How To Play Casino Hold’em
Casino Hold’em is a popular variation of Texas Hold’em poker that is played against the dealer rather than other players. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Casino Hold’em:
1. **Place your bets**: To start the game, you need to place an initial bet called the “Ante” bet. Some tables may also have an optional side bet called the “AA Bonus.” Place your chips in the designated betting area on the table.
2. **Receive your cards**: After all bets are placed, you and the dealer will be dealt two hole cards face down. Additionally, three community cards known as the “Flop” will be dealt face-up in the center of the table.
3. **Make your decision**: Based on your two hole cards and the three community cards, you need to decide whether to fold or continue playing. If you fold, you forfeit your Ante bet. If you decide to continue, you must make an additional bet called the “Call” bet, which is usually double the Ante bet.
4. **Deal the remaining cards**: Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer will deal two more community cards, known as the “Turn” and the “River.” These cards are dealt face-up, and they complete the five-card community board.
5. **Determine the winner**: After the final community cards are dealt, the dealer will reveal their own two hole cards. The dealer’s hand must qualify by having a pair of 4s or better. If the dealer’s hand does not qualify, you win even money on the Ante bet, and the Call bet pushes (returns to you without winning or losing). If the dealer’s hand qualifies, your hand is compared to the dealer’s hand.
6. **Compare hands**: To determine the winner, the best five-card hand is formed using your two hole cards and the five community cards. If your hand is higher ranked than the dealer’s hand, you win both the Ante and Call bets, and the payout is based on the paytable. If the dealer’s hand is higher ranked, you lose both bets. In the case of a tie, both the Ante and Call bets push.
7. **AA Bonus**: If you placed an optional AA Bonus side bet, it pays out based on the strength of your own two hole cards and the first three community cards (Flop). The payout for the AA Bonus varies depending on the casino.
Remember, the specific rules and payouts may vary slightly between different casinos, so it’s always a good idea to check the table rules before playing. Also, keep in mind basic poker hand rankings to understand the strength of your hand compared to the dealer’s hand.
I hope this guide helps you understand how to play Casino Hold’em. Enjoy the game!