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000, Blackjack, Poker

Online Blackjack Versus Online Poker

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Online Blackjack Versus Online PokerBy Gareth Mcgray.

There are several online casino games based on luck and skills, where the gamblers’ actions or betting decisions can affect the outcome to a certain degree. The most popular skill-based online casino games are blackjack and poker.

In terms of gameplay, these casino classics are quite different, besides being both card games. However, both blackjack and poker are quite popular across online casinos in Michigan and also traditional land-based establishments in the US.

Every casino has several variations of poker and blackjack in both the live dealer and RNG1)RNG = Random Number Generator formats. However, some leading casinos run standalone poker rooms with cash games and tournaments. Nonetheless, you’ll be spoiled for choice whether you enjoy poker or blackjack in online casinos.

That brings us to the question of which is the superior choice. Or whether you want to choose poker or blackjack? Also, which game offers better odds? Here’s a quick comparison.

Live Online Blackjack

Blackjack, also called Twenty-One (21),  is a casino classic and a common game in online casinos. The game of 21 features one or more decks of playing cards. However, most casino operators use six 52-card decks.

When playing blackjack, your goal is to get a hand that ranks higher than the dealer – scoring as close to 21 without ranking over it or by allowing the dealer to go over 21 with his hand. For instance, if your hand gets a total score of 22, it’s a bust and you lose immediately. As such, luck plays a major role when playing blackjack, as the outcome also depends on the cards you’re dealt.

Blackjack’s popularity in the online sector has soared in the digital era, and it’s well represented in casino websites operating in the US, Asia, Canada and across the world. Live dealer blackjack games have also gained traction in the casino market, mainly thanks to their convenience and close resemblance to their real-life counterparts.

Online Poker

Poker is another casino classic and arguably the most popular card game in the world. You can find various poker rooms and casinos worldwide, with even Hollywood stars partaking in the gameplay.

Like blackjack, poker has claimed its place in the online casino market. The game comes in many variations and forms, but Texas Hold’em is the most popular. The distinction here is that in a standard poker game like Hold’em, you play against other players, unlike in blackjack, where the dealer is your opponent.

Online Poker or Live Online Blackjack: What do I Choose?

Both poker and blackjack require considerable time and effort to master.  In blackjack, one can calculate the house advantage based on the rules of the game and, if you are card counting, your advantage or disadvantage as you progress in the game.  In poker, however, it is a bit more difficult.  Since you are playing against other players in poker, you have to ask yourself how good you are compared with the other players at the table.  In poker, you can bluff where bluffing would be impossible in blackjack.  Poker requires skills that are not needed in blackjack and vice-versa.2)For more information on the comparison of blackjack and poker check out Yancy Howard’s article’s on this site.

Since both poker and blackjack feature different gameplay styles, budget and risk aversion, the outright choice would be subjective and depends on what you want as a gambler. Nonetheless, both online poker and live online blackjack are unique and exciting in their own way.

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↑1RNG = Random Number Generator
↑2For more information on the comparison of blackjack and poker check out Yancy Howard’s article’s on this site.
000, Blackjack, Online Gambling, Poker

Comparing the Odds of Blackjack and Poker: Which One is Better?

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Blackjack Versus PokerBy Catalin Constantin.

If you are a fan of casino games, you have probably wondered which game gives you the best chance of winning.

Two of the most popular games to have ever existed and continue to remain popular with punters across both physical and online forms are blackjack and poker, with each of these games having stood the test of time and seeing an increase in the number of people playing with each passing year.

Therefore, we thought we would take a look in this post at the two games by pitting blackjack against poker to see which game comes out on top in terms of odds, as we know that is something readers will always want to know, because, let’s face it: we want to have the best chance of winning!

Blackjack vs. Poker – What are the two games?

While it may sound absurd to some, there will be many around the world that may have heard of both blackjack and poker, however they may not actually know what either of the games entail. Therefore, a great starting point is to begin explaining each game in its simplest form.

Blackjack is a casino classic that pits a player against the dealer in a race to scoring 21 points. The basic premise is simple: get as close to 21 without going over and you may win the hand.  You win the hand if the dealer’s hand ends up less than yours or goes over 21. Of course, there are a few opportunities and rule options like doubling down and splitting hands that add excitement to the game.  Blackjack has a pretty low house edge, making it a popular choice for players looking to stretch their bankrolls a bit further.

Poker, on the other hand, is a bit more complex. Instead of trying to beat the dealer you goal is to beat other players at the table.  In poker, players are dealt a hand of cards and then bet on who has the best hand. The better your hand, the better your chances of winning the pot. Poker has a higher house edge1)Actually, there is no “house edge” in poker.  Casinos make their money from poker by charging a small portion (a rake) or hourly fee for hosting the game. than blackjack, but skilled players can still come out ahead in the long run.

Both games are available online nowadays on websites like https://www.888poker.ca/ where you can choose from a variety of poker cash tables and tournaments to play at, while you can also enjoy social experiences that can enhance the overall game-play experience.

However, we know that this is something that can be enhanced even further by knowing which of these offer the best odds, right?

Blackjack vs. Poker: Which game offers the best odds?

So which game should you play if you are looking to improve your odds? The answer may actually surprise you, as it simply depends on your skill level.

If you are new to casino gambling, blackjack is probably your best bet. The rules are relatively simple and the house edge is low enough that even novice players can stand a chance at winning some money. However, if you are an experienced gambler with a good understanding of poker strategy, then poker might be the better choice for you. Skilled players can offset the higher house edge by making smart decisions at the table, giving them a better chance of coming out ahead in the long run.

Blackjack is a game of skill as well as chance, which means that players who know what they are doing can increase their chances of winning. However, even with perfect play, the house still has an edge in blackjack. The good news is that blackjack’s edge is usually pretty small, ranging from 0.5% to 1%. That means that for every $100 you bet, you can expect to lose anywhere from 50 cents to $1 over the long run, theoretically. Poker, on the other hand, is essentially a game of chance, but in which the good players win in the long run.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! While it would appear that the game of blackjack has the better odds due to the lower house edge on offer, it can be argued that it all depends on the player and how well they play. They may be better at poker than they are playing blackjack, therefore they might find the former is better for them than the latter.

IMAGE CREDIT: Flickr.com

Other Articles of Interest

BLACKJACK VERSUS POKER (PART 1)
BLACKJACK VERSUS POKER (PART 2)
BLACKJACK VERSUS POKER (PART 3)

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Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1Actually, there is no “house edge” in poker.  Casinos make their money from poker by charging a small portion (a rake) or hourly fee for hosting the game.
000, Blackjack, Poker

Poker Versus Blackjack – Popularity In 2022

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Poker Vs BlackjackBy Cirillo Ambrosi.

Blackjack and poker are the most popular casino card games. Casino players mostly prefer them for their easy rules, exciting nature, and the fact that you can use the right strategies to increase your chances of winning.  They don’t depend on luck entirely.  

Both poker and blackjack are fantastic casino card games. However, they don’t have many similarities beyond their visual resemblance. Like all card games, they both require a mix of skill and some luck. Keep reading this poker vs. blackjack article to learn more about the games and why they are so popular. 

Poker Rules for Beginners

Most online casinos offer a variety of poker games. They include Omaha, Texas Hold’em, Oasis, lowball, and Caribbean poker. These poker variations have one main goal: to collect the biggest combination of cards that let you win a wager. 

Texas Hold’em is the most popular poker game. It is simple to play, polished and balanced, so even the most inexperienced players can win. 

The entire game happens in four stages. Each one is followed by the issuance of cards after the trading circle. When playing Texas Hold’em, your primary role is collecting the most profitable combinations.

What is the best site to play online poker? Read this Betonline poker review to learn more. The site has a long list of poker games and tournaments. It also features a variety of bonuses for both newbies and regular players.                                                                         

Blackjack Rules for Beginners

You need 52 cards with cards from six decks1)Casinos can offer blackjack in many forms including the number of decks:  Typically single deck, double deck, six decks or eight decks. to play classic blackjack. Three hundred and twelve cards make card counting even more difficult. Every card holds four suits. In classic blackjack, suits don’t really matter. You don’t need to consider them when playing. 

