Let’s start with the obvious statement that we need to get out of the way: All gambling is based on luck. This truism cannot be ignored when you enter the realm of casino games online, but it’s only part of the story. You need luck, certainly, but it’s not going to be of any use to you without at least some skill. Remember when Homer Simpson was playing blackjack and received 19, then asked for three more cards? D’oh!
All of the casino games online require a measure of luck and skill, but they are needed in different ratios. With some games, you’re pretty much tossing a coin in the air and waiting to see how it lands, while others require deep thought and brow-knitted concentration. Here is a look at some of the most popular casino games online to help you figure out on which end of the scale you’d like to place your money.
Roulette
This is the game that depends most heavily on the smiling goodwill of Lady Luck. Unless you’re in Casablanca and happen to know the right people, there’s no possible way to predict where the clattering ball is going to stop. This is the game for folks who simply want to try their luck, enjoying the thrill of watching the wheel spin without actually thinking too hard.
However, that does not mean that no thought has gone into the game. Just ask the Roulette Geeks. The internet is awash with strategies that may increase your chances of winning. The simplest is the Martingale system, which essentially means continuing to double your bet until you finally win. It is not a bad plan, but you’d better have deep pockets because it won’t be long before you find yourself placing hundreds on the table to recover your original $10 bet.
Craps
This is a another game that is based mostly on luck, but it’s more complex than roulette and you shouldn’t play without at least some understanding of how it works. This is a good midway game on the luck/skill scale for those who accept the fickleness of fortune but feel they can sway it a little in their direction.
There are several strategies that will increase your chances, including the aforementioned Martingale system. Another good approach is the safe craps system, which is well described by its name. It’s not very exciting, however, and even if you win, you won’t be rolling in cash.
Blackjack
Now we’re really getting into the skills-based end of the equation, which is one of the reasons blackjack is among the most popular online casino games. This is for players who want an active hand in their fate and refuse to leave the contents of their wallet to the will of the gods.
Blackjack is one of those great games that you can learn in minutes but can only master after years of experience and hard work. We’re not talking about card counting, which has become impossible in the online realm. Luckily, there are many blackjack training systems that will help you pick up the skills you need to increase your odds.
Poker
In the immortal words of Kenny Rogers, this game revolves around two main skills: knowing when to hold ‘em and knowing when to fold ‘em. This is for the truly competitive players because instead of betting against the house, you’re taking money off the other combatants.
To the uninitiated, poker seems to be mostly luck, but it certainly isn’t. It is no accident that the same skilled players keep winning, with the world’s top player, Daniel Negreanu, currently sitting on an eye-watering prize pool of $32 million. Of course, online poker requires a little less skill than sitting at a table, because you don’t have to control your facial expressions and you don’t get the chance to judge others. There’s one other big difference in online poker: You still have to know when to walk away, but you rarely have to run.
Place your bets: luck or skill?
Choosing the right online casino game depends on what you’re looking for. Are you seeking a relaxing session watching the dice roll? Or do you prefer a tense game of strategy trying to figure out which card will appear next? The best tip we can offer at this point is not to bet too much money on these games of skill until you are confident you can play them well.
