Poker or Blackjack: Which Game Is Better or Worse?

It’s often one of the most common questions between new or inexperienced game lovers: Should I choose blackjack or poker to play?

Today let’s look at what distinguishes these two popular card games.

There is no doubt that poker and blackjack are some of the world’s most popular games of chance. And like all card games, players seek the best odds and the right amount of fun. Still, players argue over which of the two games is more profitable: poker or blackjack?

It that it all depends on how you approach it. Different players will have different strategies that they all swear by, and there’s no guaranteed way to make it big playing either game.

Let’s look at poker and blackjack and see how these games stack up against each other.

Poker: What Is It and Who Invented It?

CoinPoker users are no strangers to the rules of poker. Poker is beloved and unique, as the only casino game where players compete with players, instead of the operators. Everyone holds private cards and trys to make combinations with some shared cards—but its not that simple. Thanks to the private card aspect, bluffing can also bring players the win. Mostly, you’ll see three types of poker being played: the uber-popular Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or 5 Card Omaha.

But, do you know where poker first appeared?

That is not an easy answer to find. Some believe that poker first appeared more than 1,000 years ago in ancient China, where it took the form of a domino-style card game. Meanwhile, other historians think that poker was derived from a 16th-century Persian card game named “As Nas.” Some also theorized that poker is the descendant of a French card game called “poque,” which featured 3 cards and often involved bluffing. French colonists brought the game to the United States, and “poque” soon became poker.

From the glitzy casinos of Las Vegas to high-stakes poker tournaments, what is it about poker that draws in thousands of players every day?

The mixture of logic and bluffing is a huge draw to poker, as is the opportunity to earn serious money. Some poker tournaments offer cash prizes of nearly $20 million for those brave enough to try their luck against the world’s best. But even in low-stakes poker games, excitement is never in short supply.

Is Poker A Game For Everyone?

Besides looking like a badass at the tables, there are plenty of reasons why you should get into poker, such as:

• Poker is a skilled-based game that is less reliant on luck.
• You need to learn how to read people and anticipate their next move.
• The thrill offered by poker is unlike anything else.
• The game teaches you discipline and emotional self-control.

Keep In Mind Before Entering The Tables:

Despite everything great about poker, you should also bear in mind the following:

• Poker is easy to learn but challenging to master.
• The game is highly accessible, so the poker scene is very competitive.
• Don’t be discouraged if you get a few losses in the beginning, but learn from your mistakes.
• You need to find the variation of the game that better suits your style.

Blackjack: What Is It and Who Invented It?

If you’ve ever walked into a casino, blackjack tables probably caught your eye.

Players sit in a semi-circle facing the dealer, who controls the speed and cards in the game. The betting system is far simpler than poker’s; instead of repeatedly betting on every round of a poker game, blackjack players place their bets at the start of a new game. Players receive two cards and can “hit,” i.e., draw another card to reach their goal: getting the total value to 21, or as close as possible. To win, players must have card totals higher than the dealer’s but not exceeding the number 21, hence its name. Alternatively, players also win when the dealer draws a “bust,” i.e., more than 21.

Blackjack (or 21 in some cultures) is believed to be a French card game that originated around 1700. Back then, the French would have called it “Vingt-et-un,” which translates to “Twenty-one”

Why is Blackjack So Popular?

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world and it’s easy to see why. iI’s fast-paced, exciting, and easily accessible, even on a mobile app. Also, remember that:

• Unlike poker, blackjack is more a game of chance than skill.
• Here you’re only playing against one person – the dealer.
• There is a fast turnaround time.
• You can count cards to improve your odds of success.

What You Should Remember Before Playing Blackjack?

While blackjack is easily accessible, you also need to keep in mind that:

• Blackjack doesn’t require skill to start – you’re relying purely on luck.
• Fast turnaround time – you can lose millions in a single night.
• There may not be an option to “surrender” or fold if you have a terrible hand.
• Favored by amateur gamblers.
• It is impossible to get when playing online – you cannot count cards.

Is Poker Better?

If you prefer a game that is more skill-based, then we’ll say that poker is the game for you. While it does have an element of luck involved, poker is primarily a skill-based game that requires strategy.

• The Social Aspect: Poker is a game that is often played with friends and acquaintances and is great for socializing. With blackjack, you essentially play a solo game, which takes some fun out of the experience.
• Better Odds to Win: In poker, you play against other players, so the casino isn’t able to interfere or create unfavorable odds. Instead, they take a small flat fee from each game. Poker is not extremely profitable for casino operators, which is why slot machines and other games are more common in brick-and-mortar establishments. But, that’s good news for you.
• More Strategic: Whether you’re bluffing, going all in, or folding, poker brings a lot more nuance to the table than blackjack. Still, while poker does not have a steep learning curve at first, you might take some time to master it. Luckily for anyone who is starting that journey, learning a basic poker strategy is easier than ever these days.

Is Blackjack Better?

If you want something easy to play and has the potential for massive profit in a single night, with plenty of thrills, then blackjack is probably the game for you. 

• You Can Raise Your Edge: More advanced players can also experiment with card counting and other strategies that may give you an edge over the house.
• Ability to Play Solo: With blackjack, it’s essentially you and your strategy against the game. Sure, other players at your table can affect the flow of cards, but you don’t need to consider their strategy much. This lets players focus more on their own actions and apply the strategy they feel is most profitable.
• Access to Tons of Games: Blackjack is a staple in almost every casino on the planet, both live and online. The games might have slightly different payouts and rules, but remain essentially the same. Poker players have to choose games more carefully, looking for high-traffic games and trustworthy poker rooms.

Nonetheless, remember that blackjack is believed to involve more luck than skill. According to data from May 2020, 44% of players are conscious that blackjack is a game of luck, while 35% believe it’s a game of skill.

So Should You Play Poker or Blackjack?

And now, we come to the million-dollar question: should you play poker or blackjack?

The short answer is neither game is better than the other; while they’re both card games, they both require a different approach and they are suited for different players. Both blackjack and poker are great games with their fair share of pros and cons, with overlapping qualities.

Both poker and blackjack have:

• A chance to make huge profits
• Strategies you can apply to get an edge
• A mix of luck and skill

You just have to measure your chances and always wage responsibly. For those who want to gain skills and outplay other people for profit, poker is the clear choice. If you are looking for the thrill of a pure luck game, pick blackjack.

Nevertheless, if, instead, you would rather master a skill-based game, join CoinPoker’s tables and start playing the game. The best part about CoinPoker is that it makes amateur and beginner players feel accepted. With the Bad Beat Jackpot, everyone could be a winner.

Join thousands of other poker players at the tables today!