Even for new players, counting blackjack points is pretty easy. At face value, all cards are equal to ten points. Other cards match their numbers. Depending on the casino rules, ace (A) may be worth 11 or 1 point. 

At the table, cards will be dealt to players first. When they have all played their turns, the dealer will pick their own cards. You only get blackjack when the value of your cards (on the first two cards) adds up to 21 points.  Check out the blackjack rules section of this web site for more information.                                       

Accessibility

Both blackjack and poker are reasonably accessible. They both require a level of skill, but poker is considered more skill-based than blackjack. If you are a beginner, blackjack is more accessible than poker. You can win even without much experience. 

Poker is perfect for professionals and skilled players. It is perfect for players who are willing and able to employ complex strategies. In addition to card counting, poker players also need to memorize a basic strategy. 

However, this doesn’t mean that you must always be the best player at the table. If you understand the game, your chances of winning are always decent. 

If you plan on building a long-term career, poker is better than blackjack. Blackjack changes fast and is only suitable for short-term careers. Since it mostly relies on luck, you can be great today and fail terribly on the next day. Even though blackjack has better odds than poker, you won’t necessarily make more money from it. 

Poker is ideal if you are looking to build your career. However, you need to invest a lot of time and effort into research. What’s more, you need to choose a good poker site if you wish to play online.

Comparing the Odds

Odds are the measure of probability for a certain outcome. Understanding the odds of blackjack vs. poker could help you understand their popularity. 

Poker Odds

Unlike most casino games, poker lets you play against other players rather than the house. The other players will be at the same table. The element of luck determines whether you play at a table with weaker players. Your chances of winning may be limited if you land on a table with experienced players. 

If you have some experience, the odds in poker give you an edge since you won’t be playing against the house. The casino only takes a rake or a small percentage of the pot. 

Blackjack Odds

With blackjack, the odds are slightly different. You will be playing against the house rather than other players. Since the house always wins (as they say), blackjack games are designed to make profits for the casino. Blackjack games have some of the lowest house edges. 

Blackjack Vs. Poker Odds

While gambling is fun on its own, making profits is the icing on the cake. Making money from your favorite games can be very rewarding. When a game has fair odds, your chances of making profits are higher. 

In most cases, blackjack has better odds. While you can make lots of money from poker as well, blackjack ticks all the critical boxes. First, you will be playing against the house. With poker, you may play in a table with experienced and skilled poker players. If your opponents are strategic, your chances of winning reduce significantly. 

The house is a lot more predictable than human players. Its statistical edge can often be less than one percent. Because of this predictability, you can calculate how much you stand to lose within a specified period. You cannot say the same for poker. 

Poker doesn’t give you much control over the house edge. Counting or memorizing cards may be possible, but it is not easy. In addition, it offers no guarantee that you will win. However, in blackjack, you are only playing against the dealer.

That is the only person you need to worry about at the table. The dealer follows pre-determined actions and their moves are limited. Blackjack games are often predictable and easy to exploit for more profits.

The Skill Factor

Skill is another factor when comparing blackjack and poker. With blackjack, you don’t need much skill to win. The house inherently has an advantage over you and you will mostly rely on luck to overcome it. However, you benefit from learning the correct blackjack basic strategy which will increase your odds in the game and give you the best chances of a win. 

Poker is mainly influenced by skill. Your decisions directly affect your success in the long run. However, this doesn’t mean that luck isn’t important. Anyone can play and win at poker tournaments. However, the most skilled and experienced players generally have better chances of winning in the long run. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Pixabay.com

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Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1Casinos can offer blackjack in many forms including the number of decks:  Typically single deck, double deck, six decks or eight decks.
000, Online Gambling, Poker

Level Up Your Poker Game From Amateurish To Phenomenal

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Level Up Your Poker GameBy Jaya Bhattacharya.

