Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino games on the market. It has been around for decades and continues to drive casino players looking for a thrilling and entertaining gambling experience. The game is relatively simple, with the aim to try and beat the dealer with a hand closest to 21 without going bust. One of the main reasons for the game’s popularity amongst new and seasoned players is the great odds and the potential to earn some massive cash rewards. Playing blackjack online is a popular option for players looking for a thrilling experience without having to leave the comfort of their home. Here we find out more about this renowned game and how you can enjoy the most rewarding experience.
The Basics of Blackjack
A blackjack hand starts when the player makes a bet, which is followed by the croupier dealing the cards. The croupier will deal the player his/her hand by dealing two cards facing up, while the dealer will receive two cards, one face up and one face down. After the cards are dealt, you will look at your cards and decide whether to receive another card (hit), or to keep your initial cards (stay). This is based on your values of your cards. If you have a good hand (close to 21) you will stand, but if your hand could be improved, you can choose to receive more cards. The player who lands a hand closest to 21 without going bust is the winner.
Table Limits
Both land-based and online casinos have both minimum and maximum wagers for all games, and blackjack is no different. The betting amounts will depend on what game, table or blackjack variant you are playing. Table limits commonly range from 5.00 – 25.00, although it can reach a maximum of 10 000.00 on occasion depending on the casino.
Card Values
When playing blackjack, card values are one of the easiest things to understand. All number cards take the value of the number is features, while face cards (Jack, Queen and King) are worth 10 and Aces are either valued at 1 or 11, depending on your hand. If you choose your Ace to be valued at 11, it is described as a soft hand, which means you can hit with minimal risk of going bust.
Blackjack Terms You Should Know
When playing blackjack, there are various terms you should be familiar with to enjoy the most rewarding game.
Hit – To ‘hit’ means to receive another card after the initial two cards has been dealt. If you have a bad set of cards, you can request another card until you have a better pair closer to 21. If you have a combination of 17 or higher, then a general rule of thumb is to stand.
Stand – ‘Stand’ refers to keep your initial hand as you believe it is the best hand or at least good enough to beat the dealer. Alternatively, you can choose to stand if you feel that hitting with cause you to bust.
Double Down – Players can opt to ‘double down’ after you are dealt your first hand. This means increasing your initial bet by adding another card to your initial hand. Any winning hand that results from doubling down will still pay out 1 to 1.
Splitting Pairs – If your initial two cards match, you have the option to split them into two different hands. This allows you to make two separate bets. Players can do this up to two times only and players can play up to three different hands at once. Once your hand has been split, each hand is played as if it were a single hand, with each hand allowing you to hit or stand.
Insurance – A player can choose insurance if the croupier’s up facing card is an Ace. This means that you make an additional bet that is half your original bet. If the croupier’s downwards facing card is ten, you will be paid 2 to 1. If the croupier’s card is any other value, the insurance bet is lost and your hand continues as if it were a normal blackjack hand.
Surrender – This option is available after you look at your first two cards. If you choose surrender, you sacrifice half your bet and the entire hand ends. In this way, you lose half your bet but it is a better option than losing and risking your whole bet