New to Roulette?
Some Useful Terminology for Beginners
The experts among you may turn up your noses, but here are some useful terms than roulette novices may find helpful when starting out. And for you pros out there, see it as a refresher.
American Wheel
The type of wheel used in the US. It has numbered slots from 0 to 36 and 00.
French Wheel
The wheel used outside the US. It doesn't have the 00. For the sake of this article we'll be talking about this type of wheel when discussing odds.
Table
The wheel and betting area.
Ball
Usually made from ivory, plastic or metal, the ball is integral to the game as it indicates the number randomly selected. Keep an eye on it after bets are placed to find out if you've won; it's always a tense moment waiting for it to settle.
Chips
Also known as wheel checks, these are the small coloured discs that represent the money you're gambling. Each player on the table is assigned a different colour to avoid confusion.
Croupier
The dealer who spins the wheel, collects the chips and gives out winnings. These guys and girls have a mammoth task. Can you imagine having to do all those mental calculations on the spot? It can't be easy.
Game Layout
The area, usually covered in baize, which has the spaces where you lay your bets. There are several different places you can place your chips, each with different odds:
- Column – one of the three vertical columns of twelve numbers. Placing a bet here carries odds of 2 to 1
- Single number (also called Straight Up) – this carries the highest odds and therefore the greatest returns. A win on a single number will net you 35 times your money
- Two numbers (Split) – spreading your bet over two numbers by positioning your chip on the line between them will give you odds of 17 to 1
- Four numbers – hedging your bets by placing your chip on the corner of four numbers increases your chances of winning but brings the odds down to 8 to 1
- Odd or even – you double your money. Same for betting on red or black (colour)
- Dozens – win on 1st, 2nd or 3rd dozen and you'll triple your money
Those are the basics. As you play, you'll pick things up as you go along. The roulette table can be a daunting place for a newcomer, but persevere and you'll soon be rivaling the old hands. Good luck!
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