The Basics of Blackjack
If you ever decide to play any card game, our recommendation would be blackjack. It is incredibly easy to learn and enjoy, and combines luck and skill to create an enjoyable experience. We are not the only ones who think like this – after all, blackjack is the most popular casino table games in the United States.
For some gamblers, table games are the only things they care about, especially the live variants. If you decide you want to take a break from all the slots, table games often provide a good replacement. Fortunately, Loyal Casino has multiple blackjack offerings. So if you are looking to diversify your gambling hobby, read on and let us teach you the mysteries of blackjack!
The Game
Unless you are playing a live version, you will be the only one at your table. The dealer sits in the middle, opposite of you. Blackjack is played with one or more card decks, depending on the variant you are currently playing.
The game is all about counting up to 21. At the start, both you and the dealer get two cards. You cannot see the dealer’s cards, but you can see yours. The end goal is to get to 21, or as close to it as possible, without going over. Then, the dealer tries to do the same thing. The person who gets 21, or closest to it, wins the round.
If either you or the dealer get an ace and 10 as your two cards, you automatically win a blackjack. This usually means a higher win, too, but that depends on the game.
Players have three options to reach that magical number. You can Hit, Stand or Double.
- Hit will make the dealer give you a third card. You should do this when you are not close to going over the 21 limit. Usually, we Hit if the number is below 17 or 18, but we like to play it a little risky. Leaving it at anything below 19 makes it likely for the dealer to get closer to 21 than you. And if that happens, the dealer wins.
- Stand tells the dealer to not give you any more cards. We recommend using this option if Hitting is too dangerous. Again, if your total is 18 or higher, you will almost certainly lose by Hitting. Standing makes the dealer draw a third card instead of giving it to you. After he draws, your totals are compared – the person closest to 21 wins.
- Double is the simplest of the bunch. If you feel particularly lucky or confident, you can double your current bet. The dealer will give you another card. If your total is not above 21, and is higher than the dealer’s own, then your prize is doubled, as well.
Depending on what variation you play, different rules may be in effect. Most online blackjack games give you the option to split when you get two identical cards.
When you split the cards, you effectively double your total bet. Another card is drawn for the first split card, and you Hit or Stand accordingly. You do the same for the second card. When you finish with both, the dealer reveals his hand. That means you could have a double win, a win and a bust, or two busts.
Another special situation is Insurance. This is a side bet that happens when the dealer has an Ace in her hand. You place a bet worth half of your original wager, and win double if the dealer’s other card is a 10. Essentially, what this means is that gamblers are betting if the dealer has a blackjack or not.
The Variations
Not all blackjack games function the same. You should always take the time to read the rules. As this covers the very basics, we will not cover all of the possible variations you may encounter while playing. If you can find them, be on the lookout for the following beneficial rules:
- Double Down After Splitting allows you to double your current bet after splitting your cards. This lowers the house edge in your favour, but do not take it as a guaranteed win.
- Early Surrender lets gamblers surrender half of their original bet if the dealer’s first card is an ace. This allows you to avoid a certain loss, in the case the dealer has a 10 afterwards, and can form a blackjack. We do not recommend making use of this if you are new to blackjack, however.
- Dealer stands soft 17s means that dealers will stand if their hand includes an ace that can be totalled as either 7 or 17.
At Loyal Casino, alongside regular Blackjack, you can find some twist to the blackjack formula. 21+3, 6 in 1, 3 Hand, 5 Hand, Multihand, Double Exposure, Double Jack.. These are only some versions, and we recommend trying each one out. Find the one you like best, and enjoy the world-wide sensation that is blackjack.