Poker Hands Rankings: Complete Guide to Understanding Poker Card Strength
Content Team
1 year ago
In poker, the player with the best hand wins the pot. Therefore, knowing poker hands rankings is essential to make an informed decision on when to fold, bet, or raise. In addition, understanding the card hierarchy helps players read their opponents’ hands and play strategically. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into this topic, so let’s begin.
The Basics of Poker Hands Rankings
Poker is all about winning, but in order to win, you need the best five-card hand, and the strongest wins the pot. Poker hands are valued based on how rare or common they are, with the most common hands being valued lower than the rarer ones.
Knowing poker hand rankings will help you determine the strength of your starting hands and identify whether you have a strong hand. In this way, you will know which hands to play with and which ones to discard.
Before you begin, remember these things:
- Most poker games (Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Short Deck) don’t rank suits.
- It’s possible to use an Ace as a high or low card.
- The “kicker” is used to break ties between equally ranked hands.
Poker Hands Rankings: Complete Guide to Understanding Poker Card Strength
1. Royal Flush
According to poker-hand rankings, the royal flush is the best hand. From 10 through ace, five consecutive cards of the same suit exist. It’s a nuts hand, no matter what.
2. Straight Flush
Any five consecutive cards in the same suit that are not a royal flush are straight flushes. The only hand that can beat a straight flush is a royal flush or a straight flush with higher-ranked cards.
3. Four of a Kind
The same card from all four suits. Therefore, among the five cards on the table or in your hand, the highest card completes the hand.
4. Full house
The hand consists of three cards of the same rank from three different suits and two cards of the same rank from two different suits. The player with the highest three-of-a-kid cards wins if more than one player has a full house.
5. Flush
Any five cards of the same suit create a Flush. The highest valued card wins the hand if two players have a flush.
6. Straight
A set of five cards in the consecutive numerical value of more than one suit. Aces usually rank either high (above a king) or low (below a 2), but not both at once.
7. Three of a kind
The hand consists of three cards of the same rank in three different suits. It’s completed with the two highest available options from the table in addition to the three of a kid.
8. Two pairs
There are two sets of two cards of equal rank. The hand is completed with the highest-ranked card remaining.
9. Pair
A pair of equally ranked cards of different suits. Three of the highest-ranked cards complete the hand.
10. High card
This is the lowest-ranked hand. Your “best poker hand” is created with the highest card in your hand.
Poker-hand rankings can be useful if you’re still practicing and building your poker strategy. It’s important to never forget the suit and kind of your cards, because suited hands and connectors increase your chances.
Poker Hands Variations
There is no difference in the rankings for Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker games. As for the Short Deck, there will be a slight difference due to the reduced number of cards involved. In Short Deck, for example, a flush ranks higher than a full house because it’s more difficult to make a flush with a reduced deck of cards.
Many different poker variations exist, and some may have different rules for ranking hands. Therefore, prior to playing, make sure you’re familiar with the type of poker game and its rules.
Understanding Poker Card Strength
Identifying the strength or weakness of a card combination is one of the most important skills in Texas Hold’em poker. But, of course, many factors influence how strong or weak a hand is.
The number of players determines poker hand strength. Therefore, there’s a good chance that many players are playing because they hold strong hands. In contrast, it’s less likely to happen if only two players are involved. For instance, the value of a pair of aces decreases significantly when four players are involved.
Another important factor is your opponent’s playing style. Whenever they play, you can expect them to hit with a strong hand if they are “tight.” Conversely, the relative strength of their cards generally decreases if they play a lot of hands.
The composition of community cards determines how many strong potential hands are in play. For example, holding three of a kind decreases your poker combination strength, but a flush and straight both require four cards. In the same way, your strength increases if the board eliminates any possible flushes possible.
Also, the number of chips plays an important role. Players usually start small, and low-value chips are always dealt more than high-value chips.
It takes a lot of experience to understand these complex decisions. However, by choosing the best poker starting hands, you can greatly improve your game.
Poker Hands: Absolute vs. Relative Value
Poker hand rankings are constant, but circumstances can sometimes reduce the value of a good hand and raise the value of a poor hand. In other words, there is a difference between absolute value and relative value regarding poker hands. It’s imperative to understand the absolute and relative value of poker hands in order to make strategic decisions during the game.
The absolute value refers to its inherent strength, independent from other players’ hands. For instance, the royal flush is the strongest hand in poker. However, the poker hand strength is also compared to other hands in a game. A pair of aces might have a high absolute value, but if another player has a flush or straight, its relative value will be reduced.
Conclusion
Poker hands strength should be treated only as a beginner’s guide. That’s because each hand has the potential to be a winning or losing hand, depending on the circumstances. Once you feel you have a good understanding of the poker hand rankings, you should move on to some of our more advanced poker strategies.
FAQ
Why is 7 and 2 the worst poker hand?
7 and 2 is considered the worst poker card combination because it has the lowest probability of winning. It is known as the “worst hand in poker” or “the hammer.” It has a very low chance of making a straight or a flush.
What is the luckiest hand in poker?
The luckiest combination in poker is generally considered to be pocket aces. This gives you a high chance of winning the pot since it is the strongest starting hand in Texas Hold’em. It is also known as “bullets” or “pocket rockets.”
What are the best 5 poker hands?
If you play by the standard rules and poker hands rankings and use a standard deck, the best 5-card hands are: Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House and Flush.
Gambling can be entertaining, but it can also be dangerous if not managed properly. One key aspect of responsible gambling is bankroll management, which involves controlling your finances and setting limits on your bets to minimize risk and maximize profits.
In this article, we'll explore the art of bankroll management and provide tips and strategies for managing your gambling funds effectively.
What Is Bankroll Management?
