Introduction to Blackjack

Blackjack – Skill-Based Game Adored by Many

Blackjack is a casino favorite of numerous gaming enthusiasts, often giving them the chance to play with a house edge of only 1% or sometimes even lower. This card game is simple to master, requiring no special skills to learn how to play it both at land-based casinos and online. Despite having pretty straightforward rules, blackjack does require learning all betting options and moves to be able to fully enjoy the gaming experience.

• Blackjack History
• Blackjack Rules
• Blackjack Variations
• How to Win in Blackjack
• Conclusion

One of the reasons why players adore betting their money on blackjack is the opportunity to give themselves a bigger edge by implementing strategy. To compensate for the advantage of strategic players, many casinos alter some rules of the card game, nudging the house edge higher. That said, players who have mastered the basic strategy and know how to spot a good blackjack variation can enjoy many successful gaming sessions. In this article, we will cover the rules of the classic card game, the different blackjack variations you can see both offline and on the web, and the strategy you can use to optimize your gameplay.

Blackjack History

Blackjack Rules

Blackjack Variations

How to Win in Blackjack

Blackjack History

The history of blackjack, just like many other casino games, is rather controversial as the exact origins of the game still remain unknown. Many historians believe that the game has been played since the beginning of the 17th century. It is considered to have Spanish origins, however during this period of time there were also other French and Italian card games which resembled to some extent blackjack.

Blackjack Rules

This interesting card game is also referred to as Twenty-One due to the fact that its main objective is to reach this number without going over it. In blackjack, you compete only against the dealer, even though you will be most likely playing on a table with other players. In order to win, you need to form a hand whose total is higher than the dealer’s and if you surpass twenty one, you ‘go bust’ or in other words, you lose your bet.

The best hand you can possibly get in this game consists of two cards whose total is exactly twenty one – a 10-valued card and an Ace. This winning combination is called natural blackjack and its payout is usually 3/2. If you get such a hand, you win automatically, unless the dealer also has a natural as in such cases the result is a tie, meaning that all bets are returned. It should be noted that the payout can vary, depending the casino and the version and thus, it is always recommended to double check the rules of the game just to be on the safe side.

Another important rule which every novice player should get familiar with in order to be able to fully grasp the game is the assigned value of the cards. Queens, Kings and Jacks receive ten points and the rest of the cards are valued as the number written on them. The card that deserves special attention is the Ace as it can be counted as either one or eleven. Whenever you draw an Ace, you can switch its value according to your current needs in order to form a better total or prevent yourself from busting.

Initially, the game was played with a single pack of 52 cards, however nowadays you can find versions that use from one to eight decks. In fact, since games that feature one deck of cards work in favor of blackjack players, especially card counters, it might be hard to find such a version. It is true that it is still possible to play some variations which specifically require the minimum number of decks, however it should be noted that they also have some additional rules which are not beneficial for players so that the casinos can maintain the house edge.

Blackjack Variations

Throughout the years, various different versions of blackjack have emerged as the game gained in popularity in a number of countries. Thanks to the huge diversity of variations, it is possible to experience this exciting casino game in a whole new way. All of them have the same basic rules, however they offer some additional features, such as side bets, to make the game even more enticing. Some of the most famous versions are Atlantic City Blackjack, Spanish Blackjack, Blackjack Switch, Pontoon, Perfect Pairs and others.

It is also possible to play the classic game along with some of its most popular variations at a number of online casinos. This way you can enjoy blackjack at the comfort of your home without having to go all the way to a land-based casino. However, prior to playing, it is really important to take your time to carefully read the rules of the particular variation in order to be fully prepared for it.

How to Win in Blackjack

One of the best things about blackjack that appeals to many players is the fact that it is a skill-based game and thus, it is possible to influence its outcome by applying a strategy. When it comes to this card game, it should be noted that there are a number of available strategies which have proven to work over the years. One of them is the so-called basic strategy which many proficient players use. It suggests the best possible move in a certain situation by taking into account the total of their hand and the up card of the dealer.

Another very widespread strategy is the card counting which as its name hints, is a method that enables you to determine the ratio of high value to low value cards by keeping track of the cards on the table. There are many card counting systems which differ from one another in their level of difficulty. Players of all types, regardless of their gaming experience and playing style, have the chance to take advantage of a card counting system if they wish. Some of the most famous systems are Omega II, Wong Halves, K-O System, Hi-Lo System, Red Seven System and others.

Conclusion

Blackjack is undoubtedly a casino game which is worth a try due to the fact that it has proven to be extremely entertaining. Many players opt for this game as it evokes in them a feeling of excitement while playing. Its basic rules are very easy to understand which makes it perfect for all types of players. It is a skill-based game and as such, it gives you the opportunity to apply a reliable strategy which will significantly reduce the house edge and improve your chances of winning.