Sports
Casino Table Games Vs Poker: What to Expect?
Introduction
Those looking to move from casino table games to poker regularly cite the same reason for their desire to take it up — to take control of their chances at beating the house. Spend enough time in a casino and you’ll conclude that there are particular games with a slightly higher fighting chance at winning. Poker has always been a popular option amongst gamblers, hence it’s unsurprising that it has managed to retain its appeal to both seasoned and amateur casino players.
However, with the influx of new casino players, there’s bound to be differences when making the transition from casino table games to poker. Whilst it seems easy to hop on to any online website –– just as we know how slots.lv is good for table games –– here is some advice that will surely be of use.
Poker Is Still Gambling
It may seem obvious, but remember that poker is still a game of chance; just like table games, it is designed to always give the house a leg up over you. Casinos have to make money, after all! Having the knack for poker does supplement your chances, but it can only do so much when the cards are inherently stacked against you.
Why Do You Want To Play Poker?
Assessing why you wish to play poker is vital because it determines the amount of effort you will pour into picking this game up. Looking for just a thrill and wish to just play for the sake of it? Poker is a pretty accessible game that most people can pick up with relative ease, at a decent skill level.
However, if you’re looking to rake in big bucks, be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort developing your poker senses. The learning curve only gets steeper and steeper in poker, and you will have to reach the top of that curve to see any real return on investment if your luck even allows for it. Hence, we recommend you to play small and get comfortable with friendly games at lower difficulty levels before dealing with real money.
Not All Poker Games Are Made Equal
Let’s face it, poker money is not earned from playing with the best –– it’s by being the best at the table. Look for houses where the rules will be in your favor, and combine that with some time to polish your poker skills. Beginners and lower-skilled games are your best bet at coming out with a slightly thicker wallet.
Be mindful, however, of people who are following the same advice as you. There are always players looking for easy pickings, just like how you are.
Honor Among Players
Just like eating at a fancy restaurant or meeting your in-laws for the first time, there is an etiquette that poker players follow and should be respected by all. Cheating is not to your benefit, particularly so if you’re (very obviously) a beginner at poker, as being on the wrong side of the table do you no favors.
So no peeking, and don’t even bother trying to cheat. Poker is all about reading your opponents, and they are constantly on guard against cheats.
Bow Out Gracefully
We all get bad hands, and there is no shame in sitting one out. What does matter, however, is how one sits it out. In line with etiquette, one must always have respect for the other players.
Mucking your cards (showing your hand after folding) ensures that you no longer have any hold over the game, and allows those still in it to enjoy the match without worrying about what your cards were.
Similarly, when you fold, stay out of the game. Remarks and talking when you’re out are very much like talking in a library, which no one appreciates. Avoiding doing anything that could affect the game should be avoided.
Eyes On Your Opponents
Every move is made with reason. For those who play table games, it may not come naturally to pay consistent attention to their opponents, which means they would miss important tells and mistakes that they could leverage on and come out ahead. It pays to pay attention, as it will develop your poker skills and possibly help fatten out your wins.
Be A Good Sport
No one likes a sore loser, and being one in poker will get you a bad rap before you even get to another table. Be it winning or losing, always strive to be someone who people enjoy playing with, and you will always be able to find an open table to play and enjoy the game. Whining about your bad beats just exposes your lack of knowledge on how poker operates and highlights underlying emotional insecurity that does not make you look good. Instead, save yourself the embarrassment and keep a low profile –– this not only keeps your dignity intact but also doesn’t allow your opponents to get a better read on you.
When you do have someone beat, don’t drag their loss out by trying to act cool by revealing your entire set of cards. It lowers the respect others have for you and many will not take kindly to it, which could result in everyone gunning to take you out first.
Don’t Call Time
Poker is a game of stakes and every move in the game matters. However, some situations may be trickier than others, which will require players to take a longer time in making decisions. Hence, we encourage you to exercise a bit of patience and let your opponents make their decisions wisely. Even if your opponents may be taking longer than expected, leave the timing to the dealer. It’s a lot better to let them handle it, rather than involve you in it.
Giving Unsolicited Advice Hurts You More
There is nothing wrong with advising the new players who seek your wisdom, but it may come to bite you back if you do it during the wrong times.
When playing poker, refrain from giving out too much advice when playing. It exposes how you play to those on the table and they will use that information to get an edge over you. Not to mention, giving advice when no one asked for it is bound to irritate those you’re playing with, and that is never good.
Conclusion
Take these pointers to the poker tables, and you’re bound to have a pretty fun time. There is more to the casino than the baccarat and slot machines, and getting your toes wet in poker will feel like going on a new experience worth trying.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.
Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.
The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.
The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.
The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.
Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.
The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.
GROUPS
Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.
In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.
Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.
“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.
Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.
Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.
Midweek football delivers decisive moments across three competitions as the Carabao Cup reaches the semi-final in England, Serie A’s title contenders play their games in hand, and the Africa Cup of Nations narrows down to its final two. Fans can follow every fixture live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.
Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Legs Decide Wembley Places
The Carabao Cup semi-finals conclude with two heavyweight fixtures as clubs push for a place in the final at Wembley.
On Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park. Newcastle enter the second leg as defending Carabao Cup champions and come into the tie in strong domestic form, having recorded three straight league wins and progressed in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
City arrive after a heavy FA Cup win against Exeter City but are still searching for consistency in the league following a run of draws. Both sides have navigated the competition efficiently so far, setting up a finely balanced contest.
Wednesday’s second semi-final sees Chelsea host Arsenal at 9:00 p.m. Chelsea begin the second leg under new manager Liam Rosenior after a convincing FA Cup victory over Charlton, though league form has been less consistent following a recent defeat to Fulham.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and remain active in all major competitions this season. Their FA Cup win over Portsmouth maintained momentum as they look to secure a return to Wembley.
Both Carabao Cup semi-final matches air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Serie A: Games in Hand Shape the Title Race
Serie A’s midweek programme features three fixtures involving clubs playing their game in hand, with implications at both ends of the table.
On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Napoli host Parma. Napoli were held to a draw by Inter Milan in their previous outing and sit fourth, level on points with Juventus. With other contenders also in action, a win could lift them further up the standings. Parma arrive after a narrow victory over Lecce and continue to look upward from mid-table.
Later on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan face Lecce at the San Siro. Inter saw their winning run halted by Napoli but remain three points clear at the top. Lecce arrive having suffered consecutive defeats and will be aiming to secure a positive result in a difficult away fixture.
Thursday’s action concludes at 8:45 p.m. as AC Milan travel to face Como. Milan sit second but have been held to back-to-back draws and will be seeking a return to winning form. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, have impressed this season and sit sixth, boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
All Serie A fixtures are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).
AFCON 2025: Semi-Finals Decide Finalists
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stage with two semi-final clashes scheduled for Wednesday.
Senegal face Egypt at 6:00 p.m. in Tangier in a renewal of a recent AFCON rivalry. Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, have progressed with control and balance, while Egypt have relied on resilience and decisive moments in the knockout rounds. The matchup once again brings together key figures from both sides as a place in the final is at stake.
Later at 9:00 p.m., Nigeria meet hosts Morocco in Rabat. Nigeria advanced after a disciplined quarter-final performance, while Morocco continue to combine defensive organisation with efficiency in attack. With home support behind them, Morocco face a Nigerian side that has shown attacking consistency throughout the tournament.
Both AFCON semi-finals air live on SS AFCON (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202).
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