Sometimes, in the online poker information age, it cannot be easy to find beginner tips for poker. Unlike in casinos where you may get to see other players, play poker and participate in games directly at the table or have time for trial and error with live lessons, sometimes it’s hard to get good advice online. Of course, we know that there isn’t a season pass or an expiration date on learning new things, but taking the time to develop successful habits from the start is important because bad habits don’t forgive you. So what are the most basic-but-crucial things that all budding poker players should learn about?

Have a look at this article to level up your poker game from amateurish to phenomenal.

Befriend The Rules

One can’t emphasize enough that getting acquainted with the rules is one of the major pieces of advice that will help you win. When you are playing for high stakes, it is important to play by the game’s rules for everything to run smoothly. Without knowing how to play the game by its standard fundamental guidelines, there will be no way you can play poker and win over your competition. So it’s best that before you start any games, you first become familiar with what poker entails – from how each card is played to how chips are used in place of actual cash at the table for this particular game.

Maintain A Balance

It’s good to know how well you perform in different types of games to improve your weaknesses and play more consistently. To do this, keep a record of all the tournaments or cash games you enter with their buy-in cost and returns. It’s the fastest way to see your strengths and weaknesses so that you can practice accordingly – either spending the time needed to improve areas of weakness or becoming more comfortable until your strengths are rock solid!

Ignore Unlikely Draws

Most players play online poker as a hobby, but it’s more than a hobby to some. Poker can be more of an addiction and many players are unaware. Because poker offers so much excitement and possibility with how pocket cards can win you the game, it’s considered one of the riskiest forms of gambling. Most people who play poker games on the internet spend a lot of their time chasing after miracles. For example, if your hand has four of a suit, and you’re going for a flush, remember that the odds of making your flush on the next card is almost 20% and only about 38% on the next 2 cards. In other words, it is unlikely.  And yet most players don’t recognize these improbabilities and continue to chase even more unlikely cards, causing them to lose their money in the long run. So stop chasing rainbows, and come back down to earth once again! 1)Poker players draw to a flush or straight all the time.  Whether it will be profitable to you depends on the type of game you are in, the size of the pot and even the type of player you are playing against.

Play Position

If you tend to focus more on your cards, try getting creative by placing some visual reminders on your monitor and desk to remind yourself not to rely too heavily on them. You’ll become more focused on troubleshooting rather than trying to memorize what cards your opponents still have in their hands because it really won’t matter as much as poker books suggest anyway! And who knows, you could find yourself doing better than expected!

Don’t Give Up Easily

Throwing everything you have before the flop isn’t going to get you anywhere – but slowly building a stack through strong hands and staying in the right frame of mind by reading opponents will be invaluable for the future. It may not always seem like it, but it is incredibly important to learn how to chip out your opponents without having the strongest starting hand. Every situation can change even when people aren’t showing their cards.

Never Play Too Many Hands

A common mistake made by novice players is not selective with what hands they use to play the game. It’s easy to think that any poker hand can win the game, but we want you to remember that you aren’t as experienced as your opponent may be, and the person in front of you might have a better hand than yours. So to play smart, avoid being naive, and know your strengths. Your mission here is not to focus on winning the game right away — if that happens, great, but it shouldn’t be the main priority while you’re still learning and getting familiar with the ropes. So make sure you’re only playing with those hands that compliment your strategy and are worth keeping!

Defeat Your Opponent

No matter how good you are, there will always be an opponent that plays better than you.  There may be no defense against a better player. But don’t worry! The best way to defend yourself may be by constantly attacking, which means making big bets to intimidate them, so they leave you alone. Although this doesn’t mean that you need the absolute best hand possible, it can make your opponent think that you have what it takes to capture their chips, and they’ll often back down because chances are they’re not going to go all-in every round. Once they realize that they won’t win every time as long as you keep up the pressure, this trick works well if done correctly, so remember – never give up; better luck next time!

Play Live Matches

To practice your poker game, find other players and have some fun! Playing with friends and family members is the best way to get a feel for live games – because they’ll look out for you! However, if you don’t have anyone to play with, try heading down to your local casino or community center and see if they host any of the game nights that people like to partake in.

