Blackjack Online
Though there are many games to choose from when playing in a casino, whether it is online or on land, every game has a certain house advantage. Blackjack or 21 happens to be one of the games with the least amount of house advantage, and rates usually around 0.5% in the houses favor. It’s not a hard game to play, and by utilizing some basic tips you can cut down the chances of losing your money, and even win some with a bit of practice.
The Rules of Blackjack
Blackjack is definitely one of the favorite games in any casino, and is played by many people, from beginners to amateurs and professionals, and even though the basics are quite easy to learn, to master some of the finer strategies, will take some time, patience and practice. Keep in mind the game is also called 21, and that is the target number you are trying to reach without going over.
As stated earlier, in the game of blackjack you play against the dealer and not other players. For this reason a lot of online casinos have blackjack as a single player game, where you are playing against a computerized dealer. This is sometimes better than playing at a table with other people, as you never have to feel rushed with your playing decisions, and don’t have to worry about someone getting the cards you were looking for.
Playing the game is quite easy. You as well as the dealer are dealt two cards. Most often the player’s cards are turned face up, but the dealer has one card down and one card face up. The dealer has certain rules he must follow and his play is not determined by what the player has. What you do as a player is look at the dealers face up card and decide on how many cards you want to be dealt. For example if you see the dealer has a ten or face card up, you try and get closer to 21 than what you think he will get, but remember you cant go over 21 or you lose. You can “draw” as many cards as you want or “stand” when you have reached the total you are comfortable with.
The Dealers Rules
Even though you can stop at any time, the dealer must keep taking cards until he has reached 17 or higher, though in some casinos a dealer must take another card if he has a soft 17 (A & 6).
Some Online Blackjack Tips
- Even though you are allowed, a golden rule is never split your tens as you will probably already have the win with 20.
- Regardless of what the dealer is showing with his face up card, always split your aces and eights, as it will greatly improve your odds of winning.
- Even though insurance may be available, it is not advisable to use in online blackjack unless you are counting cards.
- A solid rule for online blackjack is to always stand when you have a hard 13-16 but only when the dealer’s face up card is a 6 or lower. On the flip side if the dealer shows a 7-A, then you should continue to draw.
- Again, in online blackjack if the dealers face up card is a 4, 5 or 6 you should always stand on a hard 12 and hope the dealer goes over 21.
- If the dealer is showing a 2 or a 3, or a 7 or higher and you have a hard 12, the odds dictate you should continue to draw.
- If the dealer is showing a 10 you should always continue to draw until you have 17 or better, as this will improve your chances of winning.
- Another time you should continue to draw is when a dealer has a 10 and you have a soft 17 (A + 6) because you have a better chance of getting a good hand and can always use the Ace as a 1 if needed.
These are just a few tips and tricks for playing the great game of blackjack. With some patience, time and practice you soon will be raking in the cash from your favorite casino!