At a surface level, soccer and blackjack don't appear to have too much in common. The physical talents required to kick a ball don't overlap the abilities needed to place cards down on a table, while differences are also stark in terms of the game's objective; soccer is all about scoring goals at one end and preventing them at the other, but a blackjack player's key ambition is to accumulate a score of 21. You certainly don't expect to see a soccer team racking up a score of 21 in a single game.
However, delve a little deeper and you will find a soccer player and their blackjack counterpart are required to utilize the same mental skills in their quest for success. Many of the games that you expect to find at the best online casinos, such as roulette and slots, place a strong emphasis on pure chance.
You can't control where the ball lands on a roulette wheel or where the symbols settle on a slot machine's reels. Luck plays its part in blackjack through the order that cards are dealt, but the classic game of 21 also has a complex strategic side in the same manner as soccer.
Here are three skills that soccer players and blackjack players will rely on over the course of a game.
Weighing up "risk vs reward"
A midfielder may be presented with the opportunity to make a simple sideways pass and retain possession for their side, or they may be able to attempt a harder defense-splitting ball that could potentially yield a goal-scoring opportunity. A player who constantly opts for the so-called Hollywood pass may frustrate their manager if they cannot pull off this low-percentage play, but sometimes that risk is worth it to break down a stubborn defense.
The same is true of shots; is it worth taking a speculative effort from 30 yards, or is it better to try and work a clearer opportunity? Blackjack players have to similarly weigh up probabilities, with basic blackjack strategy built on the likelihood of certain events occurring during a game. A player has to assess the strength of their hand and the potential strength of the dealer's hand before making their move accordingly.
Knowing how to respond to certain situations
Soccer players are capable of responding immediately to complex situations. Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne is one player capable of running a game from a midfield position, with the dynamic Belgian spotting passes that others would never see and boasting a knack of being in the right place at the right time. While some of that is natural skill, De Bruyne has honed an ability to know what to do and where to be when play unfolds in a certain way. This enables him to instinctively make intelligent decisions.
Blackjack players similarly have defined ways to approach a particular situation, with basic blackjack strategy guiding individuals through the course of a game. For example, being dealt a hard 16 could be a challenging situation for a novice blackjack player with no knowledge of basic strategy. Experienced players know instantly that they should stand on a hard 16 when the dealer shows a small card, and they should hit when the dealer displays a hard card.
Maintaining a strong mentality
A soccer player with a weak mentality will struggle to thrive at the top of the sport. Making mistakes is inevitable, even if you're Lionel Messi. Passes will be misplaced, aerial battles will be lost, and golden chances will be spurned. A goalkeeper who makes an error can't afford to dwell on their mistake, as they will need to be ready to handle future shots. A player who misses a penalty can't let it affect them, as they will need to be confident next time they step up.
A strong mentality to ride out the highs and lows of a match is essential, and the same qualities are desirable for blackjack players. Even a player who perfectly follows basic blackjack strategy will lose hands in a session. It is how they respond to those losses that will determine their overall success in a session, as a calm mentality will stop them from attributing too much significance to an unlucky deal. Like a penalty taker stepping up after a miss, this enables blackjack players to keep sight of the bigger picture from hand to hand.
These qualities are shared by soccer players and blackjack players at the top of their respective games, and honing these qualities should be a priority for anyone aspiring to develop their skills in soccer and blackjack. By understanding risks, knowing how to react to events, and keeping composure, both soccer and blackjack players improve their chances of success.