Blackjack

Detailed Guide on Playing Blackjack

While there are various card games you can play at classy land-based and virtual casinos alike, blackjack remains the top pick of many gaming enthusiasts. The reason for the popularity of blackjack, often called the game of 21, is the high RTP that most blackjack variations will offer. One thing to keep in mind is that the highest potential RTP is achieved only when players are using the correct blackjack strategy. Since the outcomes in the game depend on both luck and skills, numerous casino players enjoy blackjack and try to gain extra advantage over the house.

In this detailed introduction to blackjack, we will cover the game’s basics, teaching you how to play blackjack, differentiate between variations of the game of 21, and even develop the correct strategy for optimal blackjack play.

• History of Blackjack
• Blackjack Rules
• Blackjack Terms
• Soft & Hard Hands
• Odds & Probabilities
• Blackjack Strategy
• Blackjack Bankroll
• Blackjack Bonuses
• Betting Systems
• Blackjack Variations
• Internet & Live Dealer
• Blackjack Tournaments

History of Blackjack

When it comes to the exact origins of the game, this topic is rather controversial. Throughout the years, a great deal of research has been conducted in an attempt to settle this matter for once and for all but to no avail. Up to the present, it is believed that the game’s origins can be traced back to the 17th century as during this period of time there is a written evidence of a similar Spanish card game. However, many historians also don’t rule out the possibility that the game has Italian or French roots as these two countries also had several card games which shared similar rules. Blackjack has been a center of attention for many years which led to the creation of various strategies, among which card counting and the basic strategy.

Blackjack Rules

The rules of blackjack can be defined as very straightforward and easy to learn. This is also one of the reasons why the game has become so widespread all over the world. When you play blackjack, you compete against a dealer and your main objective is to beat his hand by forming a total which is as close to twenty one as possible. If you go over this number, this is considered a ‘bust’ and you lose automatically. At the end of every round, the hand of the player and the hand of the dealer are compared, with the highest total that has not exceeded 21 winning the game.

You are given the chance to decide how to play your hand by choosing one from the several available options. You can hit, stand, double down, split a pair and in some games, you can also take insurance or surrender. Each of these moves give you different opportunities and thus, it should be used in different situations. When it comes to the dealer’s play, you should know that his actions are pre-determined in advance. The dealer is required to make the same moves every time according to a set of rules which every blackjack game has.

Blackjack Terms

Before you start playing blackjack, besides the rules of the game, you also need to get familiar with its glossary. This way you will be able to follow the gaming process and play properly. Moreover, blackjack is a skill-based game which requires a reliable strategy. Thus, if you want to be able to learn one, you have to be fully acquainted with the most commonly used terms as otherwise you won’t be able to grasp the main idea behind it.

Hit

Double Down

Stand

Split

Insurance

Surrender

In blackjack, to hit means to simply get another card and to stand means that you don’t want any more cards. The term that is used to describe the built-in advantage every casino has is house edge. In the gambling world, high rollers are the players whose betting style is more extreme and as a result, they place substantial amounts.

Soft & Hard Hands

Another two important terms which every blackjack player should be familiar with are the so-called soft and hard hands. The reason why is that you are bound to get such hands at some point during the game and if you don’t know how to handle them, you risk missing valuable opportunities. The ace is the most powerful card in the deck and as such, it plays a crucial role in these two types of hands. Soft hands are the hands which consist of an ace and another card. For instance, if you have an ace and a four in your hand, this card combination is referred to as soft 15.

The opposite of soft hands are hard hands and analogically, they don’t contain an ace. Whenever you have such a hand, your chances of going bust if you hit are usually incredibly high. This is the reason why these hands are often disliked by players. In order to be able to tackle them successfully, you need a reliable strategy.

Odds & Probabilities

Since blackjack is a card game, its odds can be estimated by taking into account a number of factors. The reason why it is important for you to get familiar with them is because this way you can make better decisions for your hand. For instance, if you know that your chances of busting are 77%, providing that you hit and that your hand totals eighteen, you will refrain from making this move.

Another thing which you should think through is the house edge of the blackjack game you are about to play. It is really important to know that its percentage is influenced every time the rules are altered. Even seemingly minor changes such as the number of decks involved in the game, have an impact on your chances of winning and therefore, this matter is worth considering.

