Table games can be friendlier to your bankroll than flashy slots — if you pick the right bets and keep the rules simple. This guide compresses the lowest-edge options into practical do’s and don’ts: a mini-blackjack strategy, the only baccarat bet that consistently makes sense, and which roulette layouts to choose (and avoid).
Blackjack: basic strategy = lowest edge
Table rules to look for
- Dealer stands on soft 17 (S17)
- Double on any two cards; double after split
- 3:2 blackjack payout (avoid 6:5)
- Late surrender available
10-second basic rules
- Hit hard 12 vs 2–3; stand hard 12–16 vs dealer 2–6
- Always split A,A and 8,8; never split 5,5 or 10,10
- Double 10 vs 2–9; 11 vs 2–10
- Avoid insurance — it’s a side bet with poor value
Baccarat: banker is the benchmark
Keep it ultra-simple: Bet Banker. It carries the lowest house edge even after the usual 5% commission. Player is acceptable for variety; avoid Tie and novelty side bets — they balloon the edge.
Roulette: single-zero and outside bets
- Prefer single-zero (European) over double-zero (American).
- Look for La Partage / En Prison on even-money bets — they shave the edge when zero hits.
- Stick to outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1–18/19–36) for the smoothest variance.
- Avoid sucker combos and five-number bets on double-zero wheels.
Side bets & myths: quick reality check
15-minute practice plan (table edition)
- Minutes 0–3: Pick your game and table rules; set unit = 0.5–1% bankroll.
- Minutes 3–12: Play 20–30 hands/spins by the book (no side bets). Log decisions briefly.
- Minutes 12–15: If at +25% or −50% of session, exit. Otherwise, pause, review, and cap it there.
Bottom line
Low-edge choices + fixed units beat “systems.” Choose friendly rules, avoid side bets, and give yourself clear exits. That’s how table games stay fun — and your bankroll lasts longer.