Classic Blackjack Details Page

Software (8)

Wizard makes this a user-friendly experience that helps to bridge the gap between playing at a land-based casino and the virtual environment. The card values are easy to see, and if you want to up the denominations of your wagers, you simply click a yellow arrow and the higher-value chips appear in your chip tray. The process for placing a bet is simple: you just click on the chip you want, and it will move into the betting square. The game does not move along at the fastest pace, and there are not a world of options, but there is a control that allows you to shut off the sound if you like.

Easy to Understand (8)

There are a lot of crazy variations of blackjack out there, but this isn't one of them. There are rules that you are going to have to learn, but you can click on a sign that says "Game Rules" at the top left of the interface, next to the discard rack. Everything is pretty easy to grasp, and playing the game is relatively straight-forward.

Graphics & Sounds (9)

This is a very nice virtual blackjack table, and it is integrated very nicely with the sound effects accompanying the game itself. When the cards come out, there is a deliberate, unexaggerated sound that replicates that which you would hear when the dealer is sliding the cards out of the shoe in any land-based environment. The icons with player commands are right out in front of you, and are clear to see and understand. As we mentioned, the sign at the top left gives all the game rules with a click of the mouse. The animation is fine, and the soundtrack is a very pleasant jazz riff, which enhances the atmosphere. Sit there and play, and you may feel you're part of the infamous "Rat Pack"!

Game Speed (7)

Generally, the speed is kind of slow (we graded it as "Medium" to be kind) and we did not find controls to increase the speed of the deal, which is somewhat significant in that we know some players would like to play the game faster so as to get more action across the table in a shorter period of time. If you want to play slow, well, that control is within your power, since you are the one making the playing decisions. Take your time.

Game Features (8)

There is an AutoPlay button, though it was not accessible to us in practice mode. You do have the opportunity to "Re-Bet," which puts the same bet out there again and again if you click that command button. The sound controls do not cover different levels of sound; in other words, there are not itemized soundtracks for the background, game sounds and win sounds that can be cherry picked. This is high functionality, but it is also low frills.

Fun Factor (8)

If you are the no-nonsense type and want a good, solid, straight-ahead blackjack game without too much stuff off the beaten path, this game will be very much to your liking. If you looking for a lot of bells and whistles, weird rules variations, or jackpots, you would probably be better off looking for something more exotic, although there are "cons" to that kind of game too. To each his own, I guess. Wizard is putting its best foot forward with this game, and it deserves a try.