Which casino game has the most in-depth strategy for discussion?

Blackjack is probably the deepest casino game – why? You can reduce the house advantage by using simple playing strategies, and even count cards to actually get an advantage, though this may not be appreciated in the casino. The player’s decisions on each hand to hit, stand, split, or double have a direct effect on outcomes. If I had to recommend a deeper-than-average game to study, I’d choose poker – why? Because there is more to poker than making a good hand: it is also about reading your opponents and anticipating their moves, a combination of psychology and mathematics.

Well, if you want the most strategic game, it's no contest: poker – particularly Texas Hold’em, which involves a great deal of bluffing, risk management, and psychology. (Blackjack is also highly strategic, at least if you're card counting, but poker has more moving parts between tells and betting). And if you prefer sheer numbers over anything else, Blackjack is strategic too. Still, go with poker.

Well, blackjack would be my pick for complex and fascinating strategy. Not only do your choices make a difference – unlike in roulette – but there are also dozens of strategy points to consider, from the basic strategy chart to card-counting methods. The reason why it’s so rich in debate is that each tiny change in rules (number of decks used, or dealer standing on soft 17) fundamentally alters the game’s mechanics. It’s as intricate as chess, and at the same time, it’s gambling! You can really win at this one. It’s one of very few casino games where good play gives you a real advantage over the house.

Blackjack. No question about it. It is the best game in the casino where a player can use strategy to overcome the house advantage. Basic Strategy reduces the casino edge to nearly zero, and card counting gives skilled players an advantage over the house. Poker? Sure, it has strategy, but it involves playing against other people, not against the casino. Blackjack is all about beating the casino using strategy and mathematical skills. Like a chess battle. Need more complexity? Card counting techniques, betting spreads, shuffle tracking – oh, the possibilities. But if you play long enough, eventually the casinos will win.

Blackjack has some depth as well. The math and the odds make for great strategizing. You're always calculating how best to maximize your gains and minimize your losses. And the MIT kids have proven that you can win. For all the psychological and probabilistic factors involved, poker (particularly Texas Hold'em) is the richest area for strategic analysis. Both blackjack and poker are great places to begin. It will get very interesting very fast!