If you are new to the game of Blackjack, we will break down how the game is played, the rules and the various tips and tricks to help you become successful. The truth of the matter is that the game of Blackjack can be very advantageous to players.

Since players can influence the outcome of the game, the house edge can be successfully lowered. Don’t get us wrong! All games available at online casinos are games of chance, but since you can choose between “hit” and “stand”, you have some degree of control.

Better known as the 21, the game of Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games all over the world, thanks to its simplicity and somewhat luxury factor.

The Basics of Blackjack

The main aim of the game of Blackjack is for the player to build a hand that totals up as close as possible to 21 without going over, while at the same time having a hand that is higher in value than that of the dealer.

This game uses a standard 52-card pack, but in most casinos, there are a number of decks of cards used to be shuffled together. Sometimes the player is not aware of how many packs of cards are used especially if you are playing at a live casino. This is done to avoid card counting.

It is up to the player to decide whether they want to use an Ace as 1 or 11. All face cards are valued as 10, while all other cards are at pop value.

Let’s walk you through you a typical game so you can know what to expect:

  • Join a table: Find a casino and pick a Blackjack game variant and table
  • Place your bets: You will be asked to place your bets. You must hurry as you only have a few seconds to do so if you’re playing live casino.
  • The dealer: Once all bets have been accepted, the dealer will deal out the cards. You will be able to see one of their cards face-up
  • Decisions: Based on the cards you have at hand and the dealer’s upcard, you must now decide whether to Hit or Stand.
  • Hit: If you decide to hit, you are requesting an extra card to be added to the value. Be careful, if you go over 21, that’s the end of the round.
  • Stand: If you decide to stand, you are essentially happy with your hand and want no extra cards.
  • Result: The dealer will reveal their cards. You must now see who has come close to the total of 21 without busting.

 

Basic Blackjack Rules

Now that you know how the game of Blackjack is played out, there are a few basic rules you need to keep in mind to ensure you are always one step ahead of the game. You should also be aware of the various payouts for different Blackjack outcomes since they may depend entirely on your hand:

  • Regular 1:1: When the total value of your cards comes closest to 21 than the total hand value of the dealer.
  • Blackjack pays 3:2: You get paid this when your total card value is 21.
  • 16 and below: The dealer must hit on any hand that is under 16 or under.
  • Hit or Stand:  You have the option to request an extra card or to end the round by standing.
  • Split: When a hand has two cards of an identical value, you can split the hand into two for a better chance to beat the dealer.
  • Double Down: You can choose to double the best by requesting only one card without the option to take another.
  • Insurance: If the dealer has an Ace as an upcard, you have the option to take out insurance. This safeguards you in case the dealer has a card that has a value of 10.
  • Surrender: This option is not widely available, but if you don’t quite like your hand, you can surrender half your bet.
  • Soft 17: A soft hand is when you have an Ace. It is referred to as ‘soft’ since it comes with two values, either 1 or 11.

 

How to boost your chances of winning

The game is simple enough to learn but there are always a few tips that help boost your chances of winning.

  • Never Split Two Face Cards

Many players think that if you have two cards of a value of 10, they can easily win the round and double their profits. It is never a good idea to do so. There is a good chance that your next card will be a 2 or a 3, in which case, it could prove highly risky.

  • Split Aces and Eights

If you really want to go all out with the Split option, this is where you should do so. A pair of 8s would give you a total hand value of 16, which is not ideal. The dealer can easily come closer to 21. Statistically, you are more likely to achieve a win if you split these two cards.

Likewise, splitting a pair of Aces is ideal. If you don’t split them, you either end up with a total of 2 or 12, which is definitely not ideal and risky if you take additional cards to them.

  • Do not Accep[t Insurance

If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, you will be offered to take out the Blackjack Insurance bet. If you decide to take it, you won’t lose your bet if the dealer has a Blackjack. However, it is never a good idea as the chances are slim and you are forking out something extra.

  • Never take Side Bets

Side bets are available in many types of Blackjack games. They push the house edge up as well. Side bets have been created to boost excitement in the game and relieve boredom by offering different options. While the excitement factor cannot be denied, the risk factor is also quite high.
There is absolutely no guarantee that you will win with these side bets and the odds are definitely not in your favour in this one. Winning with these bets is purely based on luck.

  • Never split 4s or 5s 

If you read our previous two tips, then you know all too well, that splitting certain card number values can be a bad idea for a number of reasons. For example, if you split a 4 and get a 10, you end up with 14, in which case you might have to risk asking for another card and going bust.

The best scenario with a pair of 4s is to not split them in the first place giving you a total of 8 and if you request an extra card, you could potentially get a 10, which would give you 18. The odds are in your favour on this one.

  • Have a basic strategy in place

First off, if you are playing Blackjack for the first time, it is best that you practise playing it. There are many RNG Blackjack games online which allow you to play for free. Never place bets that you cannot afford and if you are new, don’t place big bets.

Have a basic Blackjack cheatsheet in a separate window that tells you whether you should hit or stand based on your cards. It may be called a cheat sheet, but you are not cheating.

  • Take Regular Breaks

It is easy to get sucked into a long session of Blackjack. It is important that you take regular breaks to ensure you can clear your mind in between games.

  • Blackjack variations

You should be aware that the payout percentage is not the same for every game variation on the market. Sometimes the more rules there are, the higher the house edge is. This also applies to live casino games. Infinite Blackjack and First Person Blackjack are known to be the best games with the highest payout percentages. The same cannot be said about the others.

If you must play a game variant with different rules, take the time to sit in on a session so you can see how the game is played out.

Conclusion

The game of Blackjack is one of the most popular games on the market for a good number of reasons, especially if you are new to it. The game rules are easy and with a little bit of practice, you can easily master this game. You can also lower the house edge giving you the best chances of generating wins.

If you are looking to play this game at an online gambling site and are looking to claim a casino bonus, we must advise you to strictly read the terms and conditions of your bonus. Very often, card and table games either don’t contribute anything at all to the wagering requirements, or only a very small percentage.

Some casinos offer special live casino bonuses, but some game variations may also be exempt.

Don’t play blackjack for the sake of generating money. Have fun and enjoy the best odds that this game can give.