BlackJack also known as Twenty-One is a card comparing game between player and casino – the house. It’s one of the most popular casino table games in the world. You’ll have a hard time finding either land-based or Online Casino, which doesn’t offer BlackJack. Since invention of the game it has been targeted by math wizards with gifted minds. This happened because it was actually possible to gain an edge over the house by counting cards and playing by specific set of rules. BlackJack is dealt from a shoe consisting of anywhere from 1 to 8 decks of 52 cards. The term itself also describes a hand consisting of an Ace and a face card (T-K).
Card Values
Cards between 2-T feature their face value, thus 2 is worth 2 points, 8 is worth 8 points and so on. Face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth ten points and Aces are worth either 11 or 1 point – whichever suits your hand best.
Rules&Gameplay
Live BlackJack is played at tables that feature several seats and a real dealer. It’s a little bit different in Online version of this game, though. You’ll always be able to enjoy Online BlackJack alone, this greatly increases the amount of hands you are able to play. It also guarantees that none will bother you and you’ll be able to enjoy calm and pleasurable gaming experience.
Gameplay is actually really simple – depending on the BlackJack type you are playing there’s gonna be either 1 or between 1-5 betting boxes offered. You can play your desired bet amount on those. Once done, just click the deal button and action starts!
You’ll get 2 cards dealt, one by one and the dealer will also deal a card to himself. If there’s a BlackJack dealt and the dealer doesn’t stand a chance to make one you are instantly paid. Note that BlackJack pays usually is paid at 3:2 odds, with some exceptions for a few specific BlackJack types which pay out at 2:1 odds.
If you don’t hit a BlackJack at a particular box, you are now faced with a decision. There are several choices that can be made :
Hit – take another card.
Stand – don’t take another card and move on to the next box, if you are playing multiple ones.
Surrender – most Online BlackJack types will offer this option. By surrendering you can a half of your wager back and your hand is dead – you are done playing that particular box.
Double Down – take another card and double your wager. This is usually done when first two cards make a value of 8 9 10 or 11, as there’s a high chance of hitting a face card. Of course, do it when the dealer holds a bad card such as 5 or 6.
Split – If your first two cards dealt are of the same value you can also make a split. Split allows you to play each of the cards as a single hand. You have to double your wager by placing same amount of money at each of these hands.
When you are done making these decisions at all boxes played, the dealer draws another card for his own hand. As you know in order to win you have to gain higher hand value than the dealer. If he gains higher one, you loose. If you gain a higher one or the dealer draws too many (over 21), you win and all your hands in play get a payout at even odds (1:1).
In case you and the dealer have equal hand values, none wins and none loses. This is also known as ”push”.
Dealer has an Ace.
There will be times when dealers first card is an ace. Every time this happens you will be offered an insurance option. Insurance in BlackJack is a side bet that insures you from loosing all your wagers when dealer actually hits BlackJack. Insurance pays out at 2:1 odds and you can bet a maximum of half your wager at each box. Players who insure their wagers exclude themselves from a chance of loosing all their wagers in case of BlackJack dealt for the dealer. If there is one dealt, you’ll win the insurance bet which will make up for your losses.
Also, when you hit BlackJack and dealer draws an as his first card there will usually be an offer for you – whether you want to take even money (1:1 odds) or take your chances vs dealer drawing a BlackJack. If he does draw one hand is a push and you don’t win any money. If he doesn’t draw one you are paid at usual odds for BlackJack – 3:2.
House Edge
BlackJack is quite different than other Casino Games, when it comes to the house edge. First of all, house edge is an advantage that casino holds over you. As you actually have a lot of decisions to make, house edge in BlackJack varies and can be as low as 0.5% if you make plays that are statistically and mathematically optimal. Gaining an edge over the house also used to be possible.
This was done by Card Counting. Players were following cards that were dealt and used a specific counting system by adding mathematical value to each type of card. This allowed them to know the amount of face cards left in the deck, which benefits players as it’s more likely to hit BlackJack! However, don’t get to excited about the whole counting thing. Casinos will be able to determine whether you are counting or not and they’ll do it quickly! You risk with being banned by the casino and having your name featured at the ”BlackList”. Just enjoy the thrill this game brings and if you’re lucky there’s a good chance to win some money!
Featured BlackJack Casino
| Site | USA | Review | Play Now! | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NO |
| ||
| YES |
|