Best Casino Games Where You Can Gain an Edge Over the House – Earn Money with Knowledge and Math

Not all gambling is the same and that much should be apparent to any gambler, experienced or new to the game. Considering how many ways there are now to bet on the outcome of something, both in terms of casino games and sports betting, players should be careful about their choices and make sure always to pick and choose the type of wagering that suits them. Exactly because of this great opportunity to opt for what you like and are good at should you never play games that are in any way, shape, or form not to your liking. But how do you choose and what should a gambler do if they are overwhelmed with such a wide selection?

The basic split between two types of gambling and the broadest way to distinguish between them is skill and luck. Most games can be split into either of these two basic groups. On one hand, there is gambling which implies a lot of skill that comes from years of playing the games and becoming better and better. The more you play, the more outcomes you see and become a part of which raises your skill level. Here, experience is key. And on the other side, some games are nothing more than luck. Even if they have a small amount of skill associated with them, the random number generator (RNG) does all of the work. The algorithms and programming behind the games mean that all you can do is hope for the best while playing them.

In this article, we focus on the former, games where knowledge and skill are rewarded especially if you apply advanced tactics like counting cards and calculating probabilities as you play. With experience and knowing when to do what, games like online blackjack, poker, and even roulette can be turned in your favor. In turn, we will not be discussing slot machines and other similar games where only luck dictates the outcome. They are meant more for the entertainment factor and not really winning money because you are good at them. Read on to learn how you can utilize knowledge, mathematics, and probability to become a better gambler.

Playing Blackjack the Right Way

In order to properly approach a blackjack table, whether it is an online live table or a physical one in your local casino establishment, you must first know what needs to be done. Theory should precede practice and knowing the basics of all the aspects of this exciting card game will help you win more often than not. The most important thing to learn with this game is counting cards. Now, the first thing that needs to be mentioned here is the fact that casinos do not appreciate players doing so, but they cannot do much about it other than introduce multiple decks and not tell the players how many of them are in play. Anywhere from 1 to 8 decks is usually possible, but regardless, counting cards is a great strategy where math plays a part.

Here is what it is and how to do it. Card counting in blackjack is a strategy that helps the player keep track of the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the round. The most common system is called the Hi-Lo system where you assign values to cards. High cards like 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces are -1 while the low cards from 2-6 are +1. Cards 709 are neutral. Keeping a running count whenever a card is played as the game progresses allows the player to adjust their bets and decisions based on the composition of the cards remaining. It is an ingenious strategy that first of all, works, and second of all, is impossible to tell if someone is doing it especially if you have a good poker face on. Simple addition and subtraction are all you need.

Now onto the other important things in blackjack, you have to know how and when to deal, split, double down, and hit. Dealing is easy as every round starts with each player getting two cards face down and the dealer gets one facing down and one facing up. The dealer has to follow stricter rules with hitting and standing and once the players make their moves, they reveal the hole card. Splitting is done when you have a good chance to improve your hand, especially with Aces and 8s. When you split an Ace, you can hit a blackjack (hand value of 21) with each new card. Splitting 8s improves the hand by reducing the value of a bad hand (in this case 16). Never split pairs of 10s or 5s because they already give strong hands.

Doubling down implies doubling your original bet in exchange for committing to taking only one more card. It is done when you have a strong chance of improving your hand, ideally when the total of your hand is 9, 10, or 11, and if the dealer’s shown card is a 4, 5, or 6. This situation increases the likelihood of winning with just one more card and it is when doubling your original wagering makes the most sense. Again, this asks the player to keep track of cards and calculate the probability and chance of what could happen with new cards. Constant thinking and adapting to the situation are necessary, as well as both counting cards and adding up the totals.

When or if your hand is not that strong and you need extra cards to make it so, you should hit. This is done when the total value of the hand is too low for a good chance to win anything, particularly with the initial move when the game has just started. If your hand is 11 or less, it is the safest moment to hit since you cannot bust (go over 21) with one more card. If your hand is between 12 and 16 and the dealer has 7 or more, hit because you need to improve your total to have a chance at beating the dealer. Never hit if your total is 17 or more because you can bust very easily and lose your bet. As you can see, it is all about mathematics and calculation, as well as predicting the possible outcomes. Those who can do it well will thrive in blackjack, be it on an online casino platform like Stake or in a local establishment.

