Have you been entertaining the idea of exploring blackjack? Do you want to experience the thrill of barely beating the dealer? Then this is the perfect guide for you. We will show you the ins and outs of blackjack, present its variants, show you expert tips, point you at free blackjack games, and open the door to real money, high limit and low-limit blackjack tables. Join us on this exciting adventure!
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Most casino games are obviously based on luck. However, there are gems that give you the opportunity to decide your fate. A slot machine cannot be impacted, especially in an online setting where it is entirely dependent on RNG software. But a game of blackjack and poker can be impacted. When you play blackjack, you are not only wagering and hoping for the best, but you are also forging your destiny by deciding to add more cards to your deck. Each additional card can either make or break your round, so choose carefully. Regardless of what you do, you will have a priceless sense that you had an impact on the events that unfolded.
Blackjack, or 21 as it is often called, was a staple of conventional gaming for decades. Punters the world over could not get enough of this exciting game, which is why game developers ported it onto an online platform among the first. But where does this love for blackjack come from? Well, it springs up from three major factors.
Firstly, simplicity. Few games are as beginner-friendly as blackjack. All you have to do as a blackjack punter is pursue the number 21. The only knowledge that you need prior to starting your gaming journey is a basic understanding of card evaluations. Note that these occasionally differ from game to game, so make sure to check out the associated terms and conditions or the rules for more information. These pleasantly simple foundations allow game developers to easily port blackjack into an online or virtual setting without losing the game’s spirit.
Secondly, skill and strategy. We very rarely say that a game can be impacted by strategy or skill since all casino games have some degree of luck associated with it. However, blackjack can be heavily impacted by your actions, so a proper technique can make a huge difference. Blackjack punters try to maximize their impact by utilizing various strategies, such as counting cards, which attempt to beat the house. While this crusade enriches blackjack and its culture, it is also important to note that the final outcome depends on Lady Luck.
Thirdly, variants. Few could have predicted that this simple gaming concept would attract so much innovation and creativity. Game developers have truly gone wild, which shows in the numerous variants that you can enjoy nowadays. You can explore everything from American and European Blackjack to Super Fun 21. There are also branded variants and those with a comedic twist, so you are bound to find the perfect theme for you. Note that your objective remains the same; the pursuit of 21 never ends.
There is no substitute for a real live gaming environment, but modern online casino operators come incredibly close. They have combined amazing visuals with crisp sound and exciting gaming solutions that blow your socks off. Moreover, they make up for an occasional lack of atmosphere with a plethora of blackjack variants. This page will introduce you to the full breadth and width of blackjack, its history, pros, cons, variants, tips, strategies, and more. We will even answer some of the most popular questions posed by current and prospective blackjack punters. Join us on this exciting journey and learn more about blackjack!
In Blackjack, the player's main objective is to have his hand of cards with a value that totals as close to 21, with the best option being 21 exactly, but by no means anything higher than 21; the player's hand must also outweigh the dealer's.
Blackjack at its core is a fine mix of different card games which have been played in different places and at different times. The game dates back to ancient times - all the way to the 18th?century - when it was transported to America under the name "Vingt-et-Un." Literally, this means "twenty-one" in French.
This early variation of Blackjack had many differences from the game that we know today, namely in the bonuses field. As these bonuses gradually faded away from the game, Blackjack slowly but surely, transformed into the game we know it to be today.
The great depression of the early 1930s in the United States was Blackjack's big chance to base itself as a popular, widely played game, and so it was. This was accomplished greatly due to the legalization of gambling in the state of Nevada, which sought a way to increase its state revenues.
Blackjack has gradually caught a place of honor at casino tables in Las Vegas and spread all throughout the nation. The rest, as the proverb says, is history. Blackjack remains a very popular game nowadays, crossing borders and being available to many thanks to the spread of online gambling.
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While Blackjack originated in France, it has retained its American influences to this day, and so has its terminology accordingly.?
Blackjack: Aside from being the name of the game, Blackjack literally refers to a hand containing both an ace and a card with a value of 10 (10, Jack, Queen or King).
Bust: This is what you don't want to happen – bust is a hand that totals more than 21, meaning a loss.
Double Down: The player doubles his initial bet; this comes in exchange for him standing down after receiving an extra card.
Hit: The term for requesting another card from the dealer, e.g.: "Hit me".
Holecard:?The dealer's second card, which regularly remains facedown until the player makes a move.
Insurance:?A way for the player to cover his expected loss in case the dealer has an ace. The insurance is taken before the dealer's hole card is revealed.
