Poker and blackjack are the most popular and widely played casino games of all time. So which is better? Which has better odds? Which is more fun? While there are plenty of advantages (and a few downsides) to both games, it all comes down to player preference.
Here we look at both games and review their pros, cons, and the winning odds of each. Regardless of your preference, blackjack and poker are plenty of fun and offer lucrative potential profits.
What You Should Know About Blackjack
One of the most popular table games, blackjack, is available at virtually all casino sites. Because a skilled blackjack player can get the house edge to within 1%, it is considered one of the few “beatable“ games.
Plenty of people have made (and lost) fortunes playing blackjack. Many betting systems and card-counting methods exist, bringing the odds nearly even.
Blackjack – Pros and Cons
There are advantages and disadvantages when playing blackjack. Keep in mind these notes the next time you want to play a round of blackjack.
Pros
- Fixed mathematical odds provide a slight player edge when played perfectly.
- You can ask the dealer to recommend the correct move.
- There are several game variants available.
Cons
- It’s difficult to get a significant edge in the long run.
- Some brick-and-mortar casinos switched to continuous shuffle.
- Playing against the house.
If you want to learn more about how to improve your odds of winning, check out our in-depth blackjack strategy guide!
What You Should Know About Poker
Poker is truly a game all on its own. Although there are thousands of “poker” games, when people say poker, they generally refer to Texas Hold ’em, the most popular of all the poker variants.
Considered by many the best game to play at a casino, poker puts you against other players rather than the house and is a much more social game than others.
Poker offers tournament gaming, where a gambler pays a fee and plays with no cash value chips. The goal in tournaments is survival–the payouts come to the players who last the longest. Alternatively, in a cash game, you play with actual money in front of you, and the goal is to build your stack as much as possible.
Poker – Pros and Cons
Not sure if this card game is the right option for you? Check out some of the pros and downsides of playing poker.
Pros
- Highly skilled players have a spectacular edge.
- Playing against other players, not against the house.
- Tournament and cash-style games offer different price ranges and payouts.
Cons
- If unskilled, poker can be a challenging game to win.
- No fixed mathematical odds to calculate.
- The house takes a rake in cash games and a fee for tournaments.
Read our comprehensive poker strategy guide if you want to sharpen your poker face and game-playing skills!
Blackjack vs. Poker – Which Game Has Better Odds?
To define which game truly has the better odds is not possible. While blackjack, when played perfectly, has mathematically set odds against the house, in poker you play against others, and the true odds of winning are a matter of individual skill.
Knowing the best systems of counting cards can give players an even–or some argue even a small winning–edge in blackjack. However, knowing the odds of hands versus poker hands is helpful but doesn’t provide an advantage.
In poker, skills like reading other players, range calculation, experience, and savvy regarding when to play can give you a better chance of winning. As they say, you got to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em.
Final Verdict – Blackjack vs. Poker
In the end, the most straightforward answer is: if you are highly skilled at poker, you have the best odds of winning than with any other casino game. Thousands of professional poker gamblers make a living from just playing poker. If you’re not an experienced player, we suggest sticking to blackjack.
Play Online Blackjack and Poker for Real Money!
Poker is a game of skill, and as you develop that capability, your odds of winning increase. It’s a game that takes a day to learn and a lifetime to (probably never) master.
On the other hand, blackjack has exact mathematical odds against the house. You can always ask the dealer to recommend the correct move, making it easier to obtain that necessary edge.
Both games are top-rated and offer endless entertainment and potential winnings. Whether you prefer poker, blackjack, or both, we encourage you to play at our top-rated online casinos!