Bankroll management is the process of properly managing your gambling funds to ensure you are sufficiently funded for the games you play.
It involves keeping track of your finances and setting limits on your bets to maximize profits. Practicing good bankroll control is important because it enables you to gamble responsibly, avoid losing more than you can afford, and make informed decisions.
Gambling bankroll management is crucial for all types of games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, sports betting, and even Bitcoin betting. This way, you can stay in control of your finances and make smart decisions when playing your favorite games.
Poker Bankroll Management
Poker bankroll control is the way of controlling your bankroll to avoid betting more money than you can afford to lose.
That also means acknowledging that luck is an inherent part of the game. Therefore, it's vital to make sure that the money dedicated to a poker game can handle the unpredictability that comes with playing a high-variance game. Proper online poker bankroll management requires discipline when it comes to the money invested in any given poker game.
The importance of poker bankroll control can't be overstated. Variance is a natural and inevitable component of the game, and there's no way to avoid it completely. However, if you manage your bankroll properly, you can rest assured knowing the amount of money in your bankroll isn't working against you but for you.
What Is the Best Poker Bankroll Strategy?
The best poker bankroll strategy is one that is tailored to your individual playing style and financial situation. However, there are some general guidelines that most professional poker players follow when it comes to finances.
One common strategy is the "20 buy-ins" rule, which suggests having at least 20 buy-ins for the stakes you're playing. For example, if you're paying $1/$2 NLHE (No-Limit Hold'em), which has a $200 maximum buy-in, you should have at least $4,000 to play the game.
Another popular strategy is the "50 buy-ins" rule for tournaments, which suggests having at least 50 buy-ins for the tournament you're playing. For instance, if the buy-in for a tournament is $100, you should have at least $5,000 to play the tournament safely.
It's important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual bankroll required for your circumstances may vary. You should also adjust your finances based on your playing style.
Video Poker Bankroll Management
Video poker bankroll management is the practice of managing your finances when playing video poker machines in casinos.
It's recommended to have at least 50–100 times the maximum bet for the machine you're playing to manage your finances effectively when playing video poker. For example, if you're playing a video poker machine with a maximum bet of $5, you should have at least $250 to $500.
Using a video poker bankroll calculator can help you make informed decisions about your bankroll and maximize your profits. It can also help you avoid the temptation of playing at higher stakes, which can lead to financial ruin.
Live Poker Bankroll Management
When it comes to live poker, proper financial control becomes even more crucial. This is because playing in land-based poker rooms requires you to handle real cash and keep track of your winnings and losses.
Good bankroll management in live poker involves setting aside a specific amount of money and never betting more than a specific portion of that amount in any given game or session. It also involves tracking your results and adjusting your money accordingly to ensure you always have enough funds to continue playing.
Poker Tournament Bankroll Management
Managing finances properly involves having enough buy-ins to minimize risk. Typically, having at least 50–100 buy-ins is recommended for the tournament you want to play. It's also essential to be disciplined.
When it comes to multi-table poker tournaments, proper MTT bankroll management is crucial for ensuring you can continue playing.
It's recommended to have at least 100 buy-ins for the tournament to manage your finances effectively when playing MTTs. This means that if the buy-in for an MTT is $100, you should have at least $10,000 to play the tournament safely.
Additionally, it's essential to be disciplined and never bet more than planned in any given tournament. A good rule of thumb is to never bet more than 2–5% of your finances in any MTT.
Managing finances is a very important part of creating a winning blackjack strategy.
PLO Bankroll Management
PLO (Pot-Limit Omaha) bankroll management refers to the practice of managing your finances when playing Pot-Limit Omaha poker. PLO is a high-variance game that can lead to significant swings in your bankroll. Therefore, proper fund management is crucial to avoid going broke.
In order to manage your finances effectively when playing PLO, it's recommended to have at least 50–100 buy-ins for the stakes you are playing. This means that if you are playing $1/$2 PLO, which has a $200 maximum buy-in, you should have at least $10,000 to $20,000.
Having a larger bankroll can help you manage the game and allow you to continue playing even if you end up on a losing streak.
Sit and Go Bankroll Management
Bankroll management is essential for sit-and-go (SNG) players, and it starts with determining the appropriate size. At least 100 buy-ins are recommended for conservative players who want to minimize their chance of failing, while less conservative players can get away with 50 buy-ins.
Once you have your plan in place, your current bankroll will tell you at which level you can start playing. It's important to keep in mind that higher levels are typically more challenging, and you should ensure that you have the necessary skills to compete. Take occasional shots at higher levels to assess your skills and determine what areas you need to improve.
Sports Betting Bankroll Management
Sports betting bankroll management is the foundation of a successful betting strategy. It involves setting aside a specific amount of money you're willing to bet and managing it effectively. The key is to strike a balance between risk and reward while minimizing the chance of losing your entire bankroll.
To do BRM effectively, you need to be disciplined and have a clear understanding of your betting goals. This means setting achievable targets for your fund growth and sticking to them, as well as avoiding impulsive betting decisions that can put your finances in danger.
Popular Strategies
Effective sports betting bankroll management involves more than just setting aside a fixed amount of money. There are various strategies you can use to manage your BRM effectively and optimize your chances of long-term profitability.
So, what is a bankroll management strategy?
Flat Betting Model: This is a simple and safe approach that involves betting the same amount for each wager, regardless of your confidence level or the odds. It's a good strategy for beginners or those who want to minimize their chance of losing.
Percentage Model: This model involves betting a percentage of your bankroll for each wager, typically 1–5%. This model allows your wager amounts to fluctuate based on your fund size, which can help you take advantage of winning streaks and limit losses during losing streaks.
