Casino games are often referred to as games of chance, indicating that the outcome depends purely on luck. Blackjack is not very different from other casino options, as it is also considered a game of chance. If the game is played fairly, you cannot predict the next hand to be dealt, which means the result depends on your luck.
Casinos tend to profit from players’ wrong guesses, with many rules giving the house an extra advantage and making it harder for players to enjoy favourable outcomes. Whenever luck is on their side, however, players are rewarded for their correct predictions, often receiving generous payouts.
In a game that is purely based on luck, any winning streak will inevitably end sooner or later. Whenever players experience consecutive wins, the word “skill” is often mentioned, implying that long-term winnings are not possible by relying on luck alone.
If you are wondering whether blackjack is based only on luck or whether you can gain an advantage by using certain skills, we suggest you continue reading. We will explain the true nature of the game and how you can improve your play.
Does Skill Matter at All in Blackjack?
There is constant debate about whether players need more luck to win at blackjack or whether they can improve their chances by mastering blackjack skills. Depending on whom you ask, you may receive a different answer. Many players believe the game is entirely dependent on luck, with no skill able to affect the outcome. Others feel they can tilt the balance in their favour when they master the right strategy.
We cannot fully support either side, as both have valid arguments. Whatever strategy you use, unless you possess magical powers, you cannot predict the next card to be drawn from the deck. That element of the game will always rely on luck and the inherent randomness of blackjack.
Taking all factors into consideration, we can conclude that skill does matter in blackjack. That said, luck matters just as much, as you cannot rely solely on expertise to win most hands.
Achieving Balance Between Luck and Skill in Blackjack
Players who claim that skill does not matter in blackjack probably do not fully understand the game. While it is true that blackjack is a game of chance, it differs from many other casino games. In roulette, for example, you simply predict where the ball will land, whereas in blackjack you must make several decisions that ultimately determine the outcome.
Depending on the cards you are dealt – which is entirely down to luck – you may choose to hit, stand or split. You can also double down if you feel confident, or surrender and lose only half your wager. Each of these decisions depends partly on luck yet will still affect the result.
Blackjack involves conscious decision-making, which makes skill very important. Faced with several possible actions, your choice can increase or decrease your chances of winning. This is where strategy comes in, requiring players to make the optimal decision under various circumstances.
Using the Right Strategy in Blackjack
To become a truly skilled blackjack player, you will need to practise for an extensive period. By continually developing the right blackjack strategy, you will eventually learn to make the optimal decision without lengthy deliberation.
Put simply, when you follow a strategy you consider whether it is best to stand or hit in specific situations. While many players decide purely on instinct, by examining your initial cards together with the dealer’s face-up card, you can determine which move offers the best prospects.
Whether you play in a brick-and-mortar casino or online, you will benefit greatly from using correct strategy, improving your chances in the long run.
Can You Overcome Luck by Using the Right Strategy in Blackjack?
While skills and experience do influence your blackjack play, some players believe they no longer need luck once they have developed an optimal strategy. Unfortunately, such individuals often overestimate their knowledge and overlook the fact that blackjack is ultimately a game of chance.
Even if you use the right strategy and have extensive experience, the house edge remains and cannot be fully overcome.
Because of the casino’s advantage, even a wager that appears to offer a 50/50 chance will, in reality, give the player slightly lower odds. This is why relying solely on skill and experience will not beat the casino in the long run. Even if you have mastered the best blackjack strategy, you must remember that luck plays a major role and you cannot expect positive outcomes on every hand.
Luck is required to win, yet you should not be discouraged from using strategy. You can master blackjack and always make the correct move, yet still lose money during a prolonged losing streak. That does not mean you are applying the wrong strategy or lack sufficient skill.
Is Card Counting Considered a Skill When Playing Blackjack?
When discussing blackjack, it is inevitable to mention card counting. This skill is the notable exception to the claim that blackjack expertise cannot overcome the house edge. While casinos do not regard card counting as fair practice, it is certainly a skill that requires a great deal of time and effort to master.
Card counting involves keeping track of the cards that have already been dealt and those left in the deck. That information helps you decide whether a more aggressive approach might be rewarding or whether you should place safer bets. Although much is on your mind when counting cards, the tricky part is appearing calm and relaxed while keeping count.
Card counting can drastically affect the house edge. Blackjack’s edge is not fixed; the odds of being dealt a natural blackjack change as certain cards are played and others remain. By counting cards, you can assess whether the likelihood of a natural blackjack is rising or falling and place larger or smaller bets accordingly.
As the cards are dealt, counters assign each card a value to determine whether there are more high-value than low-value cards remaining. Two scenarios can arise while counting cards.
Negative count
In card counting, a negative count indicates that more high-value cards have already been dealt, meaning the odds of landing a natural blackjack are lower, as is the dealer’s chance of going bust. A negative count calls for less risky bets, which may minimise potential losses.
Positive count
A positive count occurs when more low-value cards have been dealt, leaving more high-value cards in the deck. This increases the chances of receiving a natural blackjack and makes it likelier that the dealer will bust. When the count is positive, card counters tend to raise their bets because they expect more frequent wins.
If you master card counting, you can certainly tilt the scales in your favour. However, the strategy is difficult to learn and even harder to apply, prompting many players to rely on basic strategy instead.
Is Card Counting a Skill Worth Developing When Playing Blackjack
While card counting is a complex skill, it is not impossible to learn and employ in future blackjack sessions. Nevertheless, there are several points to consider before you begin. Although this strategy can improve your odds of winning, it is quite risky to use.
Even though card counting is not illegal, most land-based casinos will ban you from their premises if you are caught counting cards. Because the technique gives players far too great an edge, almost every brick-and-mortar casino prohibits visitors from using it. This is definitely something to think about when deciding whether the skill is worth developing.
If you are confident you can conceal your counting skills, you may try the technique in a land-based casino. We advise players who choose to count cards to be discreet and occasionally make a seemingly wrong move to allay the casino’s suspicions.
Apart from the risk of being removed from a casino, there is another drawback to mastering this skill. While assigning values to cards can be beneficial offline, if you attempt card counting online you will not gain the same advantage. To prevent card counting, virtual casinos and software providers have adopted various measures that render the technique ineffective.
As you can see, card counting can be valuable for players seeking a greater edge. However, it is difficult to master and even harder to employ in casinos that oppose it. Ultimately, you must decide whether card counting is worth learning and whether it will benefit your blackjack sessions.
Conclusion
While blackjack is a game of chance, it differs from many other casino games. Newcomers are often advised to choose blackjack because it tends to have one of the lowest house edges. However, a higher player advantage in blackjack is achieved only by those who use the correct strategy.
Blackjack is still very much dependent on luck, as there is no way to predict the exact card that will be dealt next. Despite this, the game allows experienced players to apply specific skills and improve their winning odds or minimise their losses. It is therefore recommended to learn the optimal move in every situation, as this will greatly enhance your playing experience.
Some players attempt to increase their edge further by mastering card counting. Unfortunately, this skill is difficult to perfect and is forbidden in most land-based casinos. Moreover, card counting is pointless in online gambling.
In conclusion, both luck and skill are vital when playing blackjack. If you want to have fun and still enjoy favourable outcomes, you must acknowledge the importance of both factors and strike a balance between being lucky and playing strategically. Practise to develop your skills, but never forget that an unlucky streak can bring significant losses even to the most experienced player.
