Blackjack is a signature card game in both the online and offline gambling environments. Beginners believe that the objective of the game is to aim for 21 points. But your aim is to beat the hand of the dealer. However, you shouldn’t exceed 21.
So, to get a good feel of the game we’ve put together this brief guide comprising basic rules, the benefits of playing blackjack online, and winnings tips & tricks.
How to Play Blackjack?
Online and land-based casinos include different variants of Blackjack. But the classic game features a 52-card deck. The cards ranging from 2 to 10 equal their nominal value, while suits are worth 10 points each. You can use the Ace as 11 or 1.
Your objective is to beat the hand of the dealer without surpassing 21 points. When a player’s hand exceeds 21, the term used is busting, and when the dealer’s hand goes over 21 the term used is break.
Before the game begins, all players should place their bets. Each player and the dealer receive two cards. And, one card belonging to the dealer will be showing. This allows the players to see the card’s value. The other card belonging to the dealer remains unseen.
Blackjack for Beginners: Playing Options
After the players check their cards and consider the dealer’s showing card, they should decide to either hit, stand, split, double down, or fold.
If you decide to hit, then the dealer will give you another card. But, if you’re satisfied with your hand, you can choose to stand.
Some Blackjack versions allow you to split pairs. So, if you have a pair of 7s you should place an additional bet equal to your initial bet. And, you’ll be playing each card as a distinct hand. You can decide to draw cards to reach 21, but you can’t split a pair of Aces. Some, online Blackjack games will allow you to split suits such as a Queen & 10 or Jack & Queen.
If you choose to double down, then you must double your original wager to receive a new card from the dealer. However, if you don’t like your hand, you can fold and wait for the next round of the game.
What is Insurance?
An insurance bet is a side wager which players can place if the dealer’s showing card is an Ace. In this case, gamblers are betting that the dealer’s hidden card equals 10. The insurance can have a value lower or equal to ½ of the original bet. A winning insurance wager will pay out 2:1.
What is Even Money?
If you have Blackjack (21 points) and the dealer’s showing card is an Ace, you have the option of even money. This means that you’ll receive a 1:1 payout on your initial bet before the dealer peeks for Blackjack.
Blackjack Tips
If you’re a beginner, your best approach to improve your skills is to play online Blackjack games in demo mode. You can learn different strategies and apply various techniques without risking real-money funds.
And, to understand basic Blackjack strategy, you can test different moves for free. Blackjack strategy comprises different preset moves when the only cards a player knows are those in his hand, the up-card of the dealer and of the other players involved.
But, before explaining the main moves in specific cases, you should understand the difference between a soft and hard hand. A hand comprising an Ace which is considered as 11 is a soft hand so it won’t bust if you hit. However, a hand which doesn’t include an Ace or in which the Ace is considered as having a value equal to 1 is a hard hand.
So, on soft/ hard hands:
- Stand on values from 17 to 21;
- Hit if the hand values less than 8;
- Double down if the hand includes a 9 and the dealer has from 3 to 6. Otherwise, hit;
- If the dealer holds cards from 2 to 9, players should double down if their hand includes a 10;
- On hands with a 12 points value, players should stand if the dealer holds cards 4 – 6.
- Players should stand if their hands have a total value between 13 and 16 and if the dealer holds 2 – 6;
- On hands with values from 17 to 21 players should stand;
- If you hold an Ace and 9 or an Ace and 8 you should stand;
However, you should double on an Ace and 7 or an Ace and 6 if the dealer holds 3-6. But only double if you hold Ace and 4 or Ace and 5 if the dealer’s hand includes 4-6. Otherwise, you should hit.
Wrapping it Up
Blackjack is an exciting game for both online and land-based casino gamblers. However, as a beginner, you should practice your skills with free online Blackjack games.
Follow the rules, develop your gameplay style and then place real money bets.
Pick tables with multiple players to decrease your exposure to the house edge and learn the table betting limits before picking our favourite table. Also, your best approach is to pick games allowing side bets so that you have a chance to win big even if you lose the main game.