Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular and exciting casino games around. It is a favorite table game for most live and online casino enthusiasts.

Blackjack In Action

When playing blackjack you first place your bet. Then you and the dealer get one card dealt face down and one card face up. "Blackjack" occurs when the first two cards dealt are an Ace combine with a card valued at 10 (Ten, Jack, Queen or King)

Your Play Options

Stand - This option allows you to keep the original two cards and settle for the current point value of your hand.

Hit - This option is a request for an additional card after your first two cards are dealt. You can hit as many times as you want, but if you go over 21 you bust and lose.

Double - This is an additional bet you can make which gives you the opportunity to take advantage of a good hand. This will double the amount of your original bet and one card will be dealt. Players can usually double on a hand resulting from a split, except split aces. Double Bets pay 1:1

Split - If your first two cards are the same value, you can split them into two hands. A wager is then placed equal to the original bet. The cards are then split into two hands and one card is dealt to the first hand. After the first hand is completed then the second hand is dealt.

Insurance - If the dealer's face-up card is an Ace you will be given the option to take out insurance, which is an additional bet equal to half of your original bet. You are paid 2:1 on the insurance bet if the dealer has a card value of 10 underneath his Ace. You still end up losing your original wager and break even if the dealer hits blackjack. If you take insurance and the dealer doesn't hit blackjack then you lose the insurance bet and play out the hand.

Surrender - If your beginning hand is weak, you can choose to "surrender" unless the dealers first card is an ace. What happens when you surrender is you lose half your original bet.

Push - If your hand equals the same as the dealer, it is considered a Push. The player receives the amount of the bet back

The Dealer's Options

The Dealer's options are always based on a strict rule set. The dealer has to always hit until the value of his hand is 17 or greater. The only exception is if he has a soft 17 which means that he has an ace(1 or 11 points). For example, a soft 17 has a value of 7 or 17.

Basic  Blackjack Strategy

• You Should Always split your pairs of Aces and eights but you shouldn't split strong pairs of 10s, Jacks, Kings, or Queens.
• You Should Always double down on 10 and 11 unless you have an ace.
• If the dealer is showing 10, Hit a "hard hand" until 17 and hit a soft 18. Over time it is a better decision than to stand.
• You Should Split your 3s against a dealer's 5 and your 2s against dealer's 4. Never split 4s, 5s, or 10s.
• If the dealer's showing 2 or 3 and you have 12 then you should hit. Stand in this situation if you have more than 13
• if dealer's up card is 7 or higher, Hit until you have 17
• If you have the option to surrender and your hand is bad you should do so. Better to get half of your bet back than to lose it all.
• Don't buy insurance in online Blackjack. This is only profitable in live blackjack when you have a count and know that the deck is very rich in 10s.

Online Blackjack Tips

• Play Blackjack first with play money. Gain some experience and comfort with the game and develop solid basic strategy.
• Maximize your odds of winning by bonus hunting. By playing good strategy and hunting great bonuses from casinos, you can actually put the odds of winning money in your favor.
• Decide on a bankroll for each game. Don't exceed it even if you are on a winning streak. 40 times the minimum bet amount is the ideal amount of necessary bankroll for one game session. If the game is going bad, take a breather.
• Online Blackjack is a gambling game where winning requires luck. Therefore, play with the money that you can afford to lose.
• Ups and Downs occur in the game. Therefore, play patiently, Keep your cool, and manage your bankroll well.

Best Blackjack Online

Blackjack is one of the most popular table games played at online casinos. Therefore, you can practice up or play for real money at any trusted online casino. You can find great blackjack by checking out any of our top online casino reviews.