How To Play Online Blackjack
Playing Blackjack in US online casinos is a very fun experience. Blackjack is one of the most popular games in both land and online casino’s. The reason is simple, beat the dealer with a hand closer to 21 with out going over. If you go over 21 then you have busted and lose your bet. If you get closer to 21 then the dealer then you win.
Blackjack Rules
When playing Blackjack the values of the cards are quite simple. Cards that are
from 2 to 10 are counted at face value so that if you are dealt two 4 cards your
total will be 8. Any face card is counted as 10. If you have two jacks then your
total is 20. The ace card will have a value of both 1 and 11 and its up to the
player on what they want to count it as. IF you have a 2 and an ace you can hit
as if it was a three or stay at thirteen it all depends on the action on what
hand players play. Note that the cards suits do not have any value in blackjack
as they do in some poker games.
Players who are playing online or in a land casino will be playing on a semi
circle table that has an individual spot for each player. The dealer will sit
across from every player on the opposite side and deal cards from a box called
the shoe.
The game starts when players place bets on the square in front of them. The dealer will then deal two cards face up to each player on the table that has made a bet. The dealer will also receive two cards but one of them will be faced down. The first move goes to the player on the most right hand of the table also known as the base player. The last player to make a bet is known as a third base player. For new players it is always a good idea to assume that the dealer will have a ten in the hole, meaning the card all players cannot see.
Blackjack Terms
Hitting – a term used when you would like to signal the dealer for another card.
To hit a player must tap their fingers on the table in front of them so the
dealer knows to turn over another card.
Stay- