As one of the most popular and certainly also most accessible casino games (thanks to technology), Blackjack has earned a special place in the hearts of gamblers all around the globe.
Whether you’re stepping into a land-based casino or exploring the virtual realm of online gambling, Blackjack offers an exciting mix of strategy and luck.
If you’re new to gambling and the game of Blackjack in general, our quick and informative guide below will walk you through the basics, rules, strategies, and tips to help you embark on a thrilling online Blackjack journey.
The Basics Of Blackjack
Blackjack, also known as 21, is a card game that pits players against the dealer.
The objective is simple: get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over (exceeding it).
Each card is worth its face value, while so-called “face cards” (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are valued at 10, and Aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on which value is more favourable for the hand.
How the Game Unfolds
At the beginning of a Blackjack game, each player receives two face-up cards, while the dealer gets one face-up card and one face-down card (commonly referred to as the “hole card”).
Players take turns making decisions to improve their hand value or stay with their current total.
Players have several options at their disposal:
- Hit: Request an additional card from the dealer to increase the value of their hand.
- Stand: Decline any more cards and play only with their current hand.
- Double Down: Double the initial bet and receive one more card, then stand.
- Split: If the first two cards are of the same value, the player can split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet.
Blackjack Jargon
As a newbie, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with common Blackjack jargon and terminology:
- Bust: When a hand’s value exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss.
- Soft Hand: A hand that contains an Ace valued at 11 without exceeding 21.
- Hard Hand: A hand that either lacks an Ace or has an Ace valued at 1 to prevent busting.
- Push: When the player and dealer have the same hand value, resulting in a tie.
Online Blackjack: Advantages
Playing Blackjack online brings a unique set of benefits and considerations for newcomers.
Just some advantages of playing Blackjack online include:
- Accessibility: Play from the comfort of your home or on-the-go with a variety of mobile devices.
- Lower Minimum Bets: Online casinos often offer lower minimum bets, making it budget-friendly game for beginners.
- Game Variety: Access multiple Blackjack variants with distinct rules and features.
- Practice Opportunities: Many online casinos provide free-play options to hone your skills before betting with real money.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
While luck does play a role in land-based and online Blackjack, employing a basic strategy can significantly improve your odds of winning.
The basic strategy is a mathematically proven method that suggests the best action to take in each scenario based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s up-card.
A few valuable tips from the basic Blackjack strategy include:
- Always stand on hard 17 or higher.
- Always hit on hard totals of 8 or less.
- Double down on 10 or 11 if the dealer’s up-card is 2 to 9.
- Never take insurance, as it is generally unfavourable for the player.
Bankroll Management
As with any form of gambling, proper bankroll management is essential to ensure you have a positive gaming experience.
Set a budget for your online Blackjack sessions and stick to it, avoiding the temptation to chase losses or bet more than you can afford to lose.
Play responsibly. Winners always do.