Blackjack vs Poker – Which Game is Right for You?

Every casino game player knows that finding the right game is everything. It increases excitement and enjoyment, and makes winning that much more fun. Meanwhile, the wrong game just feels boring (and if luck isn’t on your side, it’s no way to pass the time).

So let’s take a look at two of the most popular online casino games out there and pit them against each other – blackjack vs poker. There are a few key differences between blackjack and poker that will help you figure out which one is really the game for you. Each one takes work to master, and the payouts can be quite far apart, but both are based on understanding playing cards and some basic odds for the hands you’ll be dealt.

Who are you playing against?

To cover the first main difference, in poker, you’re playing against other players which is unlike blackjack, where you’re playing against the dealer. Other blackjack players won’t influence the outcome anymore or less as their hands don’t affect yours.

What requires more skill blackjack or poker?

Blackjack players need to be able to analyze a dealer’s upcard with their hand and need to remember basic strategy when it comes to each decision to increase their odds. We’ve summed up some of the best ways to practice blackjack with out risking any money if you want to get started. However, successful poker players need to implement a vast array of skills in order to come out on top. These include understanding rules and basic gameplay, calculating odds, bluffing, reading an opponent’s body language and analyzing their betting patterns.

Both poker games and blackjack involve luck, but by applying skills you’ve learned over time, the game you’re playing could turn in your favor.

Which is faster to learn?

Blackjack is pretty straightforward and is easy to learn, even by yourself. All you have to do is memorize the basic strategy card, practice a few games and you’re good to go. In following this strategy card, you can reduce house edge to as little as 0.5%. The strategy does slightly change depending on whether you’re playing single, double or multi deck blackjack, but it’s easy to get the hang of.

Poker is also a fairly simple game, but some beginners may find it more challenging when compared to blackjack. It’s not just a strategy card you have to consult. Poker comes with its own vocabulary you have to pick up on, unless you want to show you’re an absolute novice at the table, you may want to read up on that. You also have to remember what cards make up a specific hand ranking and remember that certain versions of poker have mandatory bets like big and small blinds. There’s a lot more to take into account when learning poker, so it may take you some more time.

What’s more fun, blackjack or poker?

Some may say that blackjack may be more fun, as you can play not having to keep track of other players or worry about their moves. You can leave the blackjack table at any time, choose whatever stake you want and none of the other players are out to get your money.

Difference between Poker strategy and Blackjack strategy

Apart from blackjack basic strategy, another well known strategy is card counting, which is known to give blackjack players an advantage over the house. In fact, card counting in casinos is actually frowned upon at blackjack tables due to this fact, but in poker, however, whilst you can card count, nobody will bat an eye if you do so as it won’t give you that much of an edge. The cards are shuffled between each hand of poker, so it can be difficult to predict future outcomes.

Bankroll Management strategy

For blackjack, as it’s just you against the dealer, you can use progressive betting strategies or flat betting methods to help keep control of your bankroll.

You have to be a bit more careful when it comes to playing poker as it can eat through your money fast. It’s recommended to have a bankroll of at least 20 buy-ins at whatever version you’re playing. If you exceed this amount, you should know when to walk away and not lose more money than you can afford to.

Why should you play poker?

If you’ve ever played before, in person or online, you know that chasing a big poker hand can be super satisfying when you see it dealt out. If you’re playing at Cafe Casino, video poker gives you the chance to watch a nice full house, flush, or straight get laid out on the board, which means you’re in for a nice payday.

That’s the second big reason that poker is a great game – the payouts. If you’re betting big and you land a whopper of a hand, your payout is going to be massive. The top prize in Jacks or Better (our most popular video poker variation) is 4,000x your bet! Granted, you have to hit a straight flush for that to happen, but when your luck comes in, Cafe Casino video poker pays off and then some.

There are a few kinds of video poker among our Cafe Casino table games:

• Jacks or Better offers the chance to get a payday if you hit a pair of jacks or any better hand. You can play versions with 1 hand, 3 hands, or 10 hands if you’re a pro who wants a ton of action.

• Joker Poker features wild jokers that help you hit hands.
• Bonus Deuces Wild offers wild 2s and also gives you the chance to go double or nothing after a winning hand.
• Double Double Bonus – also allows you to play double or nothing after a win. You’ll be shown a dealer card and select from four face down cards to pick one that is higher than the dealer’s card. If you win, you can go double or nothing again!

The challenging part of video poker is the strategy. It can take a bit of reading and chart-checking to get a strong feel for optimal play. Of course, when you get it down, the house edge shrinks and you’ll get one of the best values at our casino!

Why should you play blackjack?

Unlike video poker, Cafe Casino blackjack variations don’t offer the same chance at huge paydays, unless you go on a massive win streak. Instead, the payouts are a lot more stable. The strategy to learn is also a bit easier. Like video poker, it takes some work to understand, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll know not just when to hit and stand, but also when to split, double down, take insurance, and surrender.

Our two most popular versions are Classic Blackjack and Double Deck Blackjack.

As for some basic guidelines: if you have 8-12 points from your first two cards, take a hit. If you have 13-16, you only want that hit if the dealer is showing a 2,3, or 7 or higher. If you see a 4, 5, 6, the probability of the dealer busting is high enough for you to stand pat. If you have 17 or more, just stand. Using these simple concepts, you can get a feel for blackjack until you can delve deeper into strategy and really optimize your play (if that’s something that interests you).

WHICH GAME IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Make it fun and relaxing as the night goes! Make your night a memorable one by choosing the right game for your session.

Now that we’ve described the main differences between these table games, which one should you play? Well, if you’re in the mood for an easier game to produce frequent small wins, Cafe Casino’s classic blackjack and numerous blackjack variations are going to be the best choice. Blackjack strategy is simpler to get down and it’s more straightforward.

If, on the other hand, you love poker action and want to go after bigger paydays and get big online casino wins, Cafe Casino video poker should be your game. There’s no comparison between blackjack and video poker when it comes to payouts. Blackjack is never going to give you 10x, 100x, or 1000x your money, but video poker probably can.

For players who are willing to learn a bit more, video poker also offers a deeper optimization and strategy skillset to keep your mind sharp. It depends on whether you really want to geek out or not. Of course, you can play it how you like. If you’re simply in the mood to draw some hands and relax, you can do that too.

It’s all about the kind of experience you’re after, at the end of the day!

FAQs

Can you play blackjack with a poker set?

All you need for blackjack is a deck of cards and some chips to indicate your stake amount, so yes, you can play blackjack with a poker set at home.

Can you consistently win at video poker?

Like any other casino game, there is always an element of chance, so hitting a winning streak is very unlikely. Make sure to keep control of your bankroll and don’t chase losses in the hopes that a win will come next.