Craps
Craps is perhaps the most exciting and lively table game in any casino, and is certainly the most physical. For all its fun, it can take some getting used to, as there are a number of rules and betting options. Craps is one of the new table games introduced in many Black Hawk casinos in 2010.
SETUP AND OBJECT
The game is played on a special table with space for several players along the outer “rail.” Up to four casino employees man the table: a stickman (who moves chips and dice around the table with a wooden stick), a boxman (who watches the bank of chips on the table and supervises payouts), and two base dealers (who pay out players at either end of the table).
Players join a game in progress by placing money on the table and asking for chips. The player who is rolling the dice is called the “shooter,” and he or she rolls until a point is made or until a seven comes up after a point has been set (see below). The player to the old shooter’s left then has the option to be the new shooter.
The object of the game is to place more winning bets than losing bets.
HOW TO PLAY
Craps is divided into a series of “rolls,” with each roll being composed of two parts:
- The “come out” roll
- The point
Players may bet one of two ways: on the “Pass Line” or on the “Don’t Pass Line.” Since pass line bets are much more prevalent, this article assumes this type of bet.
On the come out roll, a pass line better wins on 7 or 11, and loses on 2, 3, or 12 (craps). If any other number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10), it becomes the point. The base dealers will indicate the point by placing a white plastic button labeled “On” on the number. The object of the game is now to roll that point number before rolling a 7.
OTHER BETS
There are a large amount of bets that can be made both before and after a point is made. Players may bet on the next roll, they may “back up” previous bets, and they may even bet for the dealers. As with any other casino game, it’s best to learn by doing. We encourage you to pay us a visit, and ask our friendly dealers for some tips. They’ll be happy to oblige!
Ready for great craps action in Black Hawk? Try your luck and visit one of our many casinos today!
Roulette
Roulette is a perennial favorite because players typically cluster around the table and can get very social with one another. Roulette is also a game that requires minimal skill, so it’s very easy to pick up.
SETUP AND OBJECT
Between one and eight players arrange themselves around the roulette table. Players begin by buying a certain amount of chips, and waiting for the dealer to motion that it’s time to bet. Each player is given a unique chip color, to make payouts easier for the dealer (also called the croupier).
The object of the game is to correctly guess where the ball will land on the next spin. Players can bet on single numbers, groups of numbers, the color of the number (black or red), and whether the number will be odd or even.
HOW TO PLAY
The game starts with players placing their chips on the table. Placing a chip directly on a number, for instance, indicates that you would like to be paid if that number comes up on the next spin. Placing a chip on the line between two numbers indicates that you’d like to be paid if either of those numbers comes up on the next spin…and so on.
After a short period of time passes, the croupier will spin the ball, then indicate that no more bets can be made. Once the ball comes to a stop in the wheel, the croupier will place a glass marker (called a dolly) on the winning number. No player may touch or move chips while the dolly is on the table.
The croupier then sweeps away losing bets and pays out any winning bets, then removes the dolly; a new round of betting follows, and the game continues.
PAYOUTS
Payouts are based on the probability of a number hitting. Single number payouts are therefore the highest, with red/black and odd/even payouts being the lowest (even money). The link below leads to a diagram and table that shows every possible payout on the table, along with the bet that would need to be made.
Ready to try your hand at Roulette? Pay a visit to one of our great casinos in town and see why this is one of the most popular games around.
Blackjack
The simplicity of Blackjack may explain why it is the most popular casino game in the world. Many Black Hawk casinos feature standard Blackjack (also known as “21”), along with more modern variations.
SETUP AND OBJECT
Blackjack is played between a casino dealer and between one and (typically) seven gamblers. Each player is dealt two cards, typically face up. The dealer also deals himself two cards; the first is dealt face down, and the second is dealt face up.
The object of the game is to create a hand with a value greater than that of the dealer’s, without going over 21.
HOW TO PLAY
The first thing to understand is how to value a hand. A hand’s value is simply the sum of the cards in it. Each card in the deck is assigned a point value, as follows:
- 2 through 10 – face value (i.e., a five is worth 5 points)
- Jack, Queen, King – 10 points
- Ace – 1 or 11 points (player’s choice)
A hand with both a four and a six is worth 10 points.
A hand with both a jack and a five is worth 15 points.
A hand with both an ace and a six is worth either 7 points or 17 points.
After the dealer has dealt everyone—including himself—a hand, he will motion to the first player on his left to act. A player has a few options, but the most common is either hit or stand.
Hitting
“Hitting” is the act of requesting another card from the dealer. If you have a low hand and believe you can improve it by adding points to it, this is a good option. For example, if you have a two and a seven (total hand value = 9), it’s usually a good idea to take another card to bring the value of your hand closer to 21.
You can either say “Hit,” tap on your cards with your fingers, or swipe your hand or cards towards you to indicate that you’d like another card. You may hit until you go over 21 (called “busting”).
