How to Play Online Blackjack - Learn the Rules and Win
If you are looking to play Blackjack, you have found the right place. We can clue you up on everything that you may need to know and save you some time in the process! The game basically consists of obtaining two or more cards that add up to 21 without surpassing this threshold. It’s quite easy to do so if you know how to choose an extra card and when to split an existing hand into two smaller ones.
Another popular name for the game is 21 and it comes from the French version Vingt-et-Un. As an upside, you will find this game in every casino that is interested in keeping you as a customer. It’s an amalgamation of skill and luck and today we will teach you how to play Blackjack in a casino. We focus on everything that you need to know in order to become a successful gamer. Before finishing reading this article, you will be one step closer to being one of the most accomplished Blackjack professionals.
Objectives of the Game
The game is played versus the banker.
Played with six decks of 52 cards each, Blackjack has a simple objective – you need to get a count as close to 21 without exceeding this pre-determined threshold. Common card rules apply here.
Players are dealt cards and after that, they may decide whether to Stand (refuse any new cards) or Hit (get an extra card in the hopes of getting closer to 21).
- The face cards are worth 10 points and the rest are worth their displayed or pip value (2-9).
- The Ace is a wild card that can be worth both 11 or 1, based on what you need them to be.
This basically summarises the rules of the game.
Blackjack is not a mind-boggling title which will have you befuddled over the rules. It’s in fact quite simple to get down.
Blackjack is All About the Hands
The value of the cards is easy to understand because all cards numbered 2-10 will be worth their face value. The Face Cards themselves, meaning anything from J through A will be worth ten points each. An Ace though can be worth either 11 or 1 points, depending on what you need it to be. You may hear the term ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ hands being used. This is quite a common way to describe hands. If you have an Ace that is valued at 11, this is a soft hand. Conversely, if you choose to play your Ace as a 1, then it’s a hard hand. It’s actually useful to start speaking the vernacular of the game, as you will quickly overcome any communication difficulties you may experience playing tournaments or even regular games.
Getting to Play the Actual Game
Getting started in a game is not complicated at all. First, you put your bet and two cards are dealt to you, which are held face up. The dealer will receive two cards as well, but you will immediately notice that only one is face up whereas the other remains hidden. Depending on what version of the game you are playing, the dealer may also not get a second card until the very last moment.
Now, if your combination of cards is a soft hand, Ace + 10 or any 10-equivalent card, you have a “Blackjack” and automatically win the game. If the dealer happens to have a “Blackjack” on their own, then all bets are returned (whereas those that belong to players who don’t have the winning combination are scooped up by the house).
When it comes to actually playing your hand, you have several options here:
- Hit – Take another card in order to better your odds of hitting 21. Watch out, because if you exceed this value, you may get a bust!
- Stand – Say that you will not take any action at this point and the dealer is free to play their hand.
- Double Down – Basically, you double your bet and ask for another card, after which you automatically hit stand.
- Split – A clever way of having two hands running at the same time. You will have to throw down another bet that is equal to the bet done for the original hand before the split.
- Surrender – It’s a clever way to minimize your losses. If you think that you are losing your hand, you can save half of your bet.
- Insurance – If you see that the dealer’s first card is an Ace, you can take insurance which is basically betting that the house will get a “Blackjack”
If you are a rookie, then you may be wondering - how to play blackjack for beginners at home. It’s easy. Just make sure to pick the most generous casino in the way of pay-out rates. Things may change up from one table to the next, so it would help to actually take notice of the actual specifics.
Is Blackjack a Game for Beginners?
Certainly! Blackjack is plain simple to learn. Follow our guide and you will master the rules in a few moments. Yes, it takes but a minute or two and you can already play.
All you have to actually do is come prepared into the game. This requires you to understand the basics of the game, have some funds and to know how to manage your bankroll well.
Don’t ever chase your losses, especially if you are a novice. What’s more, if you are uncertain of your success, you can always stick with the free versions, which are just as authentic as the real money version.
If you are not sure how to play Blackjack at home, though, you can always make it down to Vegas and enjoy the game in person. The selection of tables is quite impressive and you will benefit from exploring any which version of the game you see fit in the company of real dealers and fellow players. Who knows, you may as well pick up something useful!
Choose Whichever Version Makes You Happy!
If there is one golden rule to making Blackjack work for you, it is to choose a version that you ultimately feel comfortable with. Don’t hesitate to pick what tickles your fancy and enjoy the advantageous conditions that come from it.
Blackjack is a popular game in casinos the world over. You will find it to be one of the most lucrative table games that you can spot at the top physical and online casinos. For this particular reason, operators are slightly less likely to issue substantial bonuses, but we are here to break to you the most reliable strategies on the market!