As a game of skill, billiard or pool has something in common with many casino games. Players must rely on skills to win a game of pool, and they must do the same when sitting at a blackjack or poker table. Of course, luck is always involved one way or another, so we can say that the game has something in common with chance-based games too.
If you compare all of these games together, the common denominator is the fun they offer. Playing casino games online can be just as fun as a game of billiard, especially if you engage in a friendly tournament between friends. If you’re a pool player and you’re looking for a casino game to try, here are a few we think you shouldn’t miss.
The Common History and Traits of Billiard and Poker
Billiard and poker share a history and some traits that not many historians know about. For example, both games first appeared in the mid-1800s. Both are games that require focus, patience, skill, and fitness. You may need some time to get winning opportunities in both, but if you keep your head sharp and are ready to pounce when the opportunity arises, you can reap the rewards.
Things have changed a lot for both games since they went online a couple of decades ago. Many casinos have both games on offer for free in their lobbies. Read a High 5 casino review online and you can see that it offers numerous variants for both games that you can practice on. More importantly, you’ll also find excellent bonuses and promotions that will keep you in the game for longer. Casino games and billiard are mainly played online these days, and with the free practice, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.
Don’t believe the connection between billiard and poker? Just ask Toni Judet or Mike Takayama about it. Both were great billiard players who learned how to kick the balls on the felt from a very young age. Judet plied his trade in his native Romania before playing in billiard tournaments all over Europe. He had a relatively successful career in billiard before moving to a poker career. In his own words, Judet approaches poker in the same way he approaches billiard.
Toni Judet acknowledges that they are different activities. However, he considers the preparation and strategies for both the same. There are two components to his preparation – a physical and a mental component. Physical because you’re likely to play for hours when in tournaments, and mental, because you might be facing opponents as nifty as Mr. GOAT himself – Ronnie O’ Sullivan.
Judet says that the psychology behind playing both games is the same. You need to keep your head straight and be focused on the task at all times to succeed.
His views are shared by Takayama. He became a popular billiard player around 2008. After a career of 8 years, Takayama transferred to another table lined with felt – this time a poker one. It didn’t take long for him to master the game of poker. He was crowned a 2014 Asian champion at the APT Asian Series Main Event, and had a few more successful runs since then. He’s living proof that strategies and tips in billiard work in poker, whether you’re playing in Las Vegas or online casino rooms.
Similarities Between Billiard and Other Casino Games
While poker shares many similarities with billiard, it’s not the only one. Blackjack action is similar in the sense that you need a good strategy and focus in order to succeed. It’s a game that mostly relies on skills, and takes a lot of practice for you to get good at it – juts like billiard. The great thing is that you can practice blackjack for free at online casinos. Play for fun regularly and you’ll master the game of blackjack without paying a cent.
Online slots are a game that seemingly has nothing to do with billiard or pool. But, despite the fact that billiard is mostly played with skills and smarts, luck still plays a part in your winning chances.
They’re the most popular type of game at online casinos, and come in all shapes and sizes. Classic-themed slots are for fans of old-school slot machines. Modern slots are based on all kinds of themes, and even sports. And yes, for those wondering, there are billiard and pool-themed slots too. There’s a slot game based on Ronnie O’ Sullivan, and other slots inspired by pool as a sport.
You can start with those and see if you like this game type. It can be just as fun as a game of pool or billiard, even if it doesn’t require skills.
Roulette needs no introduction. It’s probably the most popular casino game of all time, and a popular game even without the casino prefix. Everyone plays roulette, and not just at casinos. You can play it on social media for a fun time, and wait anxiously to see where the tiny ball lands.
The anticipation and thrill of online roulette is somewhat similar to the excitement on a billiard table. Getting a tough shot in is the equivalent of hitting a Straight Up number. The payout can be close to many major billiard tours and events, depending on how much you bet. Regardless if you like casino games or not, the thrill of spinning the devil’s wheel is often too much to ignore.
Are Skills Everything You Need to Win in Billiard or Online Casino Games?
Primarily, billiard (and pool) are seen as games of skill. And there’s no question that skill is important. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. During practice, you’ll find balls in all kinds of situations, so you can hit from different angles and calculate winning shots like a mathematician. Alas, no matter how important skill is, luck sometimes plays a major role.
That’s the reason why some lower-ranked billiard players can knock out a household name. Anyone can have a bad day, or conversely, a good day. For example, playing skilled opponents will require you to get the most out of your skills. If the playing field is even and you’re up against a player of equal skill, luck may be the deciding factor.
It’s the same when you’re playing casino games. Some require skill, some are based on luck, but both play a role in the outcome. If you’re looking for a fresh challenge to put your mind off the billiard table, try the games we recommended and you’ll have a blast.
