It’s inescapable. Step into any retail casino, and you will find incredible crowds surrounding the blackjack table, and for a good reason. Blackjack, or simply 21, is one of the most classiest and older card games. Its allure remains its roots in traditional gameplay while adapting to the amazing digital casino experience.
Suitable for all skill levels, Blackjack is also the game of choice for those looking to have fun and master casino games. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a blackjack ace, this guide delivers expert tips to take your blackjack game to the next winning level.
Understanding the Game of Blackjack
As we mentioned earlier, Blackjack is the game of choice for those beginning with card games. Unlike other card games like poker, there is a much shorter learning curve. Also, Blackjack, for the most part, is one of the most affordable card games available.
The essence of 21 is to have a playing hand that adds up to 21, or at least a playing hand that is higher than the dealer. Unlike poker, there’s no bluffing because all the players compete against the dealer and not with each other. Therefore, several players can win during the playing round, regardless of which player has the highest playing hand.
For most blackjack games, the game starts and concludes as follows:
- Players Make Their Bets: Some blackjack games have small minimum requirements, and others have higher ones. Either way, you can bet the minimum up to the maximum.
- The Dealer Deals: The dealer first deals each player one face-up card, starting with the one to the immediate left. After, the dealer passes to himself one Card face-up, known as the up-card. The dealer passes each player a second card face up and himself one more card face down.
- Players Decide: If the player has a natural blackjack with the first two cards, there is nothing more for that player to do. If it’s less than 21, players can hit or stand, among other things.
To hit means to draw an additional card. Players can hit as much as they like until they hit 21 or bust. Busting means having a playing hand that is over 21 and an automatic loss. To stand means to finish the playing hand that you have and to take your chances.
In European Blackjack, the dealer doesn’t deal with a second card until all the players have hit or stood. Most blackjack variants support the dealer dealing themselves the second card face down before the players make their move.
The dealer in most blackjack games must stand on a soft 17. In other words, the first two cards are an ace and a six. However, some blackjack variants have relaxed that rule to a hand with at least a hard seventeen, or three or more cards worth seventeen or more. Like the player, the dealer can also bust and lose. When the dealer busts, all the players who haven’t bust automatically win.
The Importance of the Blackjack Shuffle
Like any card game, it begins with the shuffle. Playing Blackjack in person or with the live dealer means that the cards are expertly shuffled before they are placed in the shoe. Having a professional shuffle is important for these main reasons:
- Promotes Fair Gameplay: Playing live Blackjack means you are assured of total game fairness thanks to a certified random number generator. When players feel confident, they tend to bet and play more.
- Discourages Cheating: Card counting is heavily frowned upon in casinos because it is perceived to give a player an unfair advantage. Timely and expert shuffles can greatly reduce card counting.
- Less Card Burning: Sometimes, a dealer misdeals and has to get rid of the Card from active gameplay. This process is known as Card burning. Shuffling the deck also means cutting down on the need to burn cards from the deck.
With a solid understanding of Blackjack and the need for proper card shuffling, let’s dive into some expert tips on collecting and cashing out those casino chips.
Expert Blackjack Tips to Take It to the Next Level
While standing prevents busting, there is a chance of playing it too safe. If the playing hand is worth eleven or less, it is a mistake to stand. The dealer, unless they are at a soft 17, must hit and can very quietly hit you out of a win.
For playing hands worth twelve or more and less than fifteen, it’s rolling the dice. The next Card can result in a bust because a ten or a face card puts you over 21. For playing hands worth fifteen or more, it might be wise to stand and let fate take its course.
For playing hands worth twelve to sixteen, you’re in the gray zone to double down. Doubling down means drawing one final Card for that playing round after you meet the initial bet.
If you have a pair of aces, consider splitting them. Aces count as eleven or one in most instances, so it is impossible to bust. Besides, the odds are greatly in your favor to have two potential winning hands if you draw another face card or a ten.
Be careful with the insurance bet. If the dealer’s upcard is an ace, most blackjack games offer the chance to purchase insurance to prevent losing half your bet. However, even if you win, you still lose because of the extra bet.
Common Mistakes to How to Avoid Them
1. Chasing Losses
Blackjack, like other casino games, is the luck of the draw. When you lose, stay on point and prevent overspending to try to make up losses. This is a quick way to go down the lonely path of problem gambling, which can have life-changing consequences like divorce, family troubles, or worse.
2. Over Betting
Some blackjack games, including those online, are highly affordable. Others are for VIP players and can start with $100 or more per hand. For those on a budget, it is a wise idea to start with more affordable games to make your budgets stretch.
3. Side Bets
Some blackjack games feature side bets. Some common ones include Lucky Ladies and the 21+3 side bet. While they can pay off handsomely, they can quickly drain your budget if you lose.
Final Thoughts
With today’s immense online casinos, there has never been a better time to get into the blackjack action. Playing online can lead to more promotions, including real money and sweepstakes casino no deposit bonuses, where players can immediately win for real and in style. It doesn’t hurt to begin with a blackjack strategy chart to help you find your footing about when to hit and stand.
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