Push:?An equal score between the dealer and the player.
Soft:?Any hand with an ace that is valued at 11.
Split:?The player can split his initial two cards into two separate hands. This can be done only if both cards are of the same value. From then on, the game is played for both hands.
Stand:?A player's choice not to take any new cards.
Surrender:?The player's ability to surrender or stand down during a hand, receiving half his initial bet. This is not available in all Blackjack tables.
Upcard:??The name of the face-up card in the dealer's hand.
The player's goal in Blackjack is to have a hand that totals as closest to 21 or at 21 exactly which is ideal, but in no way exceeding 21 – then the player is bust. Number cards are taken at face value; Aces are valued 1 or 11, and Jacks, Queens and Kings are always valued at 10.
A standard Blackjack game begins with all players in the table placing their bets; then they are dealt two face-up cards by the dealer, who deals for himself two cards: one face up and the second face down, also known as the holecard. Then when the dealing is done, players have to choose their next steps according to their assessment of the situation. If they "hit", they take more cards; "stand" means they won't, "double" will double their bet, and "split" will split both of their cards into two hands – this can be done only if their two cards are of equal value. When the players are finished with their decisions, the dealer then draws cards until he either busts by going over 21, or reaches a total value of 17 or higher.
Scenarios in Blackjack
In a standard Blackjack game, there are three possible scenarios. The player can win, having a stronger hand than the dealer or the opposite (and then the player is busted). And then there's the option of a tie between the player and the dealer, in which the player receives his cash back. The optimal scenario for a player is to open with any card valued at ten and an ace – this is also called Blackjack.
Beginners should be able to know when and how to make their decisions in-game while always being aware of their current bankroll and hand. The range of cards that players are drawn should make them determine if they want to carry on or stand. A hand in the range of 5-16 justifies a hit, but something along the lines of 17-21, especially 21, does not.
Mathematical wizards, or just those with a mathematical mind, can try and employ a counting strategy of the cards and other elements during the game. However, this is not a recommended strategy for beginners and should be practiced only after a player learns the initial ropes and gains some experience in the game.
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You cannot beat Lady Luck, but you can improve your playstyle with the following tips and tricks.
We know that you will hear the siren call of blackjack sooner or later in your online gaming career, which is why we have prepared a list of helpful tips that will ease you into the action and increase your chances of having a phenomenal experience.
This is a simple instruction on paper but incredibly difficult in practice. There are countless online gaming venues out there, but only a select few are first-class. This category is reserved for licensed, regulated, and overall superb venues. All of these pros feed into a plethora of blackjack variants that you can utilize with the help of exciting bonuses and achievable wagering requirements. Check out our blackjack casino reviews and discover the best blackjack casinos in the game.
Different blackjack variants have different sets of rules that may turn your gaming session on its head. Being familiar with these rules will allow you to respond correctly whenever things go awry. Moreover, knowing what your game expects from you can save you future headaches and unpleasant surprises.
Now that you are familiar with the rules of your chosen game and casino, it is time to start your blackjack gaming fun. Join a blackjack table with a simple click of a button and have at it. Note that you will not have to wait for an opening, as would be expected in a real-life venue.
Here comes the best part, betting. You will need to bet before you receive cards, and your betting amount will depend greatly on your chosen table and variant. Cards are usually dealt after the initial wagers are complete.
These pay tables are not complicated. If you manage to land 21, you win. If you exceed 21, you go bust, which means that you lose that round. 20 is the highest number, and you land it with two face cards, which can be either two 10s or a face card and a 10. The second highest number is 19, and so on and so forth.
Every casino game has its own community that develops unique phrases and terms. These can be picked up at live blackjack tables, which is something that online punters miss out on. This is where our helpful glossary of blackjack terms comes in and saves the day. Our informative list of common terms and phrases will translate the complex jargon of blackjack veterans into understandable snippets that you can pick up and use with ease. Check out our glossary, memorize a few phrases, and kick your online blackjack gaming into higher gear.
Blackjack GlossaryPunters are often shocked by the plethora of gaming options that blackjack boasts. The best online casinos in the business will offer numerous variants with exciting features and unexpected mechanisms. The most popular blackjack variants include:
Classic Blackjack This is the traditional variant that has kept punters entertained and satisfied for decades. The roots of this game are ancient, but the fun it brings is timeless. Continue an ancient legacy by partaking in exciting blackjack matches today.