Potential Return Model: This model takes into account the odds of each bet and aims to win one unit for each wager. For example, if the odds are -110, you'll bet 1.10 units to win one unit. This model can be effective for betting on favorites, as they have higher odds of winning.
Popular Bankroll Management Systems
There are various popular bankroll management systems you can incorporate into your betting strategy to manage your capital and increase your profits.
Kelly Criterion: The Kelly criterion is a sophisticated bankroll control system that takes into account the size of your bankroll, the odds of each wager, and the probability of winning each wager. It suggests a percentage of your bankroll to bet based on these factors, allowing for precise BRM.
D'Alembert Strategy: The D'Alembert strategy is a gradual betting system that aims to mitigate losses and increase profits over time. It involves increasing bets after a loss and decreasing them after a win. Betting odds have to be more than 2.0 for the events and the maximum amount for your first bet should not exceed 1/20 of your bankroll.
Oscar Grind Strategy: The Oscar Grind strategy is a positive progression system that's effective for evenly distributed outcomes, such as those found in roulette or baccarat. It involves starting with a bet of 1 unit and gradually increasing it after a win until you reach a 1 unit profit.
Fibonacci Model: The Fibonacci model is based on the Fibonacci sequence, which can be used to determine bet sizes. It involves starting with a bet of 1 unit and moving to the next step after a win, but moving down two steps after a loss.
Blackjack Bankroll Management
Proper blackjack bankroll management involves controlling your gambling capital and determining the stakes to play that will give you the best chance of profiting while avoiding the "blackjack risk of ruin."
Casino bankroll management includes avoiding placing bets that are too large and opting for smaller wagers instead, such as 3% of your bankroll, to allow for multiple tries without feeling under pressure. It's important to adjust your bets based on your bankroll's size to maintain balance and prevent losing everything.
Using a blackjack bankroll calculator can help determine the proper stakes based on your bankroll. If you need to replenish your gambling funds, do so in moderation, and stick to the 3% rule to ensure long-term success. Bankroll management should be implemented when creating a blackjack tournament strategy, too.
Craps Bankroll Management
Craps is a negative expectation game, and to turn a profit, players must incorporate various betting strategies and practice money management.
Money control involves limiting the amount taken to the craps table and the sums risked per bet.
Here are some of the tips that craps players should implement:
Split the bankroll into smaller session bankrolls. The recommended session bankroll amount is at least ten times the size of the first bet.
Set a winning goal and stick to it. The recommended winning goal is 20% of the bankroll, and the loss limit should be around 50% of a daily bankroll.
Observing the game and looking for hot tables with favorable trends is recommended.
The Regression Approach is a strategy recommended for players who can afford to wager more than the table minimum and prefer to make even money craps bets like the Pass/Don't Pass or Place bets. The approach involves wagering more than the minimum and reducing the next wager to the minimum if the previous bet was successful.
However, some players prefer aggressive bankroll management. It can apply to various games, including poker, blackjack, craps, and other casino games, where players can adjust their bets based on the size of their bankroll.
Aggressive bankroll management involves playing with a smaller bankroll and making bigger bets. This approach is more suitable for experienced and skilled players who are confident in their abilities.
Roulette Bankroll Management
Effective roulette bankroll management is crucial to ensure you never lose more than you can afford while providing enough opportunities to hit a big win.
The ideal roulette bankroll will depend on your betting patterns and whether you prefer outside or inside bets. For outside bets, the optimal bankroll is $60 to $100, while inside bets require a more substantial bankroll of $150 to $250.
Three different strategies can be used when playing roulette:
Flat Betting: This strategy involves placing the same size bet every hand, making it ideal for risk-averse players.
Progressive Bets: Players who prefer small wins in most cases, with the chance of one large loss, should try progressive bets like the Martingale, D'Alembert, or Fibonacci.
Doubling Down: Thrill-seekers who want either dramatic big wins or losses should let bets ride after wins, hoping to continue a lucky streak.
When it comes to roulette tournament bankroll management, it's important to:
Set your budget;
Save your profits if you win big;
Never increase your stop loss;
Keep your bankroll separate, and don't dip into personal finances;
Play with a clear mind, and don't chase losses;
Take breaks when needed to avoid making impulsive decisions;
Research bonuses and promotions offered by the casino to make the most of your bankroll.
Having bankroll control is a crucial part of a winning roulette strategy.
Bitcoin Betting Bankroll Management
Bitcoin betting bankroll control can be challenging due to the volatility of cryptocurrencies like BTC. This means that potential winnings and losses can fluctuate dramatically within a short period.
Some bankroll tips show that it's crucial not to wager more than you can afford to lose during a predetermined period. To manage your crypto bankroll, you'll need to calculate how many bets you make per session and use techniques like stop losses to minimize losses.
A rolling stop loss can be established to ensure you're never out of a game or time due to a loss of funds. It's also essential to keep in mind that sustained price volatility in the market could affect underlying algorithms for casinos.
Conclusion
Financial control is crucial for any gambler looking to gamble responsibly and make informed decisions. Whether it's poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, sports betting, or Bitcoin betting, proper bankroll management involves setting limits on your bets, tracking your finances, and maximizing profits. Bankroll in cash games requires different bankroll management strategies, and it's important to tailor your approach to your individual playing style and financial situation.
FAQ
What is the best way to manage your bankroll?
The best way to manage your bankroll depends on the type of game you're playing and your financial situation. Generally, it's recommended to keep track of your finances and set limits on your bets to make informed decisions.
How much of your bankroll should you play with?
The amount of your bankroll you should play with varies depending on the game and your circumstances. It's generally recommended to have at least 20 buy-ins for cash games and 50 buy-ins for tournaments, but the actual amount may vary based on your playing style.
What percentage of your bankroll should you bet?
It's generally recommended to bet no more than 1–5% of your bankroll per bet, but some betting strategies may suggest higher or lower percentages.
