Something about Blackjack
Blackjack games have been at the centre of casino entertainment for as long as most people can remember. Now, all the thrills and excitement that were once only available in land-based casinos can all be found online. There are loads of different varieties to suit every kind of player.
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games because it holds the best odds for players in casinos, beating the house a massive 49% of the time. This may not seem like a lot, but with seasoned players that bring experience to the table, it becomes the game that players flock to.
How to Win at Blackjack
The standard for all blackjack variations is that you need to get a higher total than the dealer, without going over 21. Blackjack is typically achieved when you are dealt an ace with any picture card (or a 10). The only way that the dealer can win here is by getting blackjack themselves, resulting in a stand off. Remembering that all cards hold their own values (face cards count as 10, and aces are either 1 or 11), getting to 21 could take as little as 2 cards.
There is, of course, blackjack strategy that is argued about at many a blackjack table. Many people think that blackjack is a solo game against the dealer, but most often, the players that play ‘for the table’ are the ones that come out on top. Drawing cards when you think you shouldn’t for the good of the table allows players to enjoy themselves more and has long been thought to be the correct way to play. However, everyone is different, and each to their own. There are many blackjack strategy guides available and it’s invariably up to you to see what works for you and what doesn’t.
Advantages of Live Casino Blackjack
Common Blackjack Terminology:
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Blackjack: Any ace paired with a 10, J, Q or K.
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Stand: Available option when you would like no more cards.
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Hit or draw: Available option when you would like another card.
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Split: When two cards of the same value are dealt, you may split the cards, creating two new hands and drawing two new cards to complete them. You will need to match your initial ante for this bet.
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Double: When you draw a card without the option of a further card. You will need to match your initial ante for this bet.
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Push or stand off: When the dealer has the same total as you. You will neither win nor lose this hand.
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Bust: To go over 21.
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Even money: This option becomes available only when you have blackjack and the dealer opens an ace. This gives you the option of winning the hand 1:1, as opposed to a possible push (should the dealer’s second card be a 10, J, Q or K) where you will win nothing.
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Insurance: This option becomes available when the dealer shows an ace for themselves. You will have the option to place a bet on insurance which has a payout of 2:1 should the dealer get blackjack.
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Surrender: The option to surrender your hand, essentially forfeiting half of your bet when you feel like you cannot beat the dealer. This option is not available when the dealer shows an ace.
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Box: The area in front of you where your bets are placed.
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Soft hand: Any hand that includes an ace, essentially giving the hand two possible counts.