Bidding Words

In poker, a smart player is always honest with himself. Though this may come as a bit of a surprise to anyone not familiar with the game and its long-standing reputation for deception, this strategy is all about making sure that your poker efforts are based on what happened, which in turn will help you know when you are losing and need to change strategies or cut your losses altogether. Happy playing!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jaya Bhattacharya features as a games writer for one of the robust gaming websites and is known for her passion for fantasy games. A gaming enthusiast from childhood, Jaya Bhattacharya had found her interest 6 years ago and since then she has grooved in style. Her love is unbiased towards different games and while not working, you would find him/her scrolling through answers on Quora while gulping mugs of coffee. Catch her with an Xbox and call it a date!

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Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1Poker players draw to a flush or straight all the time.  Whether it will be profitable to you depends on the type of game you are in, the size of the pot and even the type of player you are playing against.
000, Gambling, Poker, PRESS RELEASE

Partypoker & WPT Launch Educational Program

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A new learning tool is making waves in poker circles. Named “For The Player”, the educational program is a collaborative effort between Partypoker US Network and World Poker Tour (WPT).

Partypoker US Network and WPT are well-known for their player-friendly practices. Past collaborations between the two poker giants have left their mark on an ever-changing industry. This time around their partnership is nothing short of revolutionary, representing the biggest poker educational program launch in recent history.

Partypoker & WPT Launch Educational Program
Photo by Dylan Clifton on Unsplash

For The Player

Through the use of this free program, players can learn about game theory optimal (GTO) poker strategies. These tactics are generally described as ideal playing strategies for a wide range of scenarios. They allow casual and competitive players alike to learn the basics of gaining an unassailable position at the poker table. This will likely result in improvements to overall win rates. 

For The Player boasts player-centric design as its core philosophy.  The free educational program guarantees poker strategies and analyses will deliver improvements for a wide variety of playing styles. Using online training and virtual games, the suite of educational tools aims to elevate any player’s skill level.

The program is provided in full, regardless of whether a player is a member of WPT or not. Players will get the opportunity to practice their new knowledge against each other in online play, as well as in practice games against the LearnWPT Team. Aimed at all players regardless of skill level, For The Player is freely available to all players in the United States. However, participating in online games will depend on State-level laws and regulations. Via Bounty events and Knockout tournaments, players will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test.

Free-to-learn

The amount of content on offer is extensive, especially considering the fact that it’s all being offered free of charge. Players have until February of 2022 to learn the ins and outs of the program, at which point the first Progressive Knockout (PKO) Bounty events will begin. These events are run by Partypoker US Network and will be centered on ring-fenced networks such as the New Jersey poker circuit.

The Progressive Knockout Bounty Online Series will run from February 21 – 28. Coverage includes live commentary and real-time analysis from prominent WPT influencers. Key insights and event breakdowns will be broadcast on both WPT and Partypoker’s social channels. Unfortunately, only players based in New Jersey can participate in the PKO Bounty events.

Subscribed players will also receive weekly newsletters, featuring content such as training material, interactive tasks, and episodic guides. In addition to these learning materials, all subscribers are provided with live training opportunities and unlimited access to regular blog posts and video streams; all of which are curated by experts at LearnWPT (LearnWPT is the World Poker Tour educational poker coaching partner). Team LearnWPT consists of Andrew Lichtenberger, Tony Dunst, Vanessa Selbst, Jared Tendler, and Nick Binger.

Free-to-learn
Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash

The origins of WPT

Since the early 2000’s the WPT has operated a highly successful series of international poker tournaments. Their most well-known event is the WPT Main Tour. Buy-ins for this event range from $3,500 to $25,000 and all winners are awarded membership to the WPT Champions Club. The Champions Cup is one of the most sought-after trophies in poker, offering bragging rights on top of exclusive membership perks.

Season 5 of the WPT Championship led to the highest win in any WPT event, when Carlos Mortensen won the season-ending championship with a total prize pool of almost $4 million. From a prize of around $500,000 in season 1 to a $2.5 million average by season 6, the WPT Series has grown tremendously since its inception in 2002. 

