (placing $5 on Red and Black is a bit silly)

[leadout_kv]

Blackjack is really the only table game outside of slots that I've played. Only a mild amount of strategy in that since you're only competing against the dealer's hand.

 

I suggest looking out for mentions of the blackjack tournaments in the daily schedules once on board. One time buy in charge to play and you play in rounds depending on how many people sign up. Person with most chips left over after each round gets their name on the board and the highest chip totals compete in a finals round at the end. Great way to get experience at the game without too much of a commitment.

 

Not trying to give you a hard time but why do I get the feeling that I would not want you sitting to my right at a blackjack table?

 

There's a little more strategy at blackjack than you think. One example...Just watch the other players' expressions to your left if you continually make bad "hits" as the night goes on.

[rjackieb]

I play a lot of 3-card poker in casinos, and to me, it seems to be one of the easiest games to learn. There's no draw, no decisions on taking another card; you either have a hand or you don't. You're also not playing against the other players, or taking their cards for a bad hit. In many casinos, it also seems to draw a lot of newer gamblers, and the regular players always act very happy to have them join the fun. On our last cruise, when newbies joined the table, the dealer and players were all happy to give pointers.

[jvteach77]

I typically play the "Fun 21" Blackjack game b/c it is one of the few left where they hand shuffle, instead of use a machine. I would suggest you watch people at the table and then ask the dealer or someone you see who seems to win more than they lose what they might do in a particular situation. When I'm playing I never offer advice to those around me, unless I'm asked and I always start my answer with "It is really up to you, but if they were my cards I'd _______."

 

Know that even with the best advice you'll still lose nearly 1/2 the time.

[nchikk]

Not trying to give you a hard time but why do I get the feeling that I would not want you sitting to my right at a blackjack table?

 

There's a little more strategy at blackjack than you think. One example...Just watch the other players' expressions to your left if you continually make bad "hits" as the night goes on.

 

Exactly. A bad decision on one's part can lose a hand for the entire table.

 

Let It Ride requires very little skill (IMHO). Maybe that's a good one to start with.

 

Also, keep in mind the dealers will teach you how to play, NOT how to win.

[Carolin]

My biggest suggestion would be to set yourself a limit on how much you are willing to spend. And there are a ton of games online or you can purchase to learn how to play the games your interested in.

 

And stay away from those quarter push machines. I watched a lady drop $500 into that to win $50. :rolleyes:

[crewsnews]

Not trying to give you a hard time but why do I get the feeling that I would not want you sitting to my right at a blackjack table?

 

There's a little more strategy at blackjack than you think. One example...Just watch the other players' expressions to your left if you continually make bad "hits" as the night goes on.

 

 

If you play with correct basic strategy only, then someone's "bad hits" are irrelevant to your play. There are so many decks in play that someone hitting and getting "your" ten, is irrelevant to your basic strategy. In fact, if you are using a more sophisticated strategy that includes card counting, then you would love for the players to your right to expose as many cards as possible before your turn came. That would give you more cards to count before your turn, helping you get a better approximation of the true count, to know if any aces have been exposed, etc. You never know if the person to your right is a card counter, whose more complicated strategy actually calls for them to make plays counter to basic strategy.

[scrat]

As a dealer now supervisor in a casino I can offer you this advise. Go Have fun it is supposed to be entertainment to get started try to pick a time when it is less busy, this way you will avoid those gamblers that will be upset (rude) if you do something that is frowned upon. Talk to the dealers or supervisors they will gladly explain the game to you. Blackjack has the most even odds of winning. Always remember that it is your money and no-one else has the right to tell you how you should play.

 

 

scrat

[chipq]

They occassionally will have gaming lessons but if they don't when you cruuse, try the casin in the early afternoon. It is usually a little quieter and the dealers will have more time to explain the rules.

 

IMO, craps has the best odds for winning but you really need to know the plays to make it work.

 

http://Http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

[bshow]

Exactly. A bad decision on one's part can lose a hand for the entire table.

 

Or win a hand for the entire table. The strategy used by other players does not affect your expected return.

[Andersoncd]

On every cruise I have taken, there are times (usually late morning to early afternoon) that the casino offers lessons. There you will find folks just like you who want to learn how to play. I suggest you take advantage of these lessons, and not try to "learn" while betting real money. Having said that, I agree that Blackjack is the easiest game to learn. However, to truly have the best odds at blackjack, you need to know when to double your bet, split your cards, and most importantly .... when NOT to take a hit. If the dealer has a 5 or a 6 showing, the dealer will bust more than 50% of the time. Keep that in mind, and don't "bust" yourself by taking a hit on a hand greater than 11! 3-Card poker is a game where your play has no influence on the outcome of anyone else at the table. Therefore, most everyone is friendly to you, and tries to help. Craps can take some people a lifetime to learn, but I've seen some folks learn it pretty fast. Roulette is easy to learn, but the odds are way in the favor of the house on most bets. Good luck, and have fun!

