Advantage Playing: Blackjack versus Poker
Advantage playing in the casino is limited to only a few games. The two arguably most popular choices today are blackjack and poker. By poker, by the way, we refer to table poker like Hold'em, Omaha and Stud; video poker is technically not poker. Let us compare these two games in consideration of advantage playing.
Both blackjack and poker are card games. Both are strategy-based rather than luck-based, meaning to say, the skillful player has an advantage. Most importantly, both games can be played for a living since the income is fairly steady.
Yet that is as far as similarities go. A major difference between the two is whom one plays against. In blackjack, you play against the dealer; other players don't concern you. In poker, you play against your fellow gamblers; it is the house that doesn't concern you (aside from the rake).
Further in blackjack, your opponent's (dealer's) moves are predetermined, so all the "live" action and decision-making rest with you. You can adjust your game according to the dealer's up card, but he or she cannot do the same with you. In poker, your opponents have the same freedom and opportunities as you do.
Advantage playing in blackjack is all about making the correct math-based decisions. These are all pre-calculated so you only follow the strategy. Your decisions are influenced, not by some "human" factor, but by the mathematics of the game.
Poker is primarily the opposite. You have to "read" your opponents, guess what cards they have and then make your decision. In poker, you not only play the cards, you play your human opponents. While there is math here too, it is the psychology aspect in poker that distinguishes it from blackjack and other games.
So blackjack is more for people who like to play by preset rules and standards. Poker is better suited for persons who enjoy watching other people's actions and using that to win. Blackjack seems to be more for players who enjoy solitude. If a blackjack player were to switch to another good game, they would probably enjoy video poker more than table poker.
Of course, there are a few advantage players who succeed in both poker and blackjack. It is wise for one to try both these games. When you do, focus on enjoying the game. Money may be important, but you can never excel in a sport you don't enjoy.