Poker Requires the Most Skill

While blackjack has its fair share of maths, skill, and experience involved, it is not really up to the standard of poker. The most iconic card game on the planet is considered this for a very good reason. While it can technically be played against anyone and in many different ways, real poker requires a calm mind and a steady hand together with well-thought-out moves and all sorts of combinations. Counting cards is, of course, still a big deal in the game but so are other types of skills not often connected with gambling.

The biggest advantage in poker involves mathematical skills. Due to a ton of probability and odds, calculations are crucial if you mean to get at least some chance of winning. You have to know the likelihood of certain hands, and the pot odds, and understand the expected value (EV). This gives the players a significant edge and makes you not only a gambler but a true expert in prediction and calculation who happens to play a fun card game where these two skills will help immensely. While mostly associated with blackjack, counting cards in the same way could help a poker player. Still, other skills are much more useful.

Poker is very fun and exciting because of the psychological and emotional aspects. The players need to be able to control their emotions as well as read opponents. Even the smallest and seemingly innocent movement can be a clue to what cards they could have and what they could be thinking. Spotting these tells, i.e. physical and behavioral cues, and managing your own emotions by avoiding tilts are crucial skills. They help you stay focused and make better decisions based on what is going on at the table. Keeping cool and sticking with an emotionless, on-point attitude will allow you to get the coveted poker face.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are bluffing and deception tactics. As you can see, poker is only partially about cards, rules, and the actual card gameplay mechanics. Bluffing is an essential part of poker strategy as the ability to convincingly bluff without giving away your hand can win you pots even with weak cards. Avoiding the same thing trying to be done with you goes without saying. Being a master of deception goes both ways.

To do all of this, as well as keep your emotions in check, patience and discipline are crucial. Waiting for good hands could take a while and waiting for the opportunity to present itself while bluffing and reading others may take much longer than you anticipated. Avoiding impulsive decisions and sticking to strategy is something experienced poker players know how to handle.

FAQ

There are some additional things to know about these card games that could make you a better student of the game. Usually, people want to know everything about their hobby even if it does not translate into doing it better. Therefore, here are some frequently asked questions.

What is a blackjack weapon?

In no way related to the game, this is a melee weapon used for self-defense. It is a small club or blunt weapon made of solid, heavy material like wood or metal and then padded, weighted, and wrapped in leather with a handle on one side and a ball on the other. It is short and perfect for close-quarter combat and it was often used in the past as a way to square off, prevent fights from escalating further, or just in case of a mugging or other dangerous situations. It was always used for striking with force but causing non-lethal damage, therefore great for subduing and incapacitating targets

How to play blackjack at home?

Hosting a gambling night in your home is one of the best ways to spend time with like-minded individuals. Sharing hobbies and having a joint pastime activity with people you care about is always great, and deciding to play blackjack at home is the perfect way to do it. You can easily set it up at home as all you need are card decks, where 1 or 2 are enough, and a table to play it. Alternatively, you can get premade blackjack sets with a folding table, a casino-style mat, and chips. Since you need a dealer and at least one more player, two people are enough, but make sure there are at least 4 of you for the game to be more engaging. And organize some food and drinks as it can be a long night of gambling fun!

Where to play blackjack and poker in Red Dead Redemption 2?

As one of the best video games of all time and the defacto Wild West experience for gamers, RDR2 was always going to have casino and saloon-style gambling mini-games within its expansive gameplay. Both blackjack and poker are available for Arthur Morgan and Joh Marston to play. For Blackjack, you can make your way to Blackwater and Saint Denis as saloons in both of these cities offer blackjack tables. Blackwater is the most prominent for this card game. For poker, you can go to both of these places as well, but also Tumbleweed which is a more western and out-of-the-way location. Your camps also offer gambling opportunities every so often, but not always. The mini-games are made very well with comments by your character and the opponents. All the rules are there and you can make (or lose) some serious money doing so.