Some of us are avid gamers and can be often found at the table in the casino, or hours into a complex board game at the cafe. Others, however, take a much more casual approach to playing games, maybe only playing a few times a year with family and friends, or during the festive period. Regardless of which camp you sit in, there are some games that are universally known, with anybody able to simply sit down and join in. What might not be common knowledge, however, are certain strange rules in these world-famous games. Let’s look at these rules in some of the most loved games to make sure that next time you play, you don’t get caught out!
Chess – En Passant
One of the oldest and most played board games in the world, this strategic 1v1 game has experienced a recent upturn in popularity due to the success of the chess-based Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit. Whilst Chess is a game of complex strategy, the rules are black and white, with no hidden meanings or elements of chance being present. The end passant move, however, is the one move which deviates from the regular rules. If a pawn moves two squares forward from its starting position and lands beside an opponent's pawn, the opponent can capture the first pawn as if it had only moved one square forward. Knowing this rule can be a great way to gain an advantage over your opposition player, who may not be aware of the complexities of the game.
Roulette – La Partage
As synonymous with casinos as poker, roulette is a game of pure chance, with the outcome of where the ball lands on the wheel being completely random. While this makes the game exciting to play, it means that there are few rules that define the gameplay. In the European format of roulette however, there is the so called La Partage rule. This rule applies when a player makes an even-money bet, like red/black or odd/even, and the ball lands on zero. Instead of losing the entire bet, the player loses only half of their wager. This makes the game marginally more favourable to the player over the house. Unfortunately, this rule is not applied in land-based casinos in North America – however by visiting www.casino.ca players can access the best online casino sites in Canada, with European roulette provided by an abundance of these online platforms.
Poker – The Kill Pot
When you think of casino card games, your mind automatically goes to poker. With several fictional poker playing heroes such as James Bond, the Cincinatti Kid and even Homer Simpson, the game is played all over the world, and several variations of the game have become well established. An interesting rule that is found in fixed limit poker games such as Omaha Hi-Lo and Seven Card Stud is the so-called ‘kill pot’ rule. The rule is triggered when a player wins two consecutive hands, or when the kill threshold of the pot is exceeded. After being triggered, the pot of the next hand is temporarily switched to a higher amount, increasing the stakes of the game. The kill pot rule adds an extra level of excitement to the game, forcing players to adjust their tactics leading to more dynamic gameplay. Make sure to be ready for this next time you’re at the table!
Uno – The Challenge Rule
Uno has established itself as a firm family favorite, with nearly everybody playing this fun but competitive game at some point in their life. The rules of Uno are straightforward and easy to understand which allows people of all ages to get involved with the fun. Despite this, there are still some strange rules that you should be aware of to ensure that you win next time you play. The challenge rule comes into play when someone draws a Wild Draw Four card. The next in turn player can challenge the legality of the play, and if the challenged player cannot prove that they had no alternative but to play the Wild Draw Four, it is them that must draw the four cards instead of the challenger. This rule introduces a bluffing element to the game, adding an extra level of excitement.
Scrabble – Bingo!
First released in 1938 as a game to distract North Americans from the turbulent conditions of the great depression, Scrabble has undergone multiple rule changes, redesigns and digitalisations through its lifetime, and remains a staple of many a family board game night. You might be confused if you hear someone shouting bingo during a game of Scrabble, but playing a bingo during a game is a great way to accumulate more points. Bingo is the term used when a player puts down all seven of their letter tiles in a single turn. This impressive feat is rewarded with a 50-point bonus which is added on at the end of the game. When you next get Scrabble out, make sure to consider this when you get a good selection of letters!
Being aware of these strange rules could be the difference between winning and losing the next time you play. While it might just give you bragging rights when you one up your sibling at the next family party, it could also be the piece of knowledge you need to ensure you leave the casino with a smile on your face!
