With poker tournaments at an all-time high, including the World Series of Poker, it might be easy to overlook the continued popularity of blackjack.
For those looking to break into the world of table games, blackjack is often the first choice because it is easier compared to other card games like Texas Hold’em. If you’re ready to strive to get a 3:2 payout for hitting 21, keep reading this ultimate guide to playing blackjack.
The Art of the Deck: Playing Blackjack
Some online blackjack variants play with a single deck. However, Classic Blackjack, the European Variant, and others usually play with six to eight decks according to The Sweep Casinos experts. That way, it is easier for the player to form a winning blackjack hand, particularly with tens, the face cards, and aces.
Counting the Blackjack Cards
Please don’t confuse this with the illegal card counting that can get you banned and in other trouble at local casinos. However, to succeed in playing any blackjack game requires knowing the card values. The favorite card is the Ace because it counts for eleven and a single point depending on the playing hand.
Blackjack is another fan-favorite because both tens and the royalty cards count for ten points. When you factor in the multiple decks, it is easier for players to get 21, which is the name of the game. Getting to 21 in most variants leads to 3:2 payouts.
Of course, your first two cards dealt by the dealer can also lead to 21. For the cards between 2 and 9, they count for their straight-up value, making it simple to play blackjack for beginners.
Hitting: Trying to Improve Your Hand
Unless your first two cards equal blackjack, you must make split-second decisions to hit, stand, double down, or split. Some online blackjack variants support surrendering a weak hand to help minimize on losses. To hit is when players get an additional card. While there’s no limit for hitting, each hit brings the chance of busting.
Busting means going over 21, which is an automatic loss. This also applies to the dealer. Most blackjack games have the dealer standing on 17, so they must hit until they do.
In most blackjack variants, if you and the dealer have an identical hand, the game results in a push, where you get your original bet back. However, in Spanish 21, the player’s 21 always beats the dealer’s.
Standing: Finishing it Out
To stand is to finish your playing round with the hand you have. The rule of thumb is to stand on a playing hand worth 16 or higher. Most blackjack strategy charts call on players to stand on a soft 13. However, standing too early can have the dealer hitting past you to victory.
Double Down: One Final Hit
Most blackjack variants support doubling down, which means drawing one final card for that playing round. Match your original bet for a shot at double the win.
Splitting: Two Winning Hands at Once
If you have a pair, most blackjack games support breaking them up into two playing hands. You will have to meet the original bet, but the odds of having two winning hands make them worth it, especially splitting aces.
Winning Strategies for Blackjack
Because the RTP for most blackjack games is over 99%, it is one of the top card-playing games for beginners to latch onto and pick up, next to video poker. With online blackjack so popular, you can play against the computer or with a live dealer.
When starting out, consider playing against the computer to test different betting strategies or your blackjack chart. Many live dealer blackjack games offer low-limit and high-limit tables.
Before sitting down, come up with a budget that you can afford to lose. Make simple bets playing at low-limit tables to make your budget stretch and not chase losses to get to 21.
