Beyond the Poker Table: Casino Games That Reward Skill
When we discuss online casinos and skill, there are specific games that come to mind. Poker is one of those games that requires you to have solid game knowledge, along with a daring attitude. You might go all in with a simple pair of Three’s or you could wait it out to call on your opponent’s possible pair of Two’s. Some casino games, such as poker, require you to have strategy, with each strategic move you make whilst playing, affecting the overall game outcome.
Just like poker, there are a number of online casino games that reward you for your skill. Whilst games like slots are based on pure chance, games such as Blackjack or Videopoker do reward you for making disciplined and strategic decisions.
How does poker reward your skillset?
If you are sound in the art of Poker, you would know that the game requires you to make mathematical decision making. Understanding the game rules will give you the understanding of the odds of specific hands, thus allowing you to make informed decisions on when to call, fold or go all in. At times, you need to fold the pocket Tens in your hand, as the odds are pointing towards your opponent having Jacks or Queens. Whilst you might lose some hands here and there during your poker decision making, the EV (Expected Value) over the course of your gaming session will be a positive one.
Game psychology also plays a massive role when playing Poker. When playing at a landbased casino, you get to watch the player sitting across you, read betting patterns, and even body language. Online you have the disadvantage of not seeing the other players, yet you can still pick up on their betting structure, when they fold, how many times they call, and what cards do they normally go all in for. Even playing online, this basic psychology tool, is worth it to read your opponent and call him on his bluff when needed.
What other games reward skill like Poker does?
There are a handful of other casino games that also reward you for your skill and discipline when gambling online. Blackjack is commonly referred to as the classic game of strategy, and also offers players big rewards as long as you stay disciplined. In the gambling sphere, Blackjack is regarded as the second skill based game, with the first one being poker. Although the goal of the game is not to go over the score of 21, knowing Blackjack odds and probability will see you pocket some decent wins when playing the game.
We have seen many Hollywood blockbusters that revolve around Blackjack, with some highlighting the level of skill required to calculate if you should ‘get a hit’ or if you will ‘stay put’. A small basic strategy for your Blackjack game, can reduce the house edge with less than 0.5% but if you go the extra mile in learning the illegal art of card counting, you could walk home a millionaire.
Spinning the reels of Jackpot slots at the right time
Slot game providers go out of their way to market a new slot machine or product. Good marketing translates into players gaining interest in the game, and having more punters tempt their luck at winning. This is very much the case when it comes to jackpot slot games. Such video slots award you big money, and could turn your life from rags to riches in just one spin. Most jackpot games, such as Mega Moolah by Microgaming even have their very own site, depicting previous winners, and highlighting current jackpot amounts live.
Now, what is the skill in spinning the reels of a jackpot reel, you might ask? The skill is the discipline not to go all in, and to choose when you indulge into jackpot slot action. Previous winners lists for Mega Moolah give you an indication of when the slot normally hits, which sometimes is above the 10k mark. Players that go all in or hit higher bets at the start of a jackpot being triggered is not a good idea. Wait it out, research past winning trends / jackpot hitting trends and only invest in the online jackpot game when the time is right. Decision making and bankroll control will always give you an edge over other players.
Having Poker knowledge when playing video poker
Video Poker is another game of chance that is commonly found at online casino sites. The game is a blend of poker and slots, all combined together to give you video poker. Whilst some might think that playing video poker is like playing a slot machine, reality begs to differ. Video poker is a game that will see you spin the reels of the game, but also hold, and fold when specific card values are worth keeping or disposing of. Building up your game knowledge of video poker is essential, yet some tricks you learn along the way.
The game offers some of the highest odds in the gambling world, and is mostly available in two variants: Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better. Getting acquainted with the video poker hands will give you a good edge. This will lead you to fold when your hands are on the lower side, or draw when your hand has potential.
Common Game strategies when playing skill games
You build your game skillset as you read, learn and practise your gameplan. The below are some common strategies to apply when playing games online.
Luck vs Strategy
Whilst strategy and skill are important factors to your gaming sessions, luck also plays a big role in your journey. Some days you feel lucky, and others not so much. It is important to know when to walk away. Do not make the mistake of gambling some more in the hopes of winnings.
Bankroll Management
Your Bankroll is your own e-wallet with the online casino. You play money should be managed in a responsible fashion, with budgeting at the core of your gameplay. Casinos also offer a variety of RG tools such as deposit limits and loss limits to help track your bankroll.
Research, Read and watch others play live
We live in a technological world, where information about games and casinos is widely available via a google search. Prior to playing casino games, build your skill set and knowledge. You can do so by reading game strategies and watching other players play live (function available through live casinos). Many casino sites allow you to play table games for free at their sites, use this opportunity to test your skills before you play for real money wagers.
