By John Davis.

Since online casino play emerged on the online entertainment scene, it has introduced a different dynamic to casino play. Beyond the advantages of practicality and convenience, there are new game mechanics involved that change the way classic games such as roulette, poker, and blackjack are played.

One of the main aspects of game play affected by automated online versions of these games is the speed at which hands take place. Technology and software have advanced to such a stage that game actions such as stakes placed, or hands drawn can be performed at rapid speed.

The question is though, does that benefit players or is it better to slow the pace down on the recently introduced live casino tables to execute more of the skill involved in a game like blackjack?

What is Live Blackjack?

Live blackjack is one offering from the live casino catalogue that involves video streams of studios with real person dealers who coordinate the play on a real table. Live casino typically covers table games including roulette, baccarat, and poker, as well as blackjack but the quirk is found in the hybrid form of gaming produced by the collaboration of online dashboards and real person dealers and real game equipment.

The Slower, The Better

Unlike roulette and baccarat, blackjack (and poker) requires an element of skill to try and beat the dealer. Knowing when to stick or twist or split and assessing the hands around the table are crucial to emerge with the winning hand. When online casinos first burst onto the scene, people were impressed by the digitalized versions of classic casino games that could be played much quicker and had less waiting time.

However, for players of specific games like blackjack and poker, decision making ability is vastly improved with a slower pace that players experience when they play live blackjack with a real dealer. The fusion of the real world and online interaction on live blackjack tables creates a more realistic dynamic where dealers unveil cards at a human pace.

And if the time for shuffling and dealing is also accounted for, there is a vast time lag between rounds. This is evident in the fact land based blackjack tables get through significantly less hands per hour than online automated blackjack games.

Depending on what software is used, live tables could get through only a seventh of the hands played per hour on an automated game. This is particularly significant for the more skilled blackjack players due to the extra time provided to think about an action. Automated games are better for people with time constraints but rely more on instinct as opposed to calculated moves and can lead to less control on the game play itself. With live blackjack providing more thinking time, errors can be cut down, and players can concentrate for longer.

Bridging the Gap

The hybrid format of live blackjack offers the best of two worlds. One where real dealers are present to control the tempo of the game play and another that provides unrivalled convenience to access casino play. For more experienced and skilled players, this hybrid form of game play has proved beneficial in executing blackjack strategy and getting more out of the experience. Furthermore, it allows players to monitor themselves better. The merging of real and online has proved a success and has brought an element of much-needed realism back to online casino play.¹⁾EDITOR NOTE: A skilled player is often thought of as someone who has memorized blackjack basic strategy.  Using basic strategy can reduce the house edge to under 1% but only if applied perfectly.  A slower game is typically better for most players simply because he/she will lose money slower.  Having a little extra time to verify a move will also improve your play and prevent mistakes.  Being a skilled player does not necessarily mean you have an edge in the game!

IMAGE CREDIT: Pexels.com

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