Live Blackjack Do you want to experience the thrill of betting at a real casino but do not have the time to travel? Sit down on your couch, boot up your favorite device, and dive into the thrilling world of live blackjack. Its players are pitted against live dealers while also being in contact with their fellow punters in real-time. Soak up the fun of live gaming while staying in the comfortable embrace of an online platform.
Spanish 21 Blackjack is enriched by this Iberian gust of wind that adds unique features to the generic backdrop of conventional blackjack. Experience blackjack a bit differently with a Spanish 48-card deck. Note that you win when you hit 21, even if the dealer managed to do the same. The Spanish keep things fluid by avoiding pesky ties.
American Blackjack Everything in America is bigger and better, even blackjack. American Blackjack is spiced up by the fact that the dealer is given two cards, one facing up and one facing down. The latter is referred to as the hole card. Rules surrounding win conditions remain the same.
Pontoon The British are renowned for doing things slightly differently. A prime example is pontoon, the British variant of blackjack. There are two main peculiarities associated with this variant. Firstly, one of the players has to be the 'banker'. The latter is pretty much a dealer. If he or she manages to land 21, then pontoon is announced, and he or she collects twice as much as the entire pot is worth. Secondly, the terms and jargon that you encounter will be slightly obscure and require some getting used to.
Super Fun 21 This game takes the player experience to the next level. You are given a lot of freedom, including doubling, splitting, or hitting aces. You can also surrender after a failed doubling down. Moreover, you can split pairs up to four times, which is true even of Aces. Another incredible feature is the ‘’six-card Charlie’ rule, which sees punters with six cards that are worth less than 21 winning automatically. This rule is especially beloved since it can bring in wins at unexpected times.
Blackjack Switch The great thing about blackjack switch is that you can switch the top or second card of each hand after four are dealt. This can improve your chances of winning, but you are required to make two equally sized bets, so keep that in mind.
Zappit Blackjack Just when punters thought that nothing new could come from the gaming breweries of developers, zappit blackjack hit the market. This amazing game puts a twist on conventional blackjack in the form of a ‘zap’ or elimination of two cards. Said cards are then replaced with two new random cards. Note that using the ‘zap’ feature will deprive you of the blackjack reward and replace it with a conventional 3:2 payout, should you land 21. Every other rule remains the same as in regular blackjack.
Atlantic City Blackjack Atlantic City revolutionized blackjack gaming when it gave birth to this variant. It is rather different from classic blackjack, as dealers can check if they have a blackjack. Moreover, they are allowed to stand on 17, while punters can split cards thrice.
European Blackjack European blackjack has not strayed too far from the original, but there are still a few minor differences. The most obvious one is the lack of a hole or face-down card. This is replaced by a face-up card that is dealt by the dealer. Your second card is dealt once you play your hand. You should also expect a limit on doubling down and splitting. These two features are only available on hand values of 9, 10, and 11.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack Experience a brand-new approach to blackjack with an independent side bet. The latter focuses on the dealer landing a pair, so two identical cards. Punters get to bet on this, and they are given options such as a mixed, colored, and perfect pair. Note that a perfect pair consists of two cards of the same color and suit. The latter is rather rare and, therefore, pays the most.
Infinite Blackjack Experience blackjack slightly differently with infinite blackjack. You can have a go at up to four side bets, which include any pairs, 21+3, hot 3, and bust it. All of these raise a player's chances of winning. However, the fun does not end there. You are also given a 'six-card Charlie' rule that sees you landing winnings if your six-card hand amounts to less than 21.
Progressive Blackjack Combine conventional blackjack strategies with the thrill of progressive jackpots in this amazing card game. Note that certain variations require an ante bet. The latter is only mandatory if you attempt to pursue the jackpot.
Double Attack Blackjack If you find Spanish 21 exciting, you will absolutely adore this game. Make a bet after seeing the dealer’s card and get more for landing a conventional blackjack.
Lucky Blackjack The name of this variant is almost as quirky as the variant itself. You will have a one-on-one battle with the dealer, but only the dealer will receive cards. The biggest twist, however, is that you bet on how close the dealer will be to 21. A correct wager will land you 19 times your bet.
Double Exposure Blackjack This variant gives the dealer two face-up cards, which gives players a significant advantage. The latter is also a very pleasant format that gives you an additional overview. Expect a natural blackjack to far exceed the conventional 3:2 payout.
