Is Blackjack The Next Poker?

For some time, many different factions in the gambling and sporting industries have been trying to mimic the tidal wave of excitement and success that poker has enjoyed over the past few years. With poker reaching new heights on cable TV, being picked-up by major networks NBC and CBS, and smashing records for online play, there is little surprise that individuals from all kinds of avenues are interested in finding the next big thing. Some insiders are confident that the game of blackjack may indeed be the "next poker." I recently spoke with poker professional and ex-MIT blackjack team member Andy Bloch, who shared some of the ingredients that seem to be building the public's interest in blackjack. Bloch explained, "There has been a lot of publicity about the MIT blackjack team and blackjack in general lately. There are a couple of different books that Ben Mezrich has written, and I don't know how many different documentaries on television about the MIT blackjack team � There is now some blackjack tournament shows on TV. That combination, with a potential Hollywood movie coming out soon about the MIT blackjack team, poker players and people are definitely intrigued by it." Just as the movie Rounders sparked a new generation of poker players, a quality movie about the MIT blackjack team may ignite blackjack interest and play across the world.

Andy Bloch's DVD called Beating Blackjack has gotten rave reviews from blackjack players and poker players alike. Perhaps even more telling, casino managers have grumbled about the supreme accuracy the video has in terms of teaching players how to count cards and work as a team. The DVD is a second in a coming series from poker pro Phil Gordon's company, Expert Insight. With the popularity of poker and blackjack both growing, Phil and Andy have combined the two games into a unique "Academy." On June 24th, both Gordon and Bloch will lead a full day of instruction and explanation on poker and blackjack. In the morning, Phil will expand on the concepts from his Expert Insight DVD to include explanations on pot odds, tells and betting patterns, principles of pre-flop play, the five qualities of successful players, common No Limit diseases and their cures, bluffing, and the gap concept. In the afternoon, Andy will use his knowledge to help the participants become successful blackjack players. "I am going to teach them what I know from the MIT blackjack team," Bloch said. "Obviously, I can't teach them everything in a 2 and � hour session. I will be able to teach them a lot more than what is in my DVD, though, because the DVD is only about � as long. I will be able to cover a lot of information. I will be able to respond and interact with the audience. I'll probably put in a couple of quizzes, and take questions for the audience." Bloch plans to explain the principals of counting cards, proper betting variations, team play, and the legality of skilled blackjack. In the end, those attending the academy can expect to be able to replicate the energy, skills, and (hopefully) the successes of the actual MIT blackjack team AND improve their poker game!

Experts will tell you that poker and blackjack are the only casino games where your skill, knowledge, and decision making can allow the best players to hold an advantage. When played optimally, team blackjack can net steady returns for the players and frustrate the money-hungry casinos. Since poker and blackjack hold so many similar characteristics, more and more poker players are being attracted to the game of 21. As Andy put it, "People are looking for something else. It is not that they are bored of poker. It is a different type of gambling. It is something they can do between poker games, or when they are waiting for a tournament to start. Some guys like to hop into the blackjack pit to blow off some steam. If they can even understand basic strategy, they will be able to cut their disadvantage to the minimum. If they can learn to count the cards, then they could have an advantage." With stars like Andy Bloch and Phil Gordon fueling the movement, in addition to a blackjack movie on the horizon, it seems that blackjack may be poised to be the next poker.

Quick Facts:

- Expert Insights Las Vegas Academy - June 24 8:30AM-5PM
- Morning session on Poker with Phil Gordon
- Afternoon session on Blackjack with Andy Bloch
- $199 Registration fee
- More information at www.expertinsight.com

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