The Easiest Table Games for Newbies

Walking into a casino for the first time — whether online or on the floor — can feel like stepping into a foreign country where everyone else seems to speak the language fluently. Rows of blinking slot machines are easy enough to understand, but the table games? That’s where most newbies freeze. If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines wondering if you should jump in, you’re not alone. At The Next Right, we’re all about giving players a no-nonsense look at the games they’re most likely to enjoy — and actually have a fighting chance at learning fast. So, if you’re ready to take a seat, here are the easiest table games to start with and why they’re worth your time.

First things first — what makes a table game “easy” for a beginner? It’s not just about simple rules (though that helps). It’s about clear gameplay, manageable betting options, and odds that aren’t stacked ridiculously against you. You want a game where you’re not fumbling over complicated moves or making costly mistakes because you misunderstood the basics. And, ideally, you want something where luck plays a bigger role than complex strategy — at least until you get the hang of it.

With that in mind, here are the best table games for newbies looking to test the waters.

Blackjack: The Classic Starter Game

If there’s one table game every new player should try, it’s blackjack. The rules are simple: get your hand as close to 21 as possible without going over, and beat the dealer’s hand. That’s it.

What makes blackjack great for beginners is that it mixes luck with a little bit of strategy — but not so much that you’ll feel overwhelmed. Basic strategy charts are easy to find, and most casinos don’t frown on newbies using them while they play.

Even better, blackjack has one of the lowest house edges when played correctly — meaning you have a decent chance at holding your own without needing to be a math genius.

Here’s what you need to know starting out:

• Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10.
• Aces can be worth 1 or 11.
• You win by beating the dealer’s hand without going over 21.
• If you hit 21 with your first two cards (an Ace and a 10-value card), that’s a blackjack — and it usually pays extra.

Blackjack is beginner-friendly because every decision is straightforward: hit (take another card), stand (keep your hand), double down (double your bet for one more card), or split (if you have two of the same card). The dealer has to follow set rules, so you’re only really playing against their hand — not against other players.

Roulette: Pure Chance, Pure Fun

If you want a table game where you don’t have to think too hard, roulette is your best bet. You’re betting on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. The options range from single numbers to colors (red or black), odd or even numbers, or groups of numbers.

The beauty of roulette for beginners is that you don’t need to memorize anything complicated. Place your chips on the table layout corresponding to your choice, and you’re in. The croupier spins the wheel, and that’s that.

There are two main types of roulette wheels: American (with 0 and 00) and European (with only a single 0). Stick with European if you can — the house edge is lower.

Here’s why roulette works for newbies:

• You can make low-risk bets (like red/black or odd/even) with close to a 50/50 chance.
• You can also go for high-payout bets on single numbers if you’re feeling lucky.
• There’s no skill required — just pick and hope.

It’s a pure chance game, which makes it perfect for beginners who want to get a feel for betting without worrying about strategy.

Baccarat: The Game That Looks Fancy But Isn’t

Baccarat has a reputation for being a high-roller’s game, but in reality, it’s as simple as it gets. You’re betting on one of three outcomes: the Player hand wins, the Banker hand wins, or it’s a Tie. The dealer does everything else.

Each hand in baccarat gets dealt two cards. The goal is to get as close to 9 as possible. Face cards and tens count as zero, and aces count as one. If the total goes over nine, only the second digit counts (so a hand of 7 and 8 — which totals 15 — counts as 5).

You don’t need to know the drawing rules (which are fixed anyway). You’re simply betting on which hand will win.

Why baccarat is great for newbies:

• It requires zero skill.
• The Banker bet has one of the lowest house edges in the casino.
• The rules are automatic — the dealer handles everything.

If you want a low-pressure game where you can just make a bet and watch, baccarat delivers. Just avoid the Tie bet — the odds are terrible.

Casino War: Yes, It’s Really This Simple

Remember playing “War” with a deck of cards as a kid? Casino War is literally that. You and the dealer each get a card. The higher card wins. If there’s a tie, you can either surrender (lose half your bet) or go to “war” by doubling your bet and drawing again.

That’s the entire game.

Why Casino War works for beginners:

• Zero strategy involved.
• Fast, easy rounds.
• Decent payout on ties if you bet on them.

