Casino ABC: Letter I

Get ready for your next casino visit – equipped with comprehensive knowledge from A to Z. Everything you need to know about the world of MERKUR Casinos.





approx. 3 min.
Casino ABC: Letter I
Maya Maya

From “Impair” to “Insurance Line”

The letter “I” also has plenty to offer in the Casino A–Z. Many of the terms may sound quite complex at first – but they’re not so difficult once you get to know them. Here, you’ll find them explained clearly, simply, and straight from the world of our MERKUR Casinos . That way, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your next visit.

Impair (French for “odd”)

Impair is the French term for the odd numbers in Roulette – that is, all numbers that cannot be divided by two: 1, 3, 5, 7 … up to 35. If you place your bet on them, you receive a 1:1 payout when the ball lands on an odd number. In other words: you double your stake. A classic term that brings plenty of style – and one that’s sure to make you shine at the gaming table.

Aachen Pokertische

Implied Odds

To make use of implied odds in a game of Poker , it helps to have paid attention in maths class. Imagine you’re considering whether it’s worth calling a round even though you don’t yet have the perfect hand. Implied odds help you assess that: they indicate how much you could potentially win if you hit your hand – that is, if the right card still comes.

Inlay

An inlay is the colourful centrepiece of a chip. It shows the chip’s value and usually also the casino’s logo. High-quality inlays are forgery-proof, have a pleasant feel, and make it clear at first glance: “I belong in a real casino – not in a home games room.” And no, even if they look nice, they’re not meant to be souvenirs.

Aachen Roulette

Inside Bet

In Roulette, an inside bet means placing your chips directly on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the game board (the tableau) – right in the middle of the number field, hence the name. For example, you might bet on “17” or on “17 and 20.”

The risk is higher because the chance of the ball landing exactly there is smaller – but in return, the payout is all the greater.

Inside Straight Draw

An inside straight draw is simply another name for a gutshot .

In Poker, this means you almost have a straight (five cards in sequence) – but you’re missing exactly one card in the middle.

Example: You’re holding 5-6-8-9, and you need the 7.

Now you’re hoping for exactly that card to appear. Four cards in the entire deck could help you – these are called “four outs.” And while you wait, of course, you act as if you’re completely relaxed. Poker face – remember?

Aachen Poker

In the Money (ITM)

In a poker tournament, many players start, but only a few end up sharing the prize pool. “In the Money” – or “ITM” for short – means you’ve made it into those prize-paying positions. In other words, you’re officially in the money.

Example: 100 players enter, but only the top 15 positions are paid. As soon as you reach 15th place or better, you’re In the Money – your buy-in has paid off, and you’ll receive a payout.

The final stage before these prize positions is called the “bubble” – that’s when everyone gets nervous, because a single place determines whether you win or walk away empty-handed.

Insurance

In Black Jack , it can happen that the dealer’s first card is an Ace. And since an Ace is already halfway to a “Black Jack” (21 points with just two cards), things get exciting at that moment. This is where insurance comes in – a kind of side bet that protects you against the dealer having Black Jack.
Here’s how it works:

  • You can place a small side bet – usually half of your original stake.
  • If the dealer does in fact have Black Jack (an Ace plus a ten-value card), you receive double your insurance bet back.
  • If the dealer doesn’t have Black Jack, your insurance bet is lost – but the main game continues as normal.








Dortmund Black Jack von oben mit Sonne

Insurance Line

When you’re sitting at the Black Jack table, you’ll notice fine lines or markings on the felt in front of the playing area. One of these is called the Insurance Line. It’s the area where you place your chip if you want to take out the insurance bet. When the dealer shows an Ace, they’ll ask: “Insurance?”

If you agree, you simply place your chip on this line – voilà, insurance activated. If there’s no chip there, you’re not insured and continue playing as usual. The line simply provides clarity: it shows at a glance who has placed a side bet – convenient for both the dealer and the players.

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