21 Duel Kick things into higher gear with this combination of blackjack and Texas Hold ‘Em. Note that the basic premise of approaching 21 remains the same, while both the dealer and player can enhance their hands with two accessible community cards. Punters familiar with Texas Hold ‘Em Poker will find this to be second nature.
Triple 7s Blackjack Have you always wanted to mix conventional blackjack gaming with a progressive jackpot? Try out Triple 7s blackjack, pursue 21, and see how it pans out! Note that certain hands get you a huge bonus and that you will need an additional bet to qualify for them.
Vegas Strip Blackjack This variant has four decks that are shuffled after each hand. Note that a dealer that received an Ace or a 10 might have to ‘peek’ for a blackjack. If he or she gets a blackjack, he or she wins the round. The other rules are rather traditional.
Big Five Blackjack As the name suggests, this game is played with five decks. Furthermore, your gaming experience is improved by a unique feature that allows dealers to hit on a soft 17. The latter, combined with an early surrender, makes this game truly unique. Note that other rules align with classic blackjack.
Vegas Downtown Blackjack Get ready for things to get heated in this unique blackjack variant. You can bet on up 5 hands at once, with each being pitted against the dealer. The latter has two cards, one face up and one face down. If the former is an Ace, you get the chance to utilize insurance.
Ante Up 21 Blackjack Get ready for a unique mixture of blackjack and poker. While the basic elements of blackjack remain the same, things get spiced up by poker-like betting options. The latter includes the usage of a player’s blackjack hand in a two-card poker round. Note that this round is played with the dealer.
Chinese Blackjack Some of you will be more familiar with its other names, such as 21-point, ban-nag, and ban-luck. While the names are radically different, this is essentially just conventional blackjack. The main differences are winning combinations and their associated payouts. The best hand is comprised of two Aces, which is referred to as the ban-ban. It is guaranteed to sweep away the competition and triumph. The second-best hand is comprised of an ace and a card worth 10. The latter is known as a ban-nang, and it trumps everything except for the ban-ban.
Blackjack Surrender The only major difference between this variant and original blackjack is that you can surrender after the first two cards are dealt. Note that this will return half of your bet, which makes surrendering less painful.
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The basic premise of online blackjack is a mirror image of conventional blackjack. The dealer initially gives two cards to each player, and each player attempts to edge toward 21 without surpassing it. Players increase their hand value by asking for more cards, which is called hitting. They can, alternatively, stay at their current evaluation by standing. Landing a perfect 21 is a guaranteed win, while simply surpassing the dealer also counts as a win. Note that surpassing 21 results in a loss.
Yes, it is. While conventional land-based venues shun the idea of offering free play, online ones embrace it with full force. You will often find various free or demo variants of your favorite blackjack games. These will allow you to get more familiar with the game and test out strategies without risking a penny. Note that this format prevents you from winning real money.
No, it is not. Reputable and licensed online gaming venues are never going to rig a game. It is in their best interest that you continue your patronage, as you will bring in more money in the long run. Furthermore, there are regulatory bodies and entities that keep tabs on their activities, so manipulating results could have legal consequences. Stick to our recommendations and play with the best today.
The main hardware prerequisites are a working laptop or desktop computer and a stable internet connection. Note that you will have to open a gaming account, so you will probably also need a dedicated email address.
Not necessarily. Downloading and installing software is mostly a personal preference. Punters that prefer to gamble on their mobile devices usually download dedicated casino apps. Those that prefer a desktop computer avoid software by using browser variants of their favorite casinos. Check out which options your casino boasts and play your way.
The idea of counting cards being illegal is a Hollywood invention. However, it does hold some merit in the case of real-life casinos. Real-life venues do not ban counting cards, but they do find it a nuisance. Note that there are no laws against counting cards, so there is little online, or offline venues can do about it. The only exception to the latter are gaming solutions, such as automatic deck shuffling, which make counting cards practically impossible.
Anyone who tells you that blackjack is not impacted by luck is misleading you. Every casino game incorporates luck to some degree. However, blackjack is one of those unique games that brings skill and strategy into the picture. These can partly reduce the house’s edge and potentially impact your chances of winning.
The odds are the same wherever and whenever you play. Note that bonuses and promotions often make online blackjack slightly superior, but your chances of winning are not changed significantly.
Blackjack is entirely random, thanks to RNG software that always gives random results. Your likelihood of drawing a particular combination is, therefore, completely random. The statistical analysis points to the fact that drawing a particular card comes in with a 7.69% likelihood, while drawing a card worth 10, such as a King, Queen, Jack, or 10, is 30.7%.
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