Blackjack is a popular casino game that is easy to learn and offers players the opportunity to use strategy to increase their chances of winning. In this guide, we will cover the basics of how to play blackjack and some tips and tricks to help you improve your game.
Just because you’ve never played the game, doesn’t mean you can’t learn now – it’s never too late. Once you go through this helpful guide, not only will you be on your way to improving your game, but you might also even be one step closer to that win!
But before registering at an online casino, we highly recommend that you first practice playing with free games through no deposit bonuses. Although quite difficult to come across, the good news is, many operators allow you to get a feel of the game through their free demo mode. No doubt an
excellent way to try online blackjack and its many variants.
Objective of the Game
The objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. Players are dealt two cards and can choose to “hit” and take additional cards, one at a time, in an attempt to get closer to 21 without going over. The dealer must follow a strict set of rules for when to hit and when to stand.
Card Values
In blackjack, cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value. For example, a 2 of hearts is worth two points and a 10 of spades is worth 10 points. Face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) are worth 10 points, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value would be more beneficial for the player.
How to Play
When playing blackjack, each player is dealt two cards and the dealer is dealt one card face up and one card face down. Players then have the option to “hit” and take additional cards, one at a time, in an attempt to get closer to 21 without going over. Players can also choose to “stand” and keep their current hand. Once all players have finished their turns, the dealer reveals their face-down card and hits or stands based on a set of predetermined rules.
If a player’s hand exceeds 21, they lose their bet regardless of the dealer’s hand. If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), all remaining players win. If neither the player nor the dealer busts, the hand closest to 21 wins.
10 Useful Tips
There are several tips that can help you improve your blackjack game.
1. Always follow basic strategy – this is usually made up of a set of rules that tells you the best action to take based on your hand and the dealer’s up card. It can be found in many books or online resources and should always be followed to optimize your chances of winning.
2. Never take insurance – this is a side bet that you can make when the dealer’s up card is an Ace. The bet pays 2-to-1 if the dealer has a blackjack, but the odds of this happening are not in your favour.
3. Never split aces or eights – it’s generally not a good idea, as these hands already have a good total and should be played as is.
4. Always split a pair of twos, threes, sixes and sevens – these hands have a good chance of winning if played separately.
5. Learn to count cards – card counting is a technique used by advanced players to keep track of the cards that have been played, and therefore to predict what cards are likely to come next. This can give you an edge over the house, but it’s important to remember that card counting is not illegal, but it’s frowned upon in most casinos.
6. Take advantage of bonuses and promotions – casinos like to attract new customers with special offers. Many casinos offer bonuses and promotions, such as sign-up bonuses and loyalty programs, which can be used to increase your bankroll and improve your chances of winning.
7. Don’t let emotions control your play – try to avoid getting too excited or too upset when you’re playing blackjack. This can lead to poor decisions and a lack of focus on the game.
8. Set a budget and stick to it – before you start playing, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. This will help you avoid losing more money than you can afford.
9. Learn to manage your bankroll effectively – so you can maximize your winnings and minimize your losses.
10. Quit when you’re ahead – when you’re on a winning streak, it can be tempting to keep playing in the hopes of winning even more. But it’s important to remember that the odds are always against you, so it’s best to quit while you’re ahead and come back another day.
Having Fun is the Most Important
Blackjack is a fun and exciting game that offers players the opportunity to use strategy to increase their chances of winning. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can improve your game and have a better chance of walking away a winner. Remember to always play responsibly and within your limits.
