Understanding Blackjack

Also known as 21, Blackjack is by far one of the most popular casino games in the world. One of the many reasons for this is that its rules are so simple and straightforward.

The Aim of the Game

You need to create a hand worth 21 points, as close thereto as possible without exceeding 21, or beat the dealer. The cards 2 through 9 are worth their number value, aces are worth 1 point or 11, and face cards and 10s are worth 10 points each.

Playing Blackjack

Your goal is to beat the house without busting or creating a hand total worth over 21 points. Choose a variation to play, place your bet and the dealer, if you’re playing a Live game, or the Random Number Generator software, if you’re playing a virtual one, will deal the cards.

You’ll get two, facing up, depending on which variant you’ve chosen, and the dealer will also receive two. Theirs will usually have one card facing up and the other, the Hole card, facing down. The next step is to choose what to do with your cards.

You can Double, Hit, Split, or Stand. Doubling Down will require that you multiply your bet by two and take only one more card. Hitting gets you another card and Splitting may be an option if you’ve been dealt two cards of the same value. You’ll once again double your wager and will then play the two cards as two separate hands. Standing means you take no more cards.

The dealer then makes their playing decision and gameplay continues until someone Busts, exceeding 21, or meets the required point total.

Blackjack Terminology

You’ll have to have a working knowledge of certain terms specific to Blackjack, like Hit, Stand, Split, and Double Down before you begin. But there are also other terms that you’ll pick up along the way that will make playing more enjoyable and ensure you always know where you stand:

● Bankroll

The money you have available to gamble with.

● Basic Strategy

A mathematical outline of the best possible move to make depending on what you’re holding and which of the dealer’s cards you can see.

● House Edge

Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges, or advantages to the casino, of any game. It’s at just over 2% for inexperienced players and you can bring this down even further if you apply Basic Strategy. ● Flat Betting

This is a betting strategy whereby you bet the same amount on every hand, whether you win or lose.

● Surrender/Late Surrender

In certain variations of 21 you can Surrender your hand, exiting the game. You’ll get only half your bet back, but this can still save you money in the long run if you have a dud of a hand.

Playing Blackjack Online

One of the many advantages of playing 21 online is that you can do so for free until you’re ready to start wagering. You could also use your online casino Sign Up Bonus in certain cases to fund your game and protect your pocket in the event that you lose a hand.