April 27, 2023
Posted by Content Team
Are you tired of leaving the casino empty-handed after a night of video poker? Do you want to increase your chances of winning and becoming a successful video poker player? If so, you need the best possible strategy. Understanding the rules, odds, and charts, as well as employing tips and methods that can help you beat the odds, is required for a winning approach.
Get Familiar With Video Poker Odds
Knowing the odds is essential for developing robust video poker strategies. Video poker is a popular casino game that mixes poker theory with fast-paced slot machine action. And while luck is a factor in video poker, it also takes skill to win.
Here are some essential things to keep in mind when it comes to video poker odds:
Video poker offers better odds than many other casino games, thanks to its low house edge and potential for big payouts.
When it comes to poker hand rankings, hitting a royal flush in video poker is the ultimate goal, but it's also incredibly rare. The odds vary depending on the game and the payout table, but they are typically around 1 in 40,000 or higher.
Straight flushes are the second-highest paying hands in video poker but are still relatively rare. The odds of hitting a straight flush are higher than a royal flush but still low compared to other hands.
Four-of-a-kind hands are much more common in video poker and can result in significant payouts, especially if they are high-ranking hands. The odds of hitting them vary depending on the game and the payout table.
Understanding the payout table is essential for developing the best strategy for video poker. Also, different variations and payout tables within those variations can have a significant impact on the odds of winning. Video poker payout percentages can range from 92% to 99% or more. Before developing a winning strategy, it's critical to understand the basic rules of video poker variants and how strategy can change depending on which one you choose.
Jacks or Better Video Poker
Jacks or better is a classic game that's perfect for beginners. This popular video poker variant aims to create a winning hand, starting with a pair of jacks, using a standard deck of 52 cards. You receive five cards, and you can swap any cards for new ones to create a winning hand.
An interesting thing about the jacks or better game is that there are different payout tables available, which means you can choose the one that offers the best payout for the hands you're most likely to get. For instance, a 9/6 table pays out nine coins for a full house and six for a flush. The odds of getting a royal flush in jacks or better are approximately 1 in 40,000.
Bonus, Double Bonus, and Double Double Bonus Poker
These popular versions of video poker have different rules, payout tables, and strategies. You need to consider the differences before choosing a strategy:
Bonus Poker: Earn bonus payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands, like four aces or four 2s, 3s, or 4s. The payouts for these hands are higher than in traditional jacks or better.
Double Bonus Poker: Get even higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands than in Bonus Poker. Acquire bonus payouts for four aces with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker.
Double Double Bonus Poker: The highest payouts for four-of-a-kind hands of any variation. You can gain bonus payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands with a kicker of aces, 2s, 3s, or 4s.
Joker Wild and Deuces Wild
Joker Wild and Deuces Wild are the most popular video poker games. Both games use wild cards to increase the chances of hitting winning hands.
Joker Wild includes a joker card that turns a standard 52-card deck into a 53-card deck. In the Joker Poker game, you need at least a pair of kings to win.
In Deuces Wild, all 2s are wild cards that can substitute any other card to create winning hands. The minimum winning hand in Deuces Wild is typically three-of-a-kind.
Joker Wild and Deuces Wild offer exciting gameplay and the potential for big payouts. However, they also require a different video poker strategy than traditional jacks or better, so it's essential to understand the rules and payout tables before playing.
Applying Video Poker Strategy Charts
Video poker is a casino game that combines elements of poker and slot machines. While luck plays a significant role, having a solid strategy can help increase your chances of winning. One popular tactic is utilizing optimal video poker strategy charts.
A video poker chart is a visual representation of different situations in the game. These charts are based on the cards you are dealt and the payout table for the specific variation of the game. Using them can help you make informed decisions by showing you which cards to keep and which to discard.
You simply match the cards you're dealt to the chart to determine the best way to play. The chart usually lists possible hands you can make, ranked from best to worst poker hands. For example, here's a jacks or better strategy chart so that you can see how it looks:
In this case, if you're dealt a pair of jacks or better, the chart tells you to keep those two cards and discard the other three. If you are dealt a flush, straight, or better, the chart tells you to keep all five cards. If you are dealt no pair, the chart tells you to discard all five cards and try again.
These charts are typically designed for specific variations of the poker game, such as jacks or better or Deuces Wild. You can find these strategy charts online, or you can create your own using software or a spreadsheet program. Using a strategy chart can slow down your gameplay, so it's important to practice before playing for real money.
Proven Tips for Video Poker Games
It's crucial to employ an optimal strategy and knowledge of the game to maximize your chances of winning big in video poker. But sometimes, the little things can make a big difference. In this section, we'll explore some tips that can help you improve your gameplay and increase your payouts. From picking the right pay table to using bonus offers, the following can help you take your video poker game to the next level:
Use bonus offers: Many popular online casinos offer incentives, such as welcome or reload bonuses, to give you extra money to play with. Using casino bonuses can increase your playing time and help you hit bigger payouts. However, check the wagering requirements and bonus validity for specific variants of video poker.
Pick the pay table: Choose a machine with a favorable pay table. The pay table lists the payouts for each winning hand. Look for the machines with a higher payout for a full house or flush and a higher payout for a royal flush.
Go for high payouts: Play the maximum number of coins per hand to increase your chances of hitting a high-paying hand. Many video poker machines offer a bonus payout for hitting a royal flush when you've played the maximum number of coins, so take advantage of this opportunity.
Place maximum bets you can afford: While playing the maximum number of coins per hand guarantees the best chance of winning additional hands, it's vital to remember that placing the maximum stake will quickly empty your bankroll, so stick to denominations within your budget. If the highest stake is too expensive, consider a smaller denomination. Don't forget to follow your basic strategy, practice responsible gambling, and put limitations on your games to avoid getting carried away.
