If you’re looking to break into the exciting world of online table games or retail table games, look no further than Blackjack. Romanticized in films like 21, Blackjack is the ideal table game for beginners and veteran players because it is the closest game that offers nearly 50% odds to beat the dealer. Also, compared to other elegant table games like Baccarat, Blackjack isn’t heavy on strategy. Although, if you wish to do so, this is the purpose of this guide. We hope you consider this guide as the definitive source to sharpen your blackjack skills so you can play and win like a pro.
Why Play Online Blackjack?
While we could think of several, we will try to limit them to a few. For starters, online Blackjack is one of the best games to play because of the RTP rate. The return to player for most Blackjack variants starts at 99%. This means for roughly every $100 wagered, players can expect to get back $99. Also, online Blackjack offers quite a few interesting variants to try.
Usually available in live dealer play, beginners and seasoned pros can play competitive hands like Classic Blackjack and Free Bet. For beginners, sticking to Classic 21 might be a safe bet. Live dealer Blackjack also affords you the luxury of interacting and chatting with a professional dealer to give you an authentic Las Vegas and Atlantic City big game experience.
The Basics of Online Blackjack
Unlike poker, Blackjack is a table game where the players compete against the dealer. Ideally, players want to form a playing hand that equals 21 or have one that is greater than the dealers. Blackjack begins with the dealer passing one card each, face-up to all the players, and one card to themselves face-up. The dealer then deals a second to all players face-up and a second card to themselves, face down.
However, in some variants like European Blackjack, the dealer only deals with the second card once all the players have made their betting decisions. Either way, the dealer’s face-up card is known as the upcard. The upcard influences the player’s decision to hit or to stand.
Hitting in Blackjack
To hit in Blackjack means to draw an additional card. However, do so with caution because drawing additional cards runs the risk of busting.
Busting means having a playing hand greater than 21. The same applies to the dealer. More on that in a moment.
Standing in Blackjack
To stand is the opposite of hitting. This means that players stick with the cards they have and take their chances.
Soft 17
In most online blackjack games, like retail games, the dealer, per casino rules, must stand on a soft 17. A soft 17 is when the dealer’s two cards are ace and a six. However, some online casinos now require the dealer to hit, even on a soft 17. Like the player, when the dealer hits, they run the risk of busting. If the dealer busts, the players automatically win.
Push
In the event that the dealer and the player have an identical hand value, it results in a tie, known in Blackjack as a push. A push has the player’s original bet returned to them.
Counting in Blackjack
Understanding the Blackjack card values is a straightforward process. Depending on the card value, aces count as eleven or a point. When you pair an ace with a second card, the ace counts as eleven. For example, an ace with a nine would count as 20 points.
The tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings count for ten points. So, if you pair them with an ace, you get to 21 and automatically win! If you draw an ace with an eight, for example, that value would be nineteen. However, if you hit and draw a three, the hand value wouldn’t be 22, which would be a bust; it would drop the hand value down to twelve. In this case, the ace counts as one point. The cards deuce through nine and count straight up.
Advanced Blackjack Strategies
The beauty of Blackjack is that you can play it simply or take it up a notch. If you’re ready to take your Blackjack play to the advanced level, consider these advanced steps.
Doubling Down
Doubling down in Blackjack means to draw a final card during the playing hand. However, the condition is players must double their initial bet. Be careful when doubling down because sometimes you are stuck with a weak playing hand.
Surrender
Some online Blackjack variants support surrendering weak hands, particularly after doubling down. In this case, players can forfeit half their bet by surrendering a weak playing hand.
Splitting
Fortunately, most online Blackjack variants support splitting pairs. A pair is when you have two identical cards, even if different suites.
For example, the ten of clubs and the ten of diamonds. If you have the fortune of having a pair of aces, always split. For starters, each ace counts for eleven points, and it is impossible to bust for drawing a third card. However, if you have a pair of tens, don’t split. Stand because you are one point away from 21. A great way to watch the split in action is watching the classic Maverick television show with the late James Gardner or the 1990s movie starring Mel Gibson.
Insurance
One of the main reasons why the dealer’s upcard is important is to decide whether or not to take an insurance side bet. If the dealer’s upcard is an ace, you can usually take insurance to help limit a likely loss because the odds favor the dealer having a natural blackjack or a hand that’s higher than yours. However, be careful with insurance and side bets because the house edges are considerably higher, and you can lose more than you bargained for.
Practice Before Playing for Real
Fortunately, many online sites, including social ones like McLuck Casino, support and encourage free play. Playing Blackjack for free gives you a chance to get into the flow, and it is highly encouraged before you bet for real.