[lions1995]

Not trying to give you a hard time but why do I get the feeling that I would not want you sitting to my right at a blackjack table?

 

There's a little more strategy at blackjack than you think. One example...Just watch the other players' expressions to your left if you continually make bad "hits" as the night goes on.

 

I do realize that Black Jack is not as simple as it first appears. I simply was saying it is probably the easiest to understand the basics. And I don't really care about the rest of the table. I am there to play my hand, not theirs.:)

 

But chances are I will not be next to you at the BJ table as I prefer

Roulette.

[memecakes]

Thanks for all the advice. I will tell DH to check out youtube. I always forget about that gem! LOL I like the idea of going in the afternoon too.

[WhoDat2009]

Or win a hand for the entire table. The strategy used by other players does not affect your expected return.

 

Exactly. This is what makes blackjack suck sometimes - the "correct" blackjack players. A "bad hit" only affects the bad hitter. It could help the rest or hurt them, but one thing's for sure: the house has an advantage always when you're playing "correctly". That's why the dealer does what he does.

[FriedPickle]

Let it Ride will be the easiest to learn but easy way to lose your money fast.

 

If you can learn how to play Blackjack you'll won't lose your money as quick. You should learn before you go when to split, double-down, stand or take a hit.

[YubaSutter]

Or win a hand for the entire table. The strategy used by other players does not affect your expected return.

 

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

[teetee6263]

I play a lot of 3-card poker in casinos, and to me, it seems to be one of the easiest games to learn. There's no draw, no decisions on taking another card; you either have a hand or you don't. You're also not playing against the other players, or taking their cards for a bad hit. In many casinos, it also seems to draw a lot of newer gamblers, and the regular players always act very happy to have them join the fun. On our last cruise, when newbies joined the table, the dealer and players were all happy to give pointers.

 

3-Card poker is a game where your play has no influence on the outcome of anyone else at the table. Therefore, most everyone is friendly to you, and tries to help.

 

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:

[sjn911]

As a dealer now supervisor in a casino I can offer you this advise. Go Have fun it is supposed to be entertainment to get started try to pick a time when it is less busy, this way you will avoid those gamblers that will be upset (rude) if you do something that is frowned upon. Talk to the dealers or supervisors they will gladly explain the game to you. Blackjack has the most even odds of winning. Always remember that it is your money and no-one else has the right to tell you how you should play.

 

 

scrat

 

Similar advice given to me by a nice and successful gambler and true cruiser and traveler of many lines here...he is not a snob..and no doubt works for his fun and has been often comped for rooms and all....he gives thoughtful as fair reviews of pros and cons on lines as well.

 

The group slot pulls are really a safe way to get bang for your buck he said and i know you want more but may find a group of learners there to play with...friend here said 9 bucks played a long time on this.

 

Only play what you are comfortable loosing and stop//do not discover a new fun thing and turn it to an addiction. Go in afternoons when not as busy at first and... My advice, keep your winnings...know when to stop..it makes things more fun for most to pay for part of next cruise!!

[terryinal]

Not trying to give you a hard time but why do I get the feeling that I would not want you sitting to my right at a blackjack table?

 

There's a little more strategy at blackjack than you think. One example...Just watch the other players' expressions to your left if you continually make bad "hits" as the night goes on.

 

I play craps but that would be a little hard to learn fast. I don't play black jack because I never took the time to lean how to play. But you can buy a strategy card that will tell you when to hit or hold. Maybe not on the ship but you should be able to google it. That would be the only way I would play unless I'm the only one at the table. You can get some bad looks from the other players.

[kmc500]

Not trying to give you a hard time but why do I get the feeling that I would not want you sitting to my right at a blackjack table?

 

There's a little more strategy at blackjack than you think. One example...Just watch the other players' expressions to your left if you continually make bad "hits" as the night goes on.

 

For every "bad hit" that causes the dealer to win, a "bad hit" does the opposite. Generally speaking, bad (non basic strategy) play only hurts the one playing that way.

 

We were all there once; help the new player if they want it; if not, ignore them. Getting upset about the play around you only makes it less enjoyable for everyone at the table.

 

Kevin C