Choose low card pairs over one high card: When playing video poker online, a low card pair can form higher-paying hands like three-of-a-kind or four-of-a-kind. One high card is useful if paired with four other high cards to form a high-ranking hand, like a straight or flush. For example, if you are dealt a hand with a pair of 2s and a king, it's better to hold onto the pair of 2s instead of the king.
Play free video poker demos: The nature of this game allows you to try the free versions first, which is great for practicing. You can hone your skills, test new methods, and thoroughly learn the game rules before spending real money.
Win Big with the Right Video Poker Game Strategy
Mastering video poker strategy is the key to maximizing your payouts and winning big. By understanding the rules and payout tables of different variations of video poker, employing proven strategies and video poker tips, playing the max bet, and choosing low card pairs over one high card, you can increase your chances of hitting big payouts. Additionally, pursuing a potentially higher-ranking hand can also pay off in the right situations. So, the next time you play poker online, remember these strategies and tips for video poker to increase your chances of walking away a winner.
Video Poker Strategy FAQ
Can you consistently win at video poker?
While video poker is a game of skill and strategy, there's no guarantee that you'll consistently win. The outcome of each hand is determined by a random number generator, which means that luck also plays a significant role in the game. However, understanding the rules and payout tables, employing the right strategies, and practicing responsible gambling can potentially increase your chances of winning big while enjoying the game.
What cards should I hold in video poker?
The cards you should hold during video poker play sessions depend on the variant of the game you're playing and the specific hand you are dealt. Generally, it's advisable to hold onto high cards, pairs, and suited hands.
Should I double when playing video poker machines?
In some variations, doubling can be a solid video poker strategy. However, it also comes with the risk of losing your winnings for that hand if you don't win. Therefore, it's essential to consider the potential risks and rewards of doubling, as well as your overall bankroll and goal, before deciding whether or not to double.
What rules of video poker are most important for creating a winning strategy?
Specific video poker rules and paytables of variants like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker are crucial in choosing a strategy. Video poker game variations impact the odds of winning in distinct ways, so you need to examine them before opting for one of the different strategies.
March 23, 2023
Posted by Content Team
Currently, you can insure anything, including your car, boat, home, and even your life. If you choose, you can also get insurance for a blackjack game at a casino.
Things are a little different when it comes to the latter insurance. Many individuals dispute the idea of insuring bets, yet few can deny the importance of insuring assets. The more time you spend around gamblers, the more you realize that insurance is unquestionably a contentious topic in blackjack. That implies it's time to dig deeper and find out what is insurance in blackjack.
What Is Insurance in Blackjack?
During a blackjack game, players can buy blackjack insurance if the dealer's up-card is an ace. The insurance bet is, in fact, a side bet. The insurance bet is typically offered at a payout of 2:1 if the dealer's second card is a 10-value or picture card, resulting in a blackjack. In other words, if the dealer has a blackjack, the player will receive twice the original insurance bet. If the dealer doesn't have a blackjack, the insurance will be lost, and the game will continue as normal.
Opinions on blackjack insurance are divided in the gambling community, as many experienced gamblers believe that it's better to rely on a solid blackjack strategy. It's mostly because blackjack insurance odds aren't usually in the player's favor. Let's go into detail below to learn more about blackjack insurance.
How Does Blackjack Insurance Work?
The purpose of the insurance bet is to protect the player in case the dealer has a blackjack. Here's how blackjack insurance works:
When the dealer's face-up card is an ace, the dealer will offer the players the option to take insurance before they continue playing their hands.
To buy insurance, the player must place a bet on the insurance line that is located on the blackjack table. The insurance bet can be up to half the player's original bet.
If the dealer has a blackjack (a hand totaling 21 with only two cards), the player who placed an insurance bet will win 2:1 payout, which means the player will receive twice the amount of their original insurance bet.
If the dealer doesn't have a blackjack, the player loses the insurance bet, but the game will continue. The player can still win or lose their original bet based on the outcome of the game.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Insurance Betting
Before you make a decision, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of blackjack insurance. Let's take a closer look.
Advantages of blackjack insurance:
Protects against dealer's blackjack. The main advantage of blackjack insurance is that it protects the player's original bet if the dealer has a blackjack.
Additional payout. If the dealer doesn't have a blackjack and the player has insurance, the player will receive a double amount of their insurance bet, offsetting the loss of their original bet.
Disadvantages of blackjack insurance:
Negative expected value. The odds of the dealer having a blackjack are less than the odds of the dealer not having a blackjack, so taking out insurance on every hand will result in a net loss over time.
Higher house edge. By offering insurance, the casino increases its overall edge, meaning that players who take insurance are effectively giving the casino more of an advantage.
Distraction from basic strategy. Many experienced blackjack players consider insurance to be a distraction from the strategy. If players focus on their own hand based on the basic strategy, they have more chance of winning over time.
When to Take Insurance in Blackjack
Let's say that your strategy is to get blackjack insurance. In that case, knowing the best circumstances for that strategy to pay off is vital.
For instance, if you know how to count cards and have a high count, you may have a better chance of determining if the dealer has a blackjack. Insurance is a good idea if you think the odds are in your favor.
Furthermore, if you play high-stakes blackjack and bet a large sum of money, you may want to buy insurance to protect your investment.
Finally, if you play in blackjack tournaments, you may have to take risks to increase your chip stack and advance to the next round. Taking insurance in specific scenarios may be a calculated risk you're willing to take.
What Are the Odds for Insurance Bets?
