Blackjack is among the most popular casino games worldwide for good reasons. The game is exciting, puts a player in the driver`s seat, and has fun rules and strategies. Finding this game is easy, however, only a few blackjack casinos offer a unique experience.
we will list some of the best platforms you can play blackjack before. But, before you jump into playing, you might need to update your skills. This article defines the game, explores blackjack variants, and teaches how to play blackjack. We will also share several tips that can help improve your experience playing the game.
Blackjack was first invented in France in 1700. People referred to it as Vingt-et-Un or 21. The game`s version has popped up across the globe with different regions having unique names for it. some even call it a pontoon.
The core of the game is the same no matter what people call it. Ideally, blackjack is a card game played between a dealer/casino and a player. several players might sit around the table playing the game. However, these players do not play against each other but against the dealer.
There are many blackjack variants. Each has a unique set of rules and strategies to win. However, the gameplay is similar.
How to Play Blackjack
The gameplay for blackjack is pretty similar whether you are playing at online casino sites or at a land-based British casino or in the Las Vegas Strip, Macau, Singapore, and anywhere else. The game`s rules might change a little depending on the type of blackjack games you are playing. However, the basics are similar.
The goal is to beat the dealer without busting. In other words, the goal is to hit 21 or have a higher hand than that of the dealer.
Usually, the game starts with the dealer giving out two cards to players. The dealer also gets two cards.
If you are playing free blackjack online or a virtual real-money game, you can get the cards by clicking the `deal button` on the table. Like other live casino games, the dealer draws cards from the deck on behalf of players.
Once you get the first two cards, you should check their value to determine your hand`s value. Cards 2-10 have face value while King, Queen, and Jacks are worth 10 each. Aces cards can be either 1 or 11.
Suppose your first card was a 2 and an Ace. This would make your hand`s worth 13 or 3 depending on what you decide. You can ask the dealer to hit you another card or click the hit button on the table if you are playing a virtual or free casino game.
Suppose you got a Jack. this would move the value of your hand to 13. You would not want to use 11 as the value of the Ace card because your hand will bust.
The dealer can continue drawing cards until the deck is finished. You can either stand (stop asking for more cards) or hit (ask for more cards). The person with the highest valued hand or with a natural blackjack at the end of a round becomes the winner.
Remember, in blackjack, you play against the dealer. So, if there are other players on the table, they individually play against the dealer too.
The payout differs from one online blackjack to another. It also differs from one online blackjack casino to another. however, it is customary to get a payout of 3:2 or 2:1 when you hit 21. In other words, you can get $300 for every $200 wagered or $200 for every $100 wagered.
Types of Blackjack
You will never get bored playing blackjack. This is because there are many blackjack variations at online casinos. Each variant has unique rules and specific strategies to apply to increase your chances of winning.
The best part is that many online casinos offer free blackjack games. This allows players to practice strategies and skills before they play real money blackjack. Below are six of the most popular blackjack variations whose gameplay will leave you excited and fulfilled.
Blackjack Surrender
This game follows the rules of classic blackjack with slight modifications. It follows the surrender rule in blackjack games where you can save half your bet. Blackjack Surrender also uses 6-8 decks per round.
Two things must happen for this game to retain its budded name. You can either surrender before (early surrender) the dealer peeks at his cards or after (late surrender).
Early surrender allows you to quit your hand before the dealer peeks at his cards. you will lose half your bet. Late surrender allows you to surrender your hand after the dealer peeks at his cards. You can keep half of your wagered money or lose all of it if the dealer does not have a blackjack.
Blackjack Switch
This is one of the most popular blackjack titles. The variant was invented by Geoff Hall.
Blackjack Switch is similar to the original game except that players are dealt two hands. This game allows you to switch cards between hands. You also must wager equal amounts of money on each hand.
The rules are similar to conventional blackjack`s game. However, six or eight decks are used at a land-based or online casino. Players are allowed to resplit cards up to four hands. A player can win with a natural blackjack or a hand whose total is 21. However, if the dealer`s total is 22, the dealer wins the game except for when the player has a natural 21.
Live Blackjack
The best way to experience the thrill of playing at a real casino is by playing live blackjack at online blackjack sites. the best part is that you do not have to dress or drive to a physical casino to play. Instead, you only need to find online blackjack casinos and find an upcoming event or live event to join.
fortunately, there are many live online blackjack games. So, finding an empty seat will be easy. these games are streamed from real physical casinos or dedicated studios. So, if you want to feel like you are in Sin City, you can find a Vegas Strip blackjack game and indulge in the loud, inviting casino atmosphere.
European Blackjack
European blackjack games are pretty common at most online casinos. The game is played with 2-8 decks of cards between a player and the dealer. However, joker cards are removed from all the decks.
All cards hold their face value while the King and Queen hold a value of 10. Ace holds the value of 1 or 11.
Your cards will be dealt face down while one of the dealer`s cards faces up. To win, you have to get close to 21 or hit the blackjack.
This game is available to play virtually and on live blackjack platforms. Use your online casino bonus to practice playing this table game.
Perfect Blackjack Games
This is not necessarily a variation of blackjack. It is more of a side bet and only a few UK online casinos offer it. It will be difficult to find a casino that lists this variant. However, you can always check the recommended blackjack casino sites to see if the game is listed.
The game starts like any other blackjack title. it is played with 2-5 decks of cards. The game changes when players are invited to place bets on perfect pairs.
Once you place the side bet, you will get two face-up cards while the dealer gets one face-up and one face-down card. You will get a payout after getting a perfect pair, mixed, or colored pair.
A perfect pair is when you get two identical cards. This includes the suit and the face value.
A mixed pair describes two cards with different colors but with the same face value.