Strategy for Blackjack

Blackjack is a card game whose house edge can be significantly decreased by using a strategy. Nowadays, you can find a number of different strategies which you can apply in order to improve your game. It doesn’t matter whether you are a novice player or a seasoned gambler, you will be able to find a plan that suits your personal preferences and gaming style best. When it comes to blackjack, one of the most popular strategies is the basic strategy. The reason why, it is used by hundreds of players worldwide, is that it provides an efficient plan which suggests the best possible move in a certain situation by taking into account your total and the dealer’s up card. It serves as a guide for players and it helps them understand the pattern the game follows better.

Another very widespread method is the card counting as it has proven to be extremely efficient and accurate, especially if combined with the basic strategy. There are various card counting systems which differ mainly in their level of difficulty. By using a strategy, you will be able to cope with all of the tricky hands successfully and improve your winning chances.

Blackjack Bankroll

When it comes to blackjack, having a money management plan is crucial as without it, you won’t be able to stay in the game long enough to make a profit. If you lack self-control and discipline, you are bound to lose all of your money in no time and even if you get lucky and win, you won’t be able to retain your winnings. This is the reason why before you go to a casino, it is essential to set win goals and loss limits which are in accordance with the bankroll you have for the day. This way you will prevent yourself from spending more than you have initially decided and you will be able to keep track of your bets. Also, it is important to join a blackjack table whose betting limits are in accordance with your available funds. Otherwise you will be required to place large wagers which will cause you to leave the game with empty pockets in no time.

Blackjack Bonuses

Blackjack was among the first games that the online casinos chose to offer as it has always been the favorite game to hundreds of players all over the world. One of the biggest advantages the online casinos have is the fact that they offer enticing bonuses when the game is played virtually. Even though there are different types of bonuses which you can take advantage of, all of them have a few things in common. One of them is that they are designed to enhance players’ gaming experience and give them the chance to place larger bets. Another similarity is that all of them have wagering requirements and terms and conditions which you should always consider in advance.

Besides the many special deals and generous bonuses which the online casinos offer, they have one more great advantage. Every reputable online casino gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide range of reliable payment options thanks to which you can deposit money instantly and securely. You can select your most trusted payment solution and rest assured that your personal data and funds are transferred in a safe manner.

Blackjack Betting Systems

Many blackjack players choose to apply a betting system in order to manage to make a profit. In general, the betting systems offer a plan according to which you should place your wagers. Most of them have proven to work efficiently, however only over short periods of time. Thus, if you plan to apply them to longer sessions, statistically speaking, you can lose more money.

Based on the bet size progression, there are two types of betting systems – positive and negative progression systems. What sets them apart from one another is their betting pattern – whether they require from you to increase or decrease your bet when you win. The negative betting systems are often viewed as more extreme as if you use them, you are supposed to increase your bet every time you lose. Some of the most popular betting systems are Paroli Betting System, Parlay Betting System, Martingale Betting System and 1-3-2-6 Betting System.

Blackjack Variations

Blackjack is one of the most played games of all time due to the fact that it is extremely entertaining and challenging. It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that this game has more than 100 interesting versions which can be found in a number of casinos. Thanks to this huge diversity, you have the chance to choose a variation that suits your personal preferences best and experience blackjack in a whole new way. All of them use the same basics as the original game, however they also have some distinguishable features and additional rules which you should always consider beforehand.

Also, it should be noted that the different rules greatly influence the house edge and thus, your chances of winning are not the same. Some of the most popular variations are Atlantic City Blackjack, European Blackjack, Spanish Blackjack, Super Fun 21, Blackjack Switch and Vegas Strip Blackjack. Many online casinos also offer you the chance to enhance your gaming experience and win even more by playing either Multi-Hand or Progressive Blackjack.

Internet & Live Dealer Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most exciting card games and as such, it is no wonder that almost every online casino offers it. The online casinos have gained in popularity so much for several reasons – they are secure, convenient and innovative. Thanks to them, you can experience blackjack in a whole new way and play at any place and time you wish.

Moreover, thanks to the cutting-edge systems all of the online casinos use, you can rest assured that your sensitive information is highly protected all the time. Perhaps, one of the best innovations the online casinos offer are the live dealer games. They are hosted by a well-presented dealer in real time and the whole gaming process is streamed from a studio. In these games, you also have the opportunity to communicate with the dealer and with the rest of the participants on the virtual table which greatly contribute to the authentic experience you are able to get from playing them.

Blackjack Tournaments

Another great thing about the online casinos is the fact that some of them organize blackjack tournaments. This way, you have the chance to compete not only against the dealer but also against other fellow players. There are several types of tournaments which differ in their duration, prizes and rounds. The prizes these events offer are also something worth playing for. It should be noted that usually these tournaments require an entry fee, however, in most cases, the participation price is very affordable.