Nick Binger, LearnWPT Founder and President, has stated that WPT’s exciting partnership with Partypoker US Network brings the latest expert poker knowledge to one of the largest networks of players. Trusting in the strength and reputation of both brands, Binger encourages all players to give the program a go, focus on having fun while learning, and develop the skills necessary to compete at high skill levels.

The LearnWPT Team

Andrew “LuckyChewy” Lichtenberger is a WPT Bracelet Winner and also the WPT Alpha 8 Champion. Tony Dunst is a WPT commentator who has also won a WPT and is a two-time Bracelet Winner. Vanessa Selbst has three Bracelet victories on her belt, while Jared Tendler is an expert when it comes to the psychological side of poker. The team is well-versed in all things poker, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better team of poker coaches.

As an optional incentive for joining, ClubWPT offers monthly winnings of $100,000 in cash and prizes. These monthly sweepstakes do not require a purchase to get a chance at winning. Instead, eligible states dictate who can and can’t participate in these games. Using real poker as its proverbial drawcard, the concept is similar to a network television show offering sweepstakes prizes.

At present, residents in around 40 states and territories are eligible for prize redemption. In order to receive prizes, eligibility requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of age. It’s important to note that any prizes amounting to $600 or more (annually) require a W9 form according to Federal Tax Regulations.

The LearnWPT Team
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Future-proof gaming

Developments in ring-fenced network technology have led to secure virtual environments, meaning that subscribers can rest assured in the knowledge that their virtual activities are protected with the utmost vigilance. Whereas in the past online gaming was seen as more of a hobby than anything else, nowadays the industry has become the largest entertainment sector in the world.

In August of 2021, the World Poker Tour Main Event offered a guaranteed prize pool of $1 million for prospective winners, and future events will only grow larger as time progresses. A number of advanced technologies are being used for the educational program, including live streaming, online gaming infrastructure, and digital financial security.A significant portion of pro players are making the switch from casino poker to online poker, drawn by the convenience and remote nature of the latest software technologies. Virtual dealers are steadily growing in popularity, bridging the gap between brick and mortar casinos and online setups. However, it remains to be seen to what extent these technologies will be implemented in future events.

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000, Poker

Where to Play Poker Online Without a Deposit

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Bet MGMBy David Mandler

Poker is easier than ever to play, thanks to online poker sites. You can choose from a wide range of legal and safe sites depending on where you live and the laws in your country. If you live in an area that restricts online gambling, you can also play at an offshore Poker site and enjoy a wide range of games and tournaments for real money play.

In order to get started with online poker, you’ll normally need to set up an account and deposit real money into your account. While most online poker sites do require an initial deposit, there are some sites out there that allow you to play without risking any of your own money. These sites may offer a no deposit bonus for first-time players, letting you sign up and start playing poker straight away.

What is a No Deposit Bonus?

No deposit bonuses are offered as an incentive for new players to sign up and start playing. They’re different from standard bonuses in that you don’t need to make a deposit to claim it. Instead, all you have to do is sign up, and the bonus will be added to your account instantly. In some cases, you may need to enter no deposit bonus codes or opt into a bonus to unlock it.

While this bonus is free to unlock, it typically comes with more restrictions than a typical Poker site bonus. This is because the site wants to prevent people from simply signing up and claiming their bonus before withdrawing it. The whole point of the bonus is to encourage players to visit the site and play.

As a result, you’ll normally find that there are wagering requirements involved. With these requirements, you’ll need to complete a set number of wagers with your bonus before you can make a withdrawal. For example, if a site rewards you with a $10 no deposit bonus that has 10x wagering requirements, you’ll need to wager a total of $100 before you can make a withdrawal. There may also be restrictions on the type of games that count towards the wagering, so always read the terms and conditions carefully before you sign up.

Best No Deposit Poker Sites

If you’re looking to get started with online poker, we recommend checking out a no deposit bonus first as this will let you play without risking your own cash. Here are some of the top online poker sites that offer play without first needing to make a deposit.

  • 888 Poker – Offers a $20 no deposit bonus to all players when they first join. On top of this, there’s an additional matched deposit bonus worth up to $1500 when you make your first deposit.
  • BetMGM Poker – Offers a free $25 bonus to all new players with no need to make a deposit to claim. The player’s first deposit will also be matched 100% up to a maximum of $1000.
  • WSOP – Claim $10 free when you first join, and an additional 100% matched deposit bonus worth up to $1000.