A colored pair describes two cards of the same value and color but different suits.
Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City is a casino hub in New Jersey. So, it is not surprising that a game developer would choose this name for its product. This version of 21 has similar rules and gameplay as other variants with slight modifications.
Atlantic City blackjack is played with eight decks. Each player gets two face-up cards while the dealer gets one face-up card and one face-down card. The goal is to have a better hand than the dealer.
If you did not hit a natural 21 (Ace card and a card worth 10 points), you can ask the dealer to hit you up with another card. The best way to play Atlantic City 21 is to stand on a soft 17. You can also split your cards to make four hands.
Blackjack Tips
There is playing blackjack for fun and there is playing for real money. Whichever road you take, playing this game is more fun when you know the rules and have some tips up your sleeves.
Knowing the basic blackjack strategy makes you a good player. Applying the following tips lowers the blackjack house edge even further and helps you play responsibly.
Manage Your Bankroll
You will likely lose several games before you win one. But, do not be tempted to play more games to win back your lost money.
So, before you log into blackjack sites, create a bankroll. Decide how much money you want to wager depending on the minimum or maximum amount you want to bet.
Then, stick to your budget. The size of your bankroll should also depend on how long you intend to play and the game`s aggressiveness.
Once you set your bankroll, remember to stick to it even if you are winning more rounds than expected. You might be tempted to play more to continue winning only to lose all the winnings and your bankroll in another few rounds.
Learn a Strategy
The strategies for playing a single deck blackjack are different from multi-deck blackjack games. Some strategies may apply to specific variations of blackjack. So, as you learn a strategy, find out which games you can apply it to.
Then, practice the strategy until you become an expert. Focus on one strategy until you achieve perfection before learning another. Otherwise, you might confuse about where and how to apply the tip.
After a while, you should be able to identify the strategies that work best for you. You can even combine several strategies to create your unique way of winning.
Don’t Make Huge Wagers on One Bet
How much should you bet on one bet? The best blackjack casinos consider every type of player regarding the betting amount. you can find a blackjack casino specifically designed for high rollers. However, you are more likely to find a casino that hosts both high-rollers and budget players.
So, once you find a reputable blackjack casino, look for a game whose minimum/maximum bet limit is within your budget. Stick to the lower side of a bet for the first few months before you become a pro player.
Even when you become a pro, avoid placing huge bets on one bet. You might need to split your hand down the line. But, if you wagered a lot of money on the first bet, you will no money to wager an additional bet.
Consider Blackjack Card Counting
Card counting is frowned upon in many casinos. Most physical casinos can ban you from playing at their premises once they discover that you are a card counter. But, card counting is not illegal.
If done right, no one should detect that you are counting cards. Card counting is more challenging at multi-deck blackjack casinos. But, with a lot of practice, some blackjack players can track the value of cards remaining in the deck.
This is a technique for tracking the number of low and high cards in the deck. Once you know how to count cards, you can easily tell whether the odds to win are for you or against you. This skill can also help you decide whether to double, stand, split, or hit.
Card counting seems like a cool technique. That is what movies make it look. However, it is a pretty complicated technique.
Practicing card counting while playing online blackjack games is the best option. Nobody will pressure you to place your bet quicker. Moreover, no surveillance camera will be facing your way.
Start by learning a simple card counting trick like knowing the number of low and high cards in the deck. Then, read a comprehensive card-counting guide once you are ready to take things a notch higher.
Blackjack Deposit Bonuses
Online casinos have different marketing strategies. One of these is to offer bonuses to players. This offer increases your bankroll, which means you can play more games with the extra money you get. However, you must remember that a casino`s primary goal is to make money.
As such, you cannot claim online casino bonuses without the gambling platform expecting something from you. Usually, blackjack bonus online casinos offer come with terms and conditions. You must read the fine print of the promotion before claiming an offer.
The best online blackjack casinos ensure that the bonus terms and conditions are fair. The wagering requirement, minimum/maximum bet, and other terms are usually friendly to players.
You might not get a specific deposit bonus for blackjack online games. But, you should be able to get bonus money for live dealer casino games or casino table games.
There are several deposit bonuses to claim from the best online blackjack sites. The most common one is the welcome bonus. This is a one-time offer given to players for signing up with a casino and depositing at least the minimum qualifying amount to get the promotion.
A casino can also offer a weekly, monthly, or weekend deposit bonus. Unlike the welcome bonus, this offer is not a one-time promotion. However, the promotion has come similarities with a welcome bonus including depositing the qualifying amount.
FAQ
Is blackjack worth playing at a casino?
Blackjack is considered one of the best casino games. This is because the game has a low house edge. Besides, the game is fun to play once you learn the specific rules and strategies for each variant.
What is a blackjack in casino?
Blackjack is also referred to as 21. Some regions call it pontoon, even though this is a variant of the game. The game is called 21 because players have to make a total of 21 or close to 21 or have a hand whose value is more than the dealer’s.
What do I need to have in order to play online blackjack?
If you are passionate about blackjack games, you are eligible to play. However, you can improve your chances of winning by learning a few strategies. You will also need some cash if you want to play for real money, a computer/phone, and the internet.
Can I play blackjack online for free?
Most online blackjack sites have free blackjack games. Playing these games in free mode gives you an opportunity to master the rules and strategies before playing the games for real money. But, if you want to sport real money blackjack and win some cash, you have to wager real money.
Is it possible to win casino in blackjack?
Online blackjack casinos have a house edge of below three percent. Players can lower the house edge to below one percent by implementing different strategies. Moreover, it is impossible to find blackjack games rigged at a reputable casino, giving you equal chances with the dealer to win the game.
