At OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos, we want to keep our readers informed of the latest gaming innovations in the U.S. With this in mind, we discovered Bluff, a new casino table game similar to poker that is currently being tested in Las Vegas. Our writing staff was able to gather some valuable information regarding this new table game including its main features, rules, and takeaways.
The game’s promoter, Vegas Aces Services, LLC has confirmed that the game is set to launch in the near future, possibly as soon as early 2019. Keep reading to learn all about Bluff before it hits casino floors at Las Vegas.
5 Key Benefits of Playing Bluff
One of the main benefits of this new Las Vegas casino table game is that players feel like they’re playing in a live poker game, with the exception that the dealer’s hand plays against each player’s hand. Take a look at some of the other highlights:
- Single Player: An average of 180 hands per hour can be played when only 1 player is at the Bluff table
- Full Table: With a full table of 7 players, an average of 330 hands can be played each hour
- Side Bets: Enjoy a Suit & Tie side bet as well as the Progressive Jackpot bet for versatile gameplay
- House Edge Variations: The house edge is 4.2% with the ante wager and 2.4% with card counting.
- High Limit Options: High Limit wagering is available with a lower house edge of 1.8%
How Do You Play Bluff?
Bluff is played with a standard 52 card deck with a 2, 4, 6 or 8 deck shoe. The highest value card in the game is the Aces and the deuces are the low-value cards. The goal of the game is for players to have a higher value card than the dealer and to not fall for a Bluff.
In the game, bluffing will occur when the player or the dealer decides to raise a low card, like a 2 or 3. During gameplay, each player is going against the dealer in heads-up mode, like poker, and not competing against other players at the table.
5 Steps To Start Playing
How to Win at Bluff
Now on to the important stuff, how to win. Depending on a variety of factors, there are different ways you can win at Bluff. Keep in mind the following rules.
- If the player and the dealer do not fold, then the highest value card will dictate the winning hand.
- If the hand is a tie, then the wagers will push and no money will be exchanged.
- If the player has a lower ranking card than the dealer, then the player loses their money.
- If the card is higher than the dealer, and the player and dealer had checked, then the player will be paid 1 to 1 based on their ante.
- If the dealer or the player had raised and the other side decided to call, then the win is paid 1 to 1 on both bets, the ante, and the call or raise.
Optimal Player Strategy
Interestingly enough, Bluff is a game that welcomes card counting. Yes, you heard that right! You can use card counting skills to win at the game. By tracking the high and low cards in the game, you can reduce the House Edge from 4.2% with the Ante to 2.5%.
If you are more of a casual player, it is suggested that players raise when they hold a 2, 3, 4 and check with a 5, 6, 7 or an 8. It is recommended that a player raises with a 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King or an Ace.
Side Bets
A fun extra to Bluff is that the game offers side wagers. Players can choose to play the Suit & Tie wager or the Progressive wager. Each offers a way for players to earn more while enjoying the game.
Suit & Tie wager
Progressive Wager
A Look at the Creator of the Game
The inventor of Bluff is Joseph Shipman, former Director of Math at Gaming Laboratories International in New Jersey. Mr. Shipman has a Ph.D. in mathematics and has watched for years how new table games were invented and ultimately failed.
After identifying key elements of Game Theory that were not being represented within the market, he designed Bluff to solve problems that are common in other games involving mathematical and technical issues. It took a decade to create and a lot of effort to see the new Bluff title come to life, finally ready for a field trial.
Vegas Aces Services
The developer of Bluff, Vegas Aces Services, LLC, is an innovative company consisting of developers, educators, and market specialists based in Las Vegas. The team has a unique perspective as to what the gaming industry offers and needs, with insight on those the industry can benefit the local community.
With over 10 years of experience in the industry, the team of Vegas Aces Services, LLC uses its knowledge to develop new skills to continually grow and succeed. When asked how to describe this game, Vegas Aces Services, LLC’s CEO, Heather Ferris, stated:
“It’s like being able to play 1 Card Stud Poker head-to-head with a dealer while on the casino floor.”
Check Out This New Casino Table Game
With Bluff currently in the testing phase, it should not be long before players see the game in action in Las Vegas casinos. If you’re planning a trip to Sin City in 2019 you should definitely be on the lookout for this interesting new card game! Give it a try and see for yourself what Bluff has to offer.
Bluff Promotional Video
If you want to get a better idea of what this game is all about, watch this promotional video that highlights it’s main features and benefits.