The probabilities of winning an insurance bet in blackjack are determined by the number of decks used and the specific rules of the game being played. When the dealer's up-card is an ace, the dealer's odds of having a blackjack are around 9:4, or approximately 31%. This means that around 4 times out of every 13 times the dealer displays an ace, they will have a blackjack.
The reward for an insurance bet, on the other hand, is normally 2:1, which means that if the player bets $10 on insurance and the dealer has a blackjack, the player will receive a $20 payout. The expected value of the insurance bet can be determined by multiplying the likelihood of the dealer having blackjack by the insurance bet payoff. In this situation, the anticipated value of an insurance bet would be negative, implying that the player would lose money over time on this form of wager.
For example, if only one deck of cards is utilized, the dealer's probability of having blackjack is 4.83%. If the insurance payment is 2:1, the expected value of the insurance bet is -8.75%. This indicates that the gambler will lose 8.75 cents for every dollar wagered on insurance.
Conclusion: Is Blackjack Insurance Worthwhile?
There's no doubt that casino gambling can be profitable in a single night. However, if you want to find out what is profitable and what isn't, it will take time and effort to figure it out. Therefore, it's also important to keep in mind that blackjack insurance will cost you money in the long run.
The dealer must either have a 10 or a picture card in their hand for you to win your insurance bet. A single deck contains 16 of those, so there's only about a 30% chance of hitting one. If you do, you get a 2:1 return, so your 30% shot doesn't seem so bad.
However, it still means you'll lose this type of bet most of the time. Therefore, in most cases, buying insurance is not worthwhile if you want to maximize your chances of winning. Instead, you should focus on basic blackjack strategy and making strategic decisions based on your own hand and the dealer's up-card.
FAQ
Is insurance a good bet in blackjack?
Taking insurance at a blackjack table is almost always a bad idea. It is preferable to stick to a simple blackjack approach.
What's the point of taking blackjack insurance?
Although purchasing insurance at a casino appears to be a good idea, there is more to it. Casinos have a bigger house edge in this scenario, making it a poor decision for most players.
In blackjack, how much may you wager on insurance?
The amount you can bet on insurance in blackjack is usually limited to half of your original bet.
What role does insurance play in blackjack?
Insurance is a side wager in blackjack that a player can make when the dealer's face-up card is an ace. Taking insurance protects the player's original bet in the event that the dealer has a blackjack. If you want to know more, see our article "What is insurance in blackjack?" above.
February 27, 2023
Posted by Content Team
The game of Mahjong consists of tiles and is played by four players. The Qing dynasty is credited for developing it, which spread across the globe by the early 20th century.
Known as Sparrow because of the clacking of the tiles that resembled the chattering of sparrows, its origins are unknown. However, one theory suggests that it's an adaptation of an earlier card game called "madiao." Depending on how you shuffle the tiles, locals have also referred to the game as "dry swimming."
It's a game of strategy, luck, and skill, and I'll cover everything you need to know, from the basic rules to the gameplay.
What is Mahjong?
The South China Morning Post reported that Mahjong, or Mah Jongg, originated more than 300 years ago in China. The game requires four players and is widely played in Asia and around the globe.
After being introduced to the United States around 1920 by Joseph P. Babcock, an American businessman who had lived in China, the game gained particular popularity. New York's Abercrombie & Fitch was the first to sell Mahjong sets.
The game of Mahjong consists of 144 tiles, each displaying an illustration from one of five categories. Chinese symbols or characters are used in the illustrations.
Equipment Needed for Playing Mahjong
Before I explain how to play Mahjong, I'll list the equipment you'll need in the sections below.
Tiles
There are 144 tiles in a Mah Jong (Mahjong) set, usually 30 x 20 x 15mm. Plastic has replaced bone or ivory as a common material for these sets. Below, you can learn more about the types of tiles in Mahjong:
Four sets of nine circle tiles numbered 1-9.
Among the 36 tiles, nine are in each of four sets.
Each set of bamboo tiles contains 36 tiles numbered 1-9.
1. A sparrow or rice bird often depicts one of the bamboos.
2. Red and green bamboos represent 1, 5, 7, and 9.
3. The other bamboo tiles are represented only by green bamboos.
Each of the four winds is represented by four tiles.
The tiles have 12 dragons:
Four Red dragons, which represent bright red characters.
Four Green dragons represent bright green characters.
Four White dragons, which represent completely blank tiles.
A capital letter 'P' is used to denote a white dragon, which stands for 'Pai,' which means pure or white.
Suits
A mahjong set has numbered tiles called suits. Namely, there are only three suits in Mahjong, bamboos, characters, and dots numbered 1 through 9. There are four tiles of each suit, making 108 tiles in all. Since suit tiles can be chowed, punched, konged, or paired, they offer the most flexibility.
Honors
The Wind suit is one of two honor suits. Each tile features a compass direction character — north, east, south, and west. In order to recognize and organize this suit, you must learn to read the cardinal direction characters in Chinese.
There are four sets with four tiles each. Therefore, there are 16 wind tiles in each game set.
Arrows, or dragons, are the other honor suit. Each set of arrow tiles has three tiles. As a result of ancient imperial exams, archery, and Confucius' cardinal virtues, this trio has multiple meanings.
Seasons and Flowers
Flowers can be worn as an optional suit. Each tile has a picture of a flower and a number ranging from one to four. Interestingly, each region has its way of playing the flower suit. Flowers can be used as wild cards to complete tile combinations or as a Joker in card games. Moreover, you can earn extra points by using flowers.
As with the flower tiles, the seasons are associated with a specific wind:
Spring – East
Summer – South
Autumn – West
Winter – North
Even though each season has only one tile, all four-season tiles match.
Wild Card or Jokers
Joker tiles can be used in assembling a hand, but for example, you can use four jokers in Southeast Asian and Chinese mahjong variations, including Shanghainese mahjong. On the other hand, you can use eight jokers in American Mahjong.
