There are casino games which have carved a niche for themselves in our collective consciousness, and one of these is the game of blackjack. Blackjack has been around for a long time, and it’s definitely here to stay. So, what makes blackjack so attractive? Perhaps it’s the fact that it’s a game where you compete only with the dealer and not the other players. Another factor which may contribute to its popularity is that it’s easy to understand, and it can actually be beaten. With the right mathematical skills, you can make blackjack a profitable game. But if you’re a beginner who is interested in taking advantage of online blackjack games, here’s a guide for you.
Playing blackjack: the basics
As mentioned, playing live blackjack is relatively easy. Mostly anyone can understand the mechanics behind the game. Blackjack is a game played on a table with a crescent or curved shape, and the dealer is usually on the smaller arc and the players are arranged around the dealer on the outside of the arc. More often than not, there’s space for about 7 players, and one corner of the blackjack table features a placard that lists down the minimum as well as maximum bets. This placard may also include information on rule variations, if any.
The general rules
Standard blackjack can be played with a 52-card deck, with 4, 6, or 8 decks. Every card has a value (a point). For instance, the cards from number 2 to 10 are just the same value as their number, while the king, queen, and jack have a value of 10 points each. The ace card can either be valued at 11 or 1.
The object of blackjack is really quite simple: the players have to draw cards which can add up to the number 21. Players can’t go over this number if they want to win, but players can also win if they beat the hand of the dealer.
The perfect and most ideal hand is, as you may have guessed, two cards totaling 21, which is referred to as ‘blackjack.’ This would pay players 3:2, but if the dealer has two cards totaling 21, the hand is pushed and the player simply receives back their bet. If, on the other hand, the dealer is able to draw a total of 21 with over two cards, then the player with a blackjack (2 cards totaling 21) will be the winner and can then receive the payout of 3:2.
When your hands are dealt, you have to decide how you want to play your hands. The beauty of blackjack is that it involves strategy, and it’s not all about luck. With the right skill, you can up your game in no time.