How Else Can You Play Free Poker Online?

While no deposit bonuses are great, they can be difficult to find, and some players are put off by the higher wagering requirements. Luckily, there are other ways you can play online poker without risking your own money. Freeroll tournaments are probably the most popular option. These are just like regular tournaments. Only they don’t cost anything to enter.

Most big online Poker sites will offer freeroll tournaments, and players can join them whenever they’re available. In a lot of cases, you can join these tournaments fairly regularly, and they’re an excellent opportunity for beginners to get started.

With a freeroll tournament, you get a set number of chips and have to advance through the tables as normal until you get to the final table. Just like with regular tournaments, there are cash prizes on offer, although the prize money is much less than at a regular tournament.

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000, Blackjack

How to Win At Blackjack: The 6 Best Ways

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Blackjack Basic StrategyBy Regina Muratov

Every gambler, whether a beginner or veteran, desires to break a big bankroll. However, beginners usually have a challenge as they don’t have enough experience to win as consistently as they would like. It is critical to note that each casino game, whether online or on land, has its own rules and unique ways to win.  In the game of poker, for example, the first step would be to identify the best poker sites, which you can do on theedgepoker.com, which also provides online poker guides. In this guide, you will learn how to play blackjack and win. Read the tips, record, and practice!

Play All Hands Correctly

Online blackjack is similar to playing blackjack in a land-based casino. Your target is to get an optimal combination of cards that will beat the dealer’s hand without leading to busting. However, it would help if you played all hands correctly to succeed. 

You should also bear in mind that the number of hands in blackjack is strictly limited. Therefore, you ought to work out each hand as though it was the last. Also, don’t disregard the weak cards because you can easily win a round with them.  For instance, if you receive cards 7 and 5, you have a hard 12. But, that generally does not differ from other combinations like 8 and 4 or 9 and 3. You should also note that there are very many winning options in a game of blackjack.  How you play a hand such as a 12 is what comes next.

Use a Strategy Card

Throughout the game session, use of a simple blackjack basic strategy card (such as in the image above) will enable you to optimize the best hands with your initial cards. These cards are readily available and casino legal. You can refer to the strategy card to make sure you make the right decision on every hand dealt to you. This will help you avoid costly mistakes.  As you improve your skills you will want a more accurate basic strategy to optimize your play.  Continue reading.

Play Games with Liberal Rules Only

Search for blackjack tables that have the most open-minded playing rules. It is advisable to go for tables that pay 3-2 on a blackjack. On the other hand, avoid games with a 6 to 5 payoff. 

Other good blackjack rules are dealers stand on soft 17, players are allowed to double down on any two cards, doubling after splitting is allowed and surrender is available.  Moreover, the fewer decks the better.   Of course, none of these rules are useful unless you know how to optimally take advantage of them.

Learn the Exact Basic Playing Strategy

Blackjack is not a guessing game. Outstanding mathematicians have been researching the game of blackjack for over 60 years. Their research has established that there is an optimal way to play every hand dealt to you. 

The optimal blackjack strategy, also known as the basic playing strategy, allows you to minimize the house edge to less than 1%. This will happen when you use the strategy on every hand you play and avoid guessing.  An excellent set of these advanced ultimate basic strategy cards is available by Don Schlesinger.  These cards are designed for each rule and game type.

Avoid Making the Insurance Wager

Avoid making the insurance wager no matter the amount of money you wagered on your hand. Insurance is a sucker bet where you bet that the dealer will have a ten-value down-card to go with her Ace up-card. A winning insurance wager will pay 2-1 while the probability of winning is worse than 2-1. 

Essentially, the insurance wager is only a side-bet in this game.  The house advantage for this bet in an eight-deck game is over 7%.  Compare that to most blackjack games where the house advantage is generally under 1% for players who use basic strategy.

