Roulette Table: Chase the ace
By Joel Porter
Opinion Editor
It is the most widely played gambling card game, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica.
So simple.
So potentially profitable.
At times, so heartbreaking.
All you have to do is get a 21 (or close enough to it without busting).
Blackjack is arguably the most popular game at any bar, lounge or casino.
Card players and frequent gamblers enjoy the game for its options. They always have choices.
Whether they’re hitting on 15, staying on 18, doubling-down on 11 or splitting a pair of aces, players can choose their fate.
There is more confidence when you have a choice. It’s different than leaving your money to chance with the pull of a clumsy slot machine handle or a random number on a roulette table.
Blackjack is popular because it’s easy to play. There’s not a lot of critical thinking involved because the game moves so quickly, you don’t have time to think about it. Poker is a more difficult process, since players are playing each other. In Blackjack, they’re trying to play the dealer.
Also, poker players are always trying to hide their emotions, not show their tells, and contemplating endlessly if their hand is good enough to win the pot.
Blackjack cards are all face up. This can be both good and bad. There are no secrets, since everybody knows what each other has, except for the dealer’s hand.
With the quick pace of blackjack, players can make a lot of money in a short time. They can also lose even more in less time.
There are some parts of the game that aren’t learned until you’ve played for a while.
You can’t lose what you don’t put in. But you can’t win very much, either.
It seems every time you double your bets, the cards turn cold and the dealer cleans up.
For those trying to count cards, it’s difficult but not impossible. Most tables deal in four-deck shoes, so it’s harder. Even so, I wouldn’t advise trying it. If dealers or security guards catch you, you’ll be thrown out of the game.
More players should know when to quit. If they’re willing to stick it out at the table for a few hours, they’ll see plenty of hands.
It’s normal to go on a run and double your money or to hit a dry spell.
Both can happen very quickly.
If you get to the point when you’re $50 up, call it a night. You’ll probably wonder how long you could’ve gone or how much you could’ve doubled it, but walking out $50 richer is better than going to the ATM to withdraw another $200.
Blackjack isn’t as televised or talked about as much as poker, but when it comes to a fun gambling time, you won’t find a better game.
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum
Opinion Editor
It is the most widely played gambling card game, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica.
So simple.
So potentially profitable.
At times, so heartbreaking.
All you have to do is get a 21 (or close enough to it without busting).
Blackjack is arguably the most popular game at any bar, lounge or casino.
Card players and frequent gamblers enjoy the game for its options. They always have choices.
Whether they’re hitting on 15, staying on 18, doubling-down on 11 or splitting a pair of aces, players can choose their fate.
There is more confidence when you have a choice. It’s different than leaving your money to chance with the pull of a clumsy slot machine handle or a random number on a roulette table.
Blackjack is popular because it’s easy to play. There’s not a lot of critical thinking involved because the game moves so quickly, you don’t have time to think about it. Poker is a more difficult process, since players are playing each other. In Blackjack, they’re trying to play the dealer.
Also, poker players are always trying to hide their emotions, not show their tells, and contemplating endlessly if their hand is good enough to win the pot.
Blackjack cards are all face up. This can be both good and bad. There are no secrets, since everybody knows what each other has, except for the dealer’s hand.
With the quick pace of blackjack, players can make a lot of money in a short time. They can also lose even more in less time.
There are some parts of the game that aren’t learned until you’ve played for a while.
You can’t lose what you don’t put in. But you can’t win very much, either.
It seems every time you double your bets, the cards turn cold and the dealer cleans up.
For those trying to count cards, it’s difficult but not impossible. Most tables deal in four-deck shoes, so it’s harder. Even so, I wouldn’t advise trying it. If dealers or security guards catch you, you’ll be thrown out of the game.
More players should know when to quit. If they’re willing to stick it out at the table for a few hours, they’ll see plenty of hands.
It’s normal to go on a run and double your money or to hit a dry spell.
Both can happen very quickly.
If you get to the point when you’re $50 up, call it a night. You’ll probably wonder how long you could’ve gone or how much you could’ve doubled it, but walking out $50 richer is better than going to the ATM to withdraw another $200.
Blackjack isn’t as televised or talked about as much as poker, but when it comes to a fun gambling time, you won’t find a better game.
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum
