Gold Series Euro Blackjack Details Page

Software (9)

Absolutely splendid. Microgaming seems to know what the player wants. And when a program can be designed, around crisp graphics and sounds, that can offer the player so much flexibility in terms of the way he can attack playing the game, you have a real winner on your hands.

Easy to Understand (8)

I guess one can say that it is as easy as it can be, for a game that has subtle differences in its rules such as blackjack. The European version may take some getting used to, and the reflex actions of players who have trained themselves in somewhat "standard" Basic Strategy may frown upon some of the options that are not available or the rules that are not to their advantage, but there is nothing here that takes a degree in rocket science to eventually understand.

Graphics & Sounds (10)

Microgaming's blackjack games in general have an amazing capacity to create an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you are looking at a blackjack table that is very real. Here it is no exception. The graphics are vivid, and you don't have to strain your eyes to see the cards. This is very important in a game like blackjack, since you don't want to make the wrong move because you couldn't read the card values.

Game Speed (9)

In blackjack, speed does matter, because with more of it, you get to play more hands, and with less of it, if you are a newcomer,m you get more time to make your decisions. In European Blackjack Gold, you get to adjust the speed four different ways, which can only be to the player's advantage.

Game Features (10)

This is probably the most outstanding part of this package. Aside from Auto-Rebet and Quick Deal, along with the capacity to adjust speeds and sounds, this game gives the player chance to analyze the game and make adjustments to strategy decisions that will play themselves either manually or through Autoplay. For example, if you wanted to stand on 16's against a dealer's upcard of 10 instead of hitting, you can program the strategy used through Autoplay to do that, and then, after a sufficient number of hands, evaluate the result.

Fun Factor (8)

If you are going to undertake to learning blackjack, you may want to take a look at the more conventional offerings, and Microgaming certainly has them - the Classic, Atlantic City, or Vegas Strip variations. But unquestionably the game options as they concern stats and strategies are an invaluable learning tool. If learning is fun, that's a big bonus.