Blackjack vs Poker
Every casino, whether it’s a brick-and-mortar venue or an online site, will have both blackjack and poker among its many games, given the popularity of them. However, despite the immense popularity of both, players new to these games may sometimes find it difficult to get into the rules and main aspects of each.
That’s why it’s important to know the main differences, as well as the slight similarities, that connect blackjack and poker. This guide will go through the rules and gameplay of both and explain exactly what it takes to win at both.
Blackjack Wins When It Comes to Simplicity
The clearest separation between blackjack and poker is the fact that the former requires a lot less understanding.
Ultimately, boiled down to the simplest concept, blackjack is a game where a player is dealt cards by a casino dealer or computer as both parties aim to achieve a number as close to 21 as possible without overshooting it and going bust. Getting exactly 21 means you’ve got blackjack and have won that hand outright.
In the game of Poker, the rules are more complex, requiring an understanding of the various hands that are possible.
Blackjack and Poker Both Have The Option of Strategies
As in any casino game where a player holds some sway on the outcome, there are blackjack strategies that can be employed in an attempt to level the playing field between player and dealer as much as possible. While these can never guarantee a win, as is always the case in games of chance, they can often provide a solid base for those players looking for a structured approach to their game.
Some players will use their knowledge of the probability of busts to gauge whether or not to keep the cards coming. As an example, if a dealer’s first card visible to the player is a five, this is the most regular bust card at around a 43% probability. This can inform the next step for a player as they look to make their next move.
Poker also has layers of strategy to it. A player can’t rely purely on the chance of being dealt a Royal Flush every time they take a seat at the table. Instead, they need to be able to pick their moments in the game, when to bluff, and even when to fold if the game is getting away from them. This is what makes the game a popular option, as it’s one that revolves around personality as much as the draw of the cards.
A typical game will not see players going against the house, as they will instead be playing against each other. As such, there isn’t a house edge for a typical game. These games are known as “rakes”. Instead, the probability will be based on the likelihood of different card combinations.
Both Blackjack & Poker Have Multiple Variations
The internet has made the casino much more accessible for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Long gone are the days of the games being stuffy and limited in their scope. The sheer size of the catalogues of games available has meant that there really is something for everyone, even when it comes to games like blackjack.
You will be able to find a full list of different twists and takes on the classic game. Here are just a few of the different types that you’ll likely find.
- European blackjack
- Spanish 21
- Vegas strip blackjack
- Atlantic City blackjack
- Progressive blackjack
- Multi-hand blackjack
Some of these games will be similar to traditional blackjack, and the only differences may be superficial or slight alterations to the rules. However, the Spanish variants use 48-card decks, as well as using a table with a slightly different layout.
That means that you should always read up on the rules for the specific game you’re playing before diving straight in, even if you think you’ve got a good handle on the basic format of the game.
Much like blackjack, poker is a game that has seen a great number of variants springing out of it over the years. Now that the internet has made access to tables easier than ever before, you will be able to pick from a long list of types. Some of the most common include:
- Texas hold’em poker
- Omaha
- Five-card draw
- High/Low Chicago
- Stud poker
Complex Hands in Poker
It’s safe to say that poker is a more complex game than blackjack. In particular, while blackjack is a game with a simple structure, poker requires knowledge of different combinations of cards, their meanings and values, and how best to play your opponents as well as the game itself. It’s a much more involved game, which is one of the reasons it has become popular.
Most amateur poker players know that the strongest hand in the game is the Royal Flush - five cards of one suit in consecutive order. If you find yourself in a make-or-break moment with one, you’re looking at a good chance of winning.
However, there are different ways of building a winning hand - especially as you won’t always experience a Royal Flush - and some of these require some strategy to navigate. For example, a Full House consists of three same-rank cards (same number or face card) and a pair of a different number or face. In this situation, your trio of cards establishes the strength of your hand, so you’re going to want to make sure that those cards are of the highest value possible before continuing with confidence.
Blackjack or Poker - Which Game is Better?
At the end of the day, only you can decide which game is best for you. Everybody has their own individual preferences, and these will shape what it is that makes the perfect pastime for them. Both of these games have stood the test of time and retain a massive fanbase that will tell you why their chosen game is the best. It’s best to research both to determine what you want from your game and make an informed decision.
Some players will look at the low house edge in blackjack and see that as a good reason to choose it. However, it’s important to note that while strategies can add a structured approach to the game, they can’t guarantee an outcome.