Which Gaming Skills are Most Useful for Online Blackjack?
We read a lot about transferable skills these days in all sorts of contexts. So, it’s no big surprise that these are going to apply to gaming as well. It might seem like you’re just taking on an army of advancing zombies or you’re on a mission to conquer the universe. But you’re also honing some abilities that you can apply to other genres of gaming because of the basic elements involved.
“blackjack” (CC BY 2.0) by Andreasgh
For example, a lot of the traits required to be successful in console gaming also apply to much more traditional games. Consider table games. If you ever play online blackjack at Paddy Power games, for instance, the need to be focused, strategic and retain information applies just as much to Premium Blackjack or Live Blackjack as most console titles. That’s because, unlike slots or roulette, you are playing directly against the dealer and the decisions that you make within the game itself can have a direct effect on how successful you might be.
So, what exactly are the skills that you can pick up when you’re playing on your console that you can use at the blackjack table when you’re playing online?
Concentration
The first of these has to be concentration. In a video game, you may need to focus your attention for a considerable length of time while you play and this is going to mean blocking out other distractions. Wearing headphones certainly makes this easier and that’s why many online blackjack players do this too. That way, they can focus more on the cards being dealt. As for the evidence that playing video games can boost concentration ability, there is plenty of research evidence to back up the theory from a wide number of reliable sources like the American Psychological Association
Flexible Thinking
“Thinking” (CC BY 2.0) by PlusLexia.com
Another skill needed in blackjack is the ability to think flexibly when playing and to change strategy or approach when necessary. This is very much like the problem-solving thought processes that are brought into play and developed over time in video games. Even the authoritative publication Psychology Today published reports of experiments that this is a feature of play and that the most successful players are the ones that can develop this ability most effectively.
Memory
Memory is also important in both areas. In games, it may be where to find Easter eggs or simply recalling how to advance to the next level. In blackjack, it’s a question of being able to learn and remember something called the Basic Strategy. This takes the form of a series of tables that run through all of the permutations of hands that can be dealt. The tables give guidelines about whether it will be most advantageous to take another card or stand. It’s all been worked out by computer – and it’s just a question of learning the tables off by heart.
In Action
So, the next time you’re playing a console game or online title like Blackjack, you’ll see the transferable skills that you can apply to both. This becomes apparent when you’re applying these skills in action and even encourages us to try new games, which is a positive result for any avid gamer.