Ignore Your Fellow Players

The playing decisions of other players on the table you are playing with have no impact in the long run on your winning chances. Blackjack is not a team sport.1)Well, I guess blackjack could be a team sport but that is a topic for another time.  Of course there is another way to improve your odds at blackjack.  It is called card counting and involves keeping track of the cards as they are dealt and using simple math to calculate your bet and to make strategy adjustments. The best card counters can hope for in this game is a long run advantage of about 1%. Keep using the basic playing strategy regardless of how the other players play their hand, the amount you bet, and whether you won or lost the previous sessions.

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Footnotes

Footnotes
↑1Well, I guess blackjack could be a team sport but that is a topic for another time.  Of course there is another way to improve your odds at blackjack.  It is called card counting and involves keeping track of the cards as they are dealt and using simple math to calculate your bet and to make strategy adjustments. The best card counters can hope for in this game is a long run advantage of about 1%.
000, Books, Poker

The Best Poker Books of All Time

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Man Reading a Poker Book on BenchBy Giovanna Freire 

Just about every online poker site running today boasts a section of guides designed to help beginners and experienced players improve their card-playing skills. Most of these guides are incredibly useful, covering everything from poker hand values to when you should and shouldn’t bluff. 

But with all the goodwill in the world, these online poker sites can only go so far in helping players develop their poker-playing skills. Watching other players compete through TV programs, live tournaments on social media, and poker channels on streaming sites like Twitch can be a great resource to help players learn from others. Even then, there’s only so much you can learn from watching others play. 

For those that want to go much further and examine individual elements of the game, like the psychology of poker or individual strategies, the only option is to read some poker books.   Thankfully, many legendary poker players and learned academics have penned hundreds of pages of in-depth analysis about just about every area of poker. Here are some of the best.

Winning Low Limit Holdem by Lee JonesWinning Low Limit Hold’em

Released in 1994, Winning Low Limit Hold’em by Lee Jones is one of the most straightforward books on poker that has ever been written. This simplicity doesn’t mean it lacks details or isn’t that useful. It’s just that Jones has done a fantastic job of breaking down all of the elements of the game into easy-to-understand chunks.

Winning Low Limit Hold’em is an excellent book for beginners who want to brush up on tactics they can use when playing free online poker with friends or taking part in free-rolls and other tournaments.  It’s also great for more seasoned players that want to give themselves a refresher and maybe even pick up a thing or two. 

Hold'em Poker For Advanced PlayersHold’em Poker for Advanced Players

Whereas Lee Jones’ book focused on the more basic poker elements, Hold’em Poker for Advanced Players sits at the opposite end of the spectrum.  One of the many books written by Mason Malmuth and first published in 1988, this book breaks down several different scenarios to help the reader better understand what strategies are best to deploy in those situations. 

Malmuth’s book is even credited with coining various poker terms, including the semi-bluff, where you don’t have a high-value hand but could get your opponent to fold. 

The Theory of Poker by David SklanskyThe Theory of Poker

David Sklansky has written more books about poker than almost any other author. His 1994 title, The Theory of Poker, looks at broad concepts that can be applied to just about every variant of the game, rather than focusing on Texas hold’em as most other books are. 

The opening chapters look at the object of poker, mathematical expectations, your hourly rate, and the fundamentals of poker theory. From here, Sklansky builds on these foundations with chapters that examine each element of the game in detail, including antes, pot odds, deception, implied odds, and defending against Malmuth’s semi-bluff. There’s even a whole chapter on applying game theory in poker and how you can use it to create the optimum bluffing strategy.  In 2019, Sklansky revised this book to include no-limit, as the first book only had limit poker in mind.

Super System by Doyle BrunsonSuper System

Doyle Brunson is a legendary name in poker.  His classic book Super System was probably one of the best selling poker books of all time and probably influenced the big increase in interest in the game.  He managed to get some of the leading experts in the field to write chapters in the book, including David Sklansky, Mike Caro, Chip Reese, Bobby Baldwin and of course Doyle Brunson himself. 

Chapters included every major no-limit game played at the time: seven-card stud, seven-card low stud (razz), and hold’em. At the time, this book was considered by many professionals as one of the best books on poker ever written.

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