Dice
To determine seating and wall breaking, dice are used. There are usually two to three dice in a typical set. Therefore, it would be sufficient to use any six-sided dice. There are, however, some differences between mahjong dice and normal board game dice, including rounded corners and red numbers one and four.
Score Cards
In Mahjong, hands range in difficulty from 1 to 88 points, and a simple sum is derived by adding the points from each hand. In order to win, Mahjong can be declared with a minimum of eight points in the official Chinese version. Using a scorecard, you can keep track of your score.
Wind indicators
Wind indicators display the current wind speed. Usually, it's held by the east (dealer). American Mahjong is referred to as a bettor, as the fifth player bets on who will win.
Different sizes and shapes are available, but generally, the most common forms are a rotating cylinder, disc, or cube and its placeholder.
Scoring Sticks and Coins
There are many ways to play Mahjong, considering many elements such as points, cash, coins, or chips, but the most popular method is with scoring sticks, also known as ''bones''.
This set is ideal if you have a Mahjong set without scoring sticks or prefer to play with more sticks.
Racks and Pushers
Tiles are held in racks while pushers, also known as "extending arms" or "helping hands," push the wall into place. Note that racks and pushers were traditionally separate. However, the modern set includes racks attached with pushers to make it more convenient.
How to Play Mahjong?
There are variations of the game in different regions, but the basic rules of Mahjong are the same:
Face the illustration down as you shuffle the tiles.
Dice are rolled, and the dealer gets the biggest roll, and the person to their right is the first to play.
The players choose 36 tiles and arrange them into two rows of 18 each.
After that, the "walls" are pushed forward, leaving a space on the table for discarded tiles.
As the players take turns, they draw thirteen tiles from the pool, or the dealer divides them.
When the first player draws a tile from the pool, he or she can keep it or discard it so that their total number remains 13. Then, this process is repeated in a circle by the players. After that, you can take a new tile or pick up one discarded by another player.
Pong or Kong melds are formed when a player discards a tile, regardless of their turn. Compared to a Chow meld formed when the player to your left discards a tile. Note that a meld made using a discarded tile has to be announced and displayed to the other Mahjong players.
The player with four melds, or suits, and a pair wins. The total number of tiles required is fourteen.
How to Read Score Cards?
Red, blue, or green numbers or letters represent the hands on a scorecard. Using different colors means using different suits since the colors aren't specific to a particular suit. For example, there are no suits for flowers and zeros, which will always be blue.
1-9
In accordance with the tile's specific number (excluding flowers)
N,S,E,W
North, South, East, West
D
Dragon
R
Red Dragon
G
Green Dragon
0
White Dragon (Soap)
F
Flower
To organize the scorecard, you can use common patterns to categorize hands:
Year
A year's patterns, such as 2023. 2's, 0's, and 3's would be used in such cases. The white dragon is always used as a zero.
2468
Patterns that require even numbered tiles.
Change-up
This section varies
Quints
A hand with at least one quint (5 identical tiles), at least one of which is a Joker.
Consecutive Runs
Patterns of consecutive numbers.
13579
Patterns that require odd-numbered tiles.
Winds-Dragons
Patterns requiring wind and dragon tiles.
369
Patterns using 3's, 6's, and 9's.
Singles and Pairs
Patterns with single and paired tiles.
There are several different combinations for each hand. It's possible to find combinations with non-matching tiles, but most have at least two matching identical tiles.
Pair
Two identical tiles.
Pung
Three identical tiles.
Kong
Four identical tiles.
Quint
Five identical tiles, with the use of Jokers.
Sextet
Six identical tiles, with the use of Jokers.
Each hand has a value for scoring or gambling. The hand is marked with an 'X' or 'C,' depending on whether it is exposed or concealed:
E
Exposed
C
Concealed
The Charleston (American Mahjong)
The "Charleston" sequences before the gameplay are one of the main differences between American-style Mahjong and other Mahjong styles. Charlestons are exchanges of tiles among players. By passing tiles to other Mahjong players during the Charleston, players can get rid of tiles they don't want.
There are three stages to the Charleston:
The First Charleston (required)
The Second Charleston (optional)
The Courtesy Pass (optional)
Let's examine each stage in more detail in the following sections.
First Charleston
You, as a player, must perform the first Charleston regardless of how many hands you have drawn from the wall. The step consists of three passes:
1st pass — To the right of each player, three tiles are passed.
2nd pass — Players pass three tiles to each other.
3rd pass — It's the responsibility of each player to pass three tiles to the player on the left. When you perform this step, you can choose to perform a "Blind Pass" by taking one, two, or three tiles and passing them to the player to your left.
Second Charleston
Performing the Second Charleston is optional and must be agreed upon by all players. Three passes are involved in this step:
1st Pass - Each player passes three tiles to the player on their left.
2nd pass - Players pass three tiles to each other.
3rd pass - Players pass three tiles to their right. It is possible to perform a "Blind Pass" at this step.
Courtesy Pass
When the First Charleston and Second Charleston are completed, two players who sit across may want to perform one last pass. Depending on the lesser tile request, one, two, or three tiles can be passed. The courtesy pass won't be completed between a player and the player if no tiles are exchanged.
When all Charleston steps have been completed, the game can begin.
Tips for Playing Mahjong
If you still wonder, "how do you play Mahjong?" don't worry, as I will explain several Mahjong gameplay tips in the following sections, such as drawing and discarding tiles, calling tiles, rules of joker in Mahjong, how to end the game, and some common errors.
Discarding and Drawing Tiles
The excitement begins as players attempt to improve their hands. Since East has 14 tiles, it discards a tile when it starts the game. Unless a discarded tile is called (claimed by another player), the turn passes to the next player on the right.
