Hand

In iGaming, particularly referring to card games like poker and blackjack, a “hand” defines the cards a player has during the game. This term establishes one’s possible win in relation to the rules of the game involved.

Composition

• In most card games, the hand consists of a certain number of cards, dealt to the player. For example, in poker, each player receives two private cards – the so-called ‘hole cards’ – and makes their best five-card combination using five community cards.

Ranking

• A hand’s strength is based on the ranking of the cards that make it. Different games have different rankings of hands. For instance, in poker, the hands rank from a high card, which is the weakest, to royal flush, which is the strongest. In blackjack, the goal is to get a hand value that is closest to 21 without exceeding it.

Gameplay

• The outcome of a hand can affect betting, raising, folding, and even the actions a player may take during their turn.. Many players strategise based on the strength of their hands against possible opponent hands.

Conditions of Winning

• Winning conditions of a hand are determined differently in different games. For example, in poker, the winner of the pot is the player who has the best hand at showdown, while in blackjack, players aim to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21.

Variations Across Games

• Various games have their rules regarding hands. As an example, in the game of baccarat, players do not form hands themselves, they bet on the outcome of the dealer’s and player’s hands. Each game has its unique method for determining the winning hand and payout determination.