The Beginner’s Guide: Blackjack Basics

Table games represent a tremendously popular category amongst casino players. Both on and offline, punters will generally look for a clubhouse that offers a great variety of table options. In this broad genre, we include Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Craps. It’s clear that out of these four, Blackjack receives a lot of attention, and for a good reason. It can employ numerous strategies, which makes it all the more satisfying. Online Blackjack comes in two varieties: either it’s fully automated or provides the option of a live dealer. Regardless, going on the web will be a fruitful experience, and there are numerous bonuses to choose from if you go live. For a thorough list of promotions, we suggest you consult here and get the full picture.

If you wish to play Blackjack but have no prior experience in the field, our guide is made just for you. We have included a few precious tips to use for that time when it’s all between you and the dealer.

Gameplay Mechanics

In layman’s terms, Blackjack might be summed up to this: get as close as possible to 21 without going over. The full description is a bit more complicated, so bear with us for a bit.

First, to better understand the hand you’re dealt, know that face cards will always weigh ten points. On the other hand, aces will value either 1 or 11 – the value more fitting for a positive outcome will count.

If you get 21 from the start, that’s blackjack, and you win instantly. If you go over this number, it will be the dealer’s win without a contest. Generally, winning this game means receiving 1.5 times the bet you have placed.

While you may complete your hand with more cards until you get near 21 (or go bust), you’ve also got the option to stand. This means not drawing any cards and waiting for the dealer to exceed the maximum limit.

Strategies for Up-and-Comers

Now that we’ve gone through the basic mechanics, we shall discuss play strategy. Apart from the regular hit or stand options, you may also double down if you see fit. Doubling down refers to adding a new bet, which will also give you an extra card. Like regular hitting, it’s advisable to do this before you reach 16. Furthermore, dealers will always stand after they get this number.

Splitting is useful when you are in a pickle. To split, you need to have two cards of equal rank. This action means separating your hand into two; the two hands will have separate bets and payoffs.

It’s also crucial to discern whether you’ve got a hard or soft card set. Hard hands consist of high-weighted cards, and an ace adds 11 to your points total. In this case, you should play carefully and stand when you’ve got the chance. Soft hands, however, are low-weighted and allow you to hit multiple times without going bust.

Always remember to check the dealer’s face-up card. If they have a low number up (2-6), and you’ve got a value over 12, you should avoid hitting. Should the dealer have a card numbered seven or over, your best bet is taking a hit. Don’t forget: it’s only between the two of you, so the dealer must be as much of a focal point as the hand you’re playing.

Before You Start Playing

To sum up, we must advise caution while playing Blackjack. Know that the general house edge for this type of game stands at 6%, but playing strategically might bend the odds in your favor. Beating the dealer’s hand is possible if you consider the card they’ve got facing up and your own card set, as well. Having a twelve or higher point total is reason enough to stand, and it’s quasi-mandatory once you hit sixteen. Should the situation seem dire, you can split your hand under the right conditions – this way, you’ll get an extra hand and a corresponding bet. Our closing words are the following: practice, practice, practice! You can start playing with low stakes and slowly go higher once you feel more confident in your strategy.