Next, a tile is drawn from the wall. Next, the tiles are taken from where the walls were broken. Finally, when two tiles are high; otherwise, the bottom tile is picked.
In either case, the drawn tile can either be discarded or placed in the player's hand and discarded similarly. Their names are announced upon discarded tiles being placed face up in the center of the table. It won't take the other players long to figure out which kind of hand you want to build when you discard a tile.
The turn moves to the next player on the left if the next player does not call the discarded tile on the right. Drawing the card, discarding it, and continuing the turn is continued until an interruption occurs by a call.
Calling Tiles
During the play, any player may use the tile they just discarded if it completes either a pung, kong, quint, sextet or some other exposed hand combination (the types of hands marked with an "X" on the scorecard).
When a hand consists of only one tile, it is not permitted to call one for it to be completed.
To complete the Mahjong hands, each tile must form a pair with the adjacent tile.
Those tiles discarded before the most recent update are called dead tiles.
If a player calls for a discarded tile, and that tile doesn't result in Mahjong, the combination completed by that tile is exposed face up on top of the rack and that combination cannot be changed for the rest of the game. Following the discarding of the tile, the player will discard a tile, and if no one else calls it, the turn will go to the player to the right. Some players' turns may be skipped when a tile is called.
If several people call at the same time, provisions are made as follows:
Any tile a player calls to complete the mahjong hand trumps any tile called by any other player.
As long as none of the calls make sense in terms of completing a mahjong hand, the discarded tile will be given to the nearest player to complete the hand.
You must draw all the tiles in your hand from the wall to hit a concealed hand (the hand with a "C" next to its value on the scorecard) that has been concealed. Except for the last one, which allows you to declare Mahjong, none of these things may be called tiles except for the last one.
Joker Mahjong Rules
In addition to tiles used in a pung, a kong, a quartet, and a sextet, jokers can replace any tile in any combination. As a result, you cannot use tiles for completing a pair or a single tile if you have one in hand.
It is possible to exchange the joker for a tile in an exposed combination when a joker is substituting a tile if you happen to have the tile that is being replaced:
Draw a tile from the wall as usual on your turn, or call for a discard before the turn.
Substitute the substitute joker for the actual matching tile. It is possible to exchange multiple matching tiles for the exposed jokers.
If you want your hand to remain populated with the right number of tiles, you must discard a tile.
As long as the joker creates a combination, you do not have to expose any tiles when you exchange for it. In addition, it is permissible to exchange jokers in dead hands (hands not in the game due to a rule violation).
How to End the Mahjong Game?
The game of Mahjong ends when a player declares that it has ended or when they have drawn all the tiles on the wall.
The game of Mahjong is created when the scorecard is filled in with tiles from the wall or tiles called from a discard. In addition, it may be added a tile from the wall. It is the player who declares "Mahjong" who wins the game.
To determine the payout to the winner is based on the value of the hand and the way that Mahjong has been created:
Type of Mahjong
Payout
Mahjong made off a discard.
Discarder pays double the hand's value to the winner. Other players pay a single amount.
Mahjong made off a draw from the wall.
Each player doubles the value of each hand.
There are no jokers in Mahjong, and it does not fall into the Singles and Pairs category.
Winners of discarding hands are paid four times the hand's value. Other players pay double.
A draw from the wall is used in Mahjong, which contains no jokers and is not categorized as Singles or Pairs.
Four times the hand value is paid by each player.
Draw
As long as no Mahjong is called, all tiles from the wall have been collected, and the last discard has been made. The result of this is that no payouts are made as a result.
Mahjong Game Rules for Errors
Incorrect discards, incorrect exposures, and incorrect calls of Mahjong are some errors that can happen. In these types of situations, there may be penalties that have to be paid. As a general guideline, here are some general guidelines regarding errors:
Error
Penalty
The table has been touched or announced by an accidentally discarded tile.
Tile cannot be taken back.
A tile has been announced incorrectly.
Tile cannot be claimed.
Tiles are called but not exposed.
The call may be retracted.
An incorrect exposure has been made.
The exposure may be corrected before discarding.
A player has too few or too many tiles.
At the end of the game, the player's hand is dead (out of the game), but the winner will receive the same payout as all the other players.
There are too few or too many tiles for three players.
The game is replayed.
Based on the tiles exposed on a player's rack, another discovers that the player's hand is impossible.
The player's hand is dead.
Mahjong is declared incorrectly in this case, but the hand has not been exposed.
No penalty, and the game continues.
Mahjong is declared incorrectly, and the hand is exposed.
A player's hand is dead. In this game, the player pays the winner.
Conclusion
Mahjong is an excellent way to learn about Chinese characters, culture, and tradition, keep your brain sharp, and, most importantly, have fun. Learn the different variations of this game, and design your strategy based on your knowledge of the different tiles.
FAQ
How many players are in a game of Mahjong?
Three or four players can participate in the Mahjong game.
How many tiles are used per Mahjong game?
A Mahjong game requires 144 tiles and two dice. However, the way people play varies from country to country due to cultural differences.
How long does a game of Mahjong take?
The Mahjong game can last around two hours.
Is Mahjong Chinese or Japanese?
Mahjong originated in China in the 19th century.
How many Mahjong pieces do you start with?
There are many variations of Mahjong, but usually, a player starts with 13 tiles
Is Mahjong good for your brain?
It’s found effective in middle-aged and elderly people that playing Mahjong improves attention, logical thinking, and short-term memory.
Is Mahjong based on luck or skill?
Mahjong game is a game of skill and luck, 25% and 75%, respectively.
Is Mahjong difficult to learn?
It’s not the easiest game to master, but the basics of the game can be learned in no time.
November 16, 2022
Posted by Content Team
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