Playing Your Cards Right Trivia Quiz

Answer: Two Aces

In most casinos, you will get only one additional card for each split Ace, and if you do make 21, it will not be counted as a blackjack. Even with these limitations in place, splitting Aces is considered the correct play.

Answer: Splashing the pot

In a casino setting, 'splashing the pot' is considered bad form. You risk having your chips roll toward other players' stacks, and now the dealer has to clean up your mess. If you must do it, save it for your home game with friends.

Answer: 2 of Clubs, 7 of Diamonds

The 2-7 offsuit (different suits) is generally thought to be the worst starting combination in Hold 'em. While the other three choices are also not particularly strong, they are at least playable in the majority of situations. You should play 2-7 offsuit only if you get to see the flop for free (e.g. as the big blind, no raises in front of you).

Answer: All of these are acceptable

Using clear and unambiguous gestures is very important, and if any sort of confusion occurs, the management can always look at their videotaped footage of your hand signals. Smile for the cameras above you!

Answer: Quietly organize your chips

Never talk about the hand you folded or the cards in play. In fact, you should refrain from any behavior, non-verbal as well, that could compromise the remainder of the action. Be respectful of others, and wait until the conclusion of the hand to discuss anything about it.

Answer: You have a 4 and 7, dealer is showing a 5

When you double down, you can increase your bet by up to the amount you initially wagered. The downside is that the dealer will only give you one more card.

Answer: You may touch your wager after the cards are dealt

Touching your chips in the betting circle is prohibited, once the hand is underway.

Card counting is a technique employed by more experienced players to increase their odds of winning. Basically, by keeping a mental tally of the number of low cards versus high cards dealt, you can gain a measure of insight concerning the upcoming cards.

Answer: Play only strong hands, and bet/raise them forcefully

It seems obvious, but you should only play the best hands. This is known as 'tight' play. Many novices tend to get involved in too many hands, with marginal-strength cards ('loose' play). It is not uncommon to see professional players fold four out of every five hands.

When you do possess a strong hand, it is to your advantage to bet aggressively and dictate the action. This forces your opponent(s) into tough decisions, and often you can win the pot before the hand progresses any further.

Answer: Slow roll

An example using Texas Hold 'em: You have Ace-King of Hearts, and the flop comes 3-7-Jack, all Hearts. One player goes all-in (i.e. bets all of his/her chips), every remaining player folds, and now it's your turn to act. At this moment, you possess the absolute best hand (poker players refer to it as the 'nuts', in this case the 'nut flush'). No doubt a fantastic position to be in! Don't 'slow roll' your opponent, make the call without delay and reveal your cards.

Answer: Surrender

A hard 16 versus the dealer's 10 is one of the worst situations you can find yourself in. If the table rules allow it, surrendering is statistically the best option. You will abandon your hand and lose half of your wager.

Note that if you have 16 via a pair of 8's, you would be wise to split them.