It’s not the most exciting game on the floor, but if you want something brainless while you learn the ropes, this is it.

Craps: Easier Than It Looks (If You Stick to Simple Bets)

Craps is one of those games that scares off new players because of the loud table and all the weird betting options. But here’s a secret — you don’t need to know every bet to play craps.

The easiest way to start is with the “Pass Line” bet. You’re betting that the shooter (the person rolling the dice) will win. On the come-out roll:

• If they roll a 7 or 11, you win.
• If they roll a 2, 3, or 12, you lose.
• Any other number becomes the “point.” The shooter has to roll that number again before a 7 comes up for you to win.
  

That’s it. You can ignore all the other bets on the table if you want to.

Why craps can be good for beginners:

• The basic bets are simple.
• The house edge on Pass Line bets is low.
• It’s a fun, social game once you get into it.

If you want to experience a game with some excitement and energy, craps is worth giving a shot — just stick to the beginner-friendly bets.

Three Card Poker: Poker Lite

If you like the idea of poker but don’t want the pressure of playing against other people, three card poker is a great intro. You’re only playing against the dealer, and the goal is simple: make the best three-card hand possible.

The basic flow:

• You place an Ante bet.
• You and the dealer get three cards.
• You decide to fold or make a Play bet (equal to the Ante).
  
• The dealer reveals their hand. They need a Queen or higher to qualify.
• If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you win even money on the Ante and push on the Play.
• If the dealer qualifies, hands are compared, and the higher hand wins.

There are also optional bonus bets, but you don’t need to worry about those at first.

Why three card poker is beginner-friendly:

• It’s faster and simpler than regular poker.
• You don’t play against other players.
• Basic strategy is easy to learn.

It gives you a taste of poker-style games without the stress of bluffing or reading opponents.

Let It Ride: Poker Without the Pressure

Let It Ride is another poker-inspired game where you’re playing against a paytable, not other players. You start with three bets and get three cards. Two community cards come later. You decide whether to pull back bets or let them “ride” as you go. The goal is to make a strong five-card hand.

Why Let It Ride works for beginners:

• You control how much you risk.
• It’s slower-paced, giving you time to think.
• It offers the fun of poker without the direct competition.

It’s a great stepping stone if you want to get into poker-style games.

The “Next Right” Choice for Newbies

At The Next Right, we’re not about pushing you toward what’s popular or hyped. We’re about giving you real advice you can use when you’re sitting at the table wondering what your move should be.

If you’re brand new to table games, the next right choice isn’t to dive headfirst into the most complicated game you can find. It’s to start with something simple, learn the ropes, and build confidence as you go.

Blackjack teaches you basic strategy and decision-making. Roulette gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the ride. Baccarat lets you bet without overthinking. Casino War is as straightforward as it gets. Craps, if played with simple bets, brings excitement without too much risk. And poker variants like Three Card Poker or Let It Ride ease you into the world of poker without the high-stakes pressure.

Your goal shouldn’t be to beat the house on your first try. It should be to learn the game, have fun, and avoid making rookie mistakes that could’ve been avoided with a little knowledge.

Why Starting Simple Sets You Up for Success

There’s no shame in starting with the easiest games. In fact, it’s the smartest move you can make. Casino games — even the simple ones — have layers of strategy and nuance that you’ll pick up over time. Trying to master everything at once only sets you up for frustration.

Start with games where you can focus on understanding the flow, learning the rules, and getting comfortable with betting. Once you’ve got that down, moving on to more complex games will feel natural — and a whole lot less intimidating.

Make The Next Right Move

So, what happens when you pick the easiest table games as your starting point? You actually enjoy yourself. You learn the ropes without burning through your bankroll. You get a feel for the table without feeling lost. And most importantly, you build the confidence to make smarter decisions when you’re ready to try something new.

At The Next Right, we believe that every good gambling experience starts with making the next right move — and for new players, that move is choosing games that won’t leave you scratching your head or emptying your wallet. There’s plenty of time for high-stakes strategy later. For now, stick with the games that make it easy to learn, play, and maybe even win.

Your next right choice? Pick a table, take a seat, and keep it simple.