When it comes to card games there’s simply no competing with Blackjack for popularity. This classic casino game – also commonly known as 21 or Vingt-et-Un – dates back hundreds of years and can trace its roots back to one of the oldest European card games.
Part of what makes Blackjack such an enduring casino favourite is its combination of chance-based gameplay with a higher degree of player decision-making. Compared to games like Slots or Roulette, Blackjack is a more involved game, which is why we’ve put together this list of the top 7 tips for playing online Blackjack.
- Understand the basic rules
This applies to pretty much any game out there. Knowing at least the basics of the rules is the bare minimum for playing a game of Blackjack. It’s quite simple at its core, so there’s no excuse not to have a grasp of the basics ahead of time.
In Blackjack the aim is to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer, without overshooting the mark. If a hand hits a value higher than 21 then it goes bust, taking the player out of the game.
Each card is worth a set value between one and ten, with the exception of Aces. These can be worth either one or 11, depending on which value would be better for the surrounding hand.
A player has a few options on their turn – hit, stand, double down or split – and it’s up to them to decide how they want to play their hand.
- Consider strategy charts
At first glance a Blackjack strategy chart may look a bit much, but once you understand how to parse them, they’re a helpful tool. These offer a simple visual reference to the statistically best actions for players to take depending on their current hand value and the dealer’s face-up card.
Of course, these strategy charts can’t guarantee any results, thanks to the chance-based nature of the game. That said, they can help players to mitigate the house edge.
- Learn when to split or double down
Two of the actions that players may choose to take at the start of their turn are splitting or doubling down. Both of these actions are situationally dependent, as you can only split when you receive two initial cards of the same value.
Doubling down allows players to double their initial wager in exchange for just one extra card. This move depends on the relative strength of the player’s starting hand and the value of the dealer’s face-up card.
- Pay attention to the dealer’s hand
Blackjack isn’t just about the value of your own hand, it’s also about the relative strength of the dealer’s. If the dealer has a weak hand – or even goes bust – then that can still result in a payout for players.
Only the first card in the dealer’s hand is shown from the start, but it’s worth paying attention to its value when considering your own actions.
- Manage your budget
Another one that applies to any casino games is staying on top of your budget. Set a limit for how much you’re willing and able to wager ahead of time and stick to it.
- Keep things simple
Many games of Blackjack offer side bets, such as perfect pairs or insurance. These offer higher potential payouts, but only because the odds on these bets lean more in the house’s favour. In most cases, it’s simpler to stick to the basics and focus on the core game.
- Practice
Practice is one of the most valuable resources in terms of games, as players become more familiar with the gameplay and decision-making over time. There are plenty of options for practicing free Blackjack games, whether that’s online or in-person.
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With these seven tips in mind, players can look forward to a better Blackjack experience.
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