Looking at the Role of Skill in Casino Games

Casino games (including online casino ones) are fun for a lot of reasons, two of the main reasons are that both skilled and unskilled players can enjoy them. However, all casino games, in reality, are predominantly luck-based: think of games like roulette, where neither player nor dealer has any control over the outcome.

There are some games that require a small amount of skill to understand and enjoy them fully, but the unknowable outcome of chance is still predominant here: consider blackjack, there the cards that come your way are the luck of the draw and you implement a small amount of skill in adding up the total of your cards and deciding whether it’s safe to stick or hit.

And there are, however, some casino games which only skilled players can really enjoy as they require a deep understanding of the rules and play and an aptitude for the game itself.

Skills can, of course, be learned, and though it can take some time, it can improve your enjoyment in the long run.

What Does Having Skill Involve?

Not only do you need to have a strong grasp on all of the rules of the game in question. You also need to understand the values of the cards and the values they can hold in different circumstances. You also need to understand strategy and know when to employ different plays to make the most of the hand or board in front of you.

Entirely Skill-Based Casino Games

Poker

There are too many different kinds of poker all over the world to list in any kind of exhaustive fashion, but these are the top ones:

• Texas Holdem
• 5 Card Draw
• 7 Card Stud
• Chinese Poker
• Omaha Hi
• Razz Poker

Poker is one of the best-known and most played casino games in the history of gambling. It’s likely the most skill-based game in existence and is certainly the most skill-based card game that we know of. In poker, players play against one another instead of against a dealer or the house. It’s a game for those who love the social aspect of card games since players need to converse while moving through their hands and need to take note of what’s happening with the other players if they want to stay ahead. One of the biggest skills in poker, and one that’s more difficult to teach than others, is the skill of reading people.

The Skill in Poker

Being able to tell when another player is “bluffing” and when their bets are ones placed from a position of power and greater understanding. Players must look out for “tells”- an eye movement, sound or body language that gives away another player’s secrets.

There are other skills associated with poker, naturally. An understanding of different plays and strategies that can be implemented when needed is essential. A grasp of the value of each card is needed, as well as an understanding of what configuration will best serve the player’s hand and path forward. Another necessary skill, and also one that is challenging to teach, is being able to remain calm under pressure and make logical decisions even when you feel like you may have nothing to work with. Without a cool head and a calm demeanour, a poker player won’t get far.

Partially Skill/Partially Chance-Based Games

Craps

Just like poker, there are many different kinds of craps like:

• Ruse Craps
• Simplified Craps
• Die Rich Craps
• High Point Craps

Many people are under the impression that craps is entirely chance based, but that’s simply not true. From a strategy perspective, a lot of skill is required. Although the outcome is dictated by a roll of the dice, some bet that a player may offer better odds than others. For example, there’s a “right way” strategy or shooter approach in which players aim to roll the numbers they’ve decided and the “wrong way” approach, which sees players bet on a seven coming up.

Blackjack

As with almost all casino games, Blackjack has a number of variations:

• American Blackjack
• European Blackjack
• Blackjack Switch
• Perfect Pairs
• Vegas Strip Blackjack

The unknowable outcome of the deal is a huge part of how a game of blackjack will turn out. That said, there’s a lot of skill required to finesse those cards that players are given into something useful and desirable. In blackjack, you play against the dealer, but there is some social aspect as there are, more often than not, other players at the table too.

You need to have a reasonable understanding of maths and any blackjack strategies to make your way in the world of blackjack. Since the aim of the game is to land a 21 or a “blackjack”, you need to know when to “stick” (keep the cards you have because you’re concerned you may exceed 21) or “hit” (take an extra card in the hopes of getting to 21 or as close as possible) to make the best out of the cards that you are dealt.

Skill and Luck Go Hand in Hand

As you can see, skill and game understanding gives those who love casino games an interesting and challenging experience at the table. Whether you are a player who dabbles here and there or someone who has a weekly card game that they never miss, making the best of both of your skill will provide a memorable experience for players of all kinds.