Almost every game in almost every genre will involve, to some degree, both an element of luck and an element of skill. Speaking generally, games that are all luck can be frustrating, while games that are pure skill can feel a little exhausting and overly taxing. Combining the two often creates a sweet spot where the game is very enjoyable and tends to make it more accessible to different players. However, there will still be different elements of luck vs skill, creating varied experiences, and appealing to different folks.
So, if you like to play casino table games, which fits into which slot? What titles should you turn to if you prefer strategy-based options, and where will a preference for luck take you? Let’s find out.
Roulette: Luck
Roulette has to be one of the most iconic casino table games there is – there’s nothing quite like the red and black wheel, with its dash of green whirling around, to say “Casino” loud and clear. It’s also one of the most popular table games, perhaps because it’s so recognizable, or perhaps it’s one of the few that really works for spectators and players alike. There’s something magical in clustering around a roulette table, with folks shouting and cheering when the spin goes their way.
But is there any skill to this kind of game? The quick answer: no, not really. Although some people do attempt to bring strategy to the roulette wheel by applying it to the ways in which they bet, the wheel itself is totally random, and nothing you do as a player can influence it.
That means when you play this game, you’re entirely in the hands of fate. Will you be lucky? Will you be unlucky? It’s the balance that tantalizes and allures, calling players back time and time again.
But why does roulette retain its appeal if you’ve got absolutely no control over its outcomes? Well, perhaps for that very reason, and also for its pacing. There’s something utterly thrilling about watching the wheel rush round and round, its colors blurring, its outcome tipping and tilting, until it gradually begins to slow, and you wait on tenterhooks for the result. There’s no doubt that this casino staple is a heart-winner.
Poker: Strategy
While poker does lay claim to a little bit of luck (good hand versus bad hand), for the most part, this game focuses on strategy. Can you assemble a better hand of cards than your opponents? Can you out-bluff and out-maneuver the others at the table? Will you have the best poker face, or are you going to be outdone by a more experienced player?
These are the things that keep players coming back again and again. They satisfy the human thirst for self-improvement, that desire to always be better than the last time you played, and to feel like your actions have a real impact on the game. It’s magnetic, and there’s something truly satisfying about sitting back after you’ve won a challenging round and knowing that you did this yourself. Your effort resulted in the outcome. Your skill was what took this game experience to the next level. No roulette spin can ever provide that sensation of achievement – and it’s a very important one.
Plus, poker offers endless opportunities for learning, which is another of its biggest appeals. The real pros at the game have lots of tricks up their sleeves, including cheat codes that give them an edge in every game.
Poker is, therefore, a great pick for players who want their skill to have significant weight in the game’s outcomes.
Blackjack: A Blend
What about a classic game like blackjack? Well, here, you’re looking at a bigger mix than in either of the other two table games we’ve touched on. Blackjack does incorporate some skill – learning when to hit, when to stand, when to split, and more – but it’s also heavily dependent on luck.
Which cards you get and which cards the dealer gets makes the most difference in the game. If the dealer gets a winning hand outright, even the most skilled player isn’t going to be able to counter that. Equally, a novice player can do really well if they get a lucky hand.
All the same, skill plays a significant part and shouldn’t be dismissed; watch a pro and watch a novice, and you’ll soon be able to separate them based on how well they handle the game. It’s definitely not one to be tossed into the “luck only” bucket, but you can’t guarantee wins just by being really good at it.
Overall, this game appeals to players who enjoy a balance, who want to be able to influence the outcome, but don’t want full control. If that’s you, blackjack might well appeal as your top game. And remember, luck isn’t the enemy of skill (nor vice versa), so great games will often include elements of both!