If a player busts by going over 21, the dealer will take that player’s cards and chips and move to the next player.
Standing
“Standing” is telling the dealer you are satisfied with your hand, and don’t need any more cards. Let’s say you have a ten and a nine (total hand value = 19). The odds of winning are in your favor, so it’s a good idea to stand.
To stand, you can either say “Stay,” make a dismissive motion with your hand, or slide your cards under your chips.
Once each player has made a decision to hit or stand, the dealer reveals his first card, then moves clockwise through the remaining players. If the player’s hand is better than the dealer’s, the dealer pays the player even money on his or her bet. If the dealer’s hand is better, the dealer takes that player’s cards and chips.
Blackjack
No, “blackjack” doesn’t refer to the jack of clubs or the jack of spades. The best hand in the game, called a Blackjack, is when the initial two cards dealt to a player or dealer add up to 21 points. This can only happen with a face card paired with an ace, and typically pays two to one or three to two (instead of the typical even money payout).
A player who receives a blackjack wins instantly and is paid immediately. He or she can sit out the rest of the hand.
If the dealer receives a blackjack, he must reveal it right away, and any player who does not also have a blackjack loses.
STRATEGY
There are a number of other caveats to this fun and exciting game. The best way to learn is by doing, so why not come up to Black Hawk and try your hand? Dealers are happy to explain the rules and give advice, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Come see why Black Jack is one of the most popular games in Colorado by visiting one of our great casinos today.
Poker
Poker is one of the most widely played casino games in the world. There are as many variations of the game as there are days in the year, though all follow a similar pattern of play. The most popular version of poker in Black Hawk today is Texas Hold ‘Em.
This article will focus on the rules for Texas Hold ‘Em, though there are other forms of poker available in Black Hawk.
SETUP AND OBJECT
Each hold ‘em table can accommodate from two to ten players and one dealer. The game is composed of a series of “hands,” which involve a deal, a series of bets, and a showdown, where the winner of the hand is determined.
The object of the game is to create the best five card hand, by combining your two cards with the five cards on the table. Furthermore, in cash play, the object of the game is to win as many hands as possible. In tournament play, the object is to be the last player with chips.
HOW TO PLAY
Each hand begins with the casino dealer dealing two cards to each player. Cards are dealt clockwise around the table, with the small blind getting dealt first. Once each player has their cards, the first round of betting opens, starting with the player after the big blind.
Blinds
To ensure that each hand has at least some money in the pot, “blinds” are enforced. A “blind” is simply a required bet that must be made by certain players at the table before they see their hands. There are usually two blinds: the “big” blind and the “small” blind. The big blind is typically twice the small blind. For example, if the small blind is $1, the big blind is $2.
The blinds, as well as the location of the deal, move clockwise around the table to ensure fairness and to keep the game interesting. In this way, at least two players have some incentive to stay in the hand.
When deciding to bet, players have three options: bet, check, or fold.
Betting
If a player likes his hand, he may call “bet” or “raise” and move some of his chips in front of him, towards the pot. Players after the better must either call the bet, or fold. In no limit hold ‘em, a player may also go “all in,” which means he bets the remainder of his chips.
Checking
If a player does not want to commit any money to the pot, but is also interesting in sticking around, he may “check,” which is the equivalent of a “pass” or betting zero. Play advances to the next player.
Folding
If the player decides he doesn’t want to stick around, he may fold his cards, which means he quits the hand and must wait for the next hand to begin before he can play again. A player who folds must move his cards towards the pot to indicate his intention.
THE DEAL
Once each player has acted, and all bets have been called, the dealer deals three cards into the middle of the pot, face up. This is called the flop. Another round of betting ensues; once that is complete, the dealer places a fourth card face up on the table. This is called the turn. Another round of betting, and then the dealer places the final card, the river, on the table. There is one final round of betting. If more than one player remains after this round of betting, they show their hands, and the player with the best hand takes the pot.
Have your poker face ready? Whether you’re brand new to the game or a season veteran, Black Hawk casinos have some of the most exciting and competitive Poker games in Colorado.
Slots
Slots are a fun and exciting way to pass the time and even to win some money. Their simplicity and level of interaction have made them a staple in casinos around the world. Every casino in Black Hawk has dozens, if not hundreds, of slot machine games, with new ones added regularly.
HOW TO PLAY
Slots are perhaps the simplest games to learn. While each game is different, the basic concept is the same: pull a lever or press a button to spin the wheels, with the ultimate goal of lining up symbols on “payout lines.”
Old fashioned slot machines have levers and analog displays, where mechanical wheels spin and symbols line up. Line up the right symbols, and you could win a jackpot!
Newer slot machines can be much more interactive, and are more like game shows or board games. Rather than just lining up symbols, you progress through a game, where the stakes and potential payouts get higher and higher.
Slots are by far the most common and fun games found in all of our casinos. Come see one or all of the casinos in Black Hawk and try your luck at slots today!