Games within games are nothing new. Even in the eighties, the loading screens of Commodore 64 home computers would provide basic space invader titles to keep people occupied while the real game loaded. Developers can place complex real-world games inside other worlds, making them more realistic and adding extra layers of enjoyment. Below, we provide a guide to playing the noble blackjack casino game in Fallout: New Vegas.
How Close Is Blackjack in Fallout to the Real-Life Version?
Blackjack in Fallout comes very close to being as good as the real thing. The problem is that it is limited and can get stale. Without the interaction of other real-life players and the lure of real money to keep players going, blackjack in Fallout loses some of its magic. Some bigger prizes, like the keys, can replace this, but the lower-level prizes do little to replace them.
Fallout does provide a great introduction to the game, and if you do enjoy playing it here then playing online blackjack will be something you find highly enjoyable. There is a wider range of games on offer with side bets and additional rules. You are also able to play live dealer games, which connect you to a croupier in the studio. This makes it much less of an isolated experience.
Fallout: New Vegas – Finding Blackjack Casinos
To play blackjack, you need to locate one of the many casinos in Fallout: New Vegas. There are seven dotted around the map, not including the caravans where gambling is also possible. Most of them will let players access blackjack, roulette and slots apart from Sunset Sarsaparilla Headquarters, which has the unique game of Lucky Horseshoes available.
Once a casino is found, before you can play blackjack chips are required. These can be retrieved by trading in bottle caps. Walk up to the casino’s cage and you will get the option to exchange them. When you have the chips play can commence.
Fallout: New Vegas – Blackjack Strategy
If you have never played blackjack, the rules of the game in Fallout are the same as a round played in a casino or online. The aim is to get closer to a total of 21 with your cards than the dealer. If you go over that amount, you lose. Hit 21 and you have blackjack.
Picture cards count as a value of 10. Ace cards can count as one or 11. This is known as a soft hand as it is in the best interest of the player. The house will always take the number that gives the player the best hand.
The game starts when the dealer gives out the cards. The game can be exited at this point if you don’t like the hand. If you want to carry on playing you have to decide what to do next. Look at your hand and if you want to take another card you can hit, adding it to your value.
If you are perilously close to twenty-one and may go over, then stay and do not take a card. Doubling down is also an option which means making an additional bet and taking one more card, or you can surrender and lose half of your bet.
Blackjack Tips in Fallout: New Vegas
There are a few pointers to take when playing blackjack in Fallout: New Vegas. Keep in mind that this is only based on statistics and probability plays a part. Nothing is a given when gambling in Fallout or if playing for real online.
If your hand equals 16 or lower, then hit and take another card. If it is 17 or higher, then stay with what you have. Only ever surrender if the dealer has a 10-up card and your hand is 16.
With these tips, you should be able to find some success with blackjack in Fallout. Play a few games and see if you like it, then you can aim for huge rewards once you have the right skills and strategy down. You may find it becomes your favourite new game and decide to look elsewhere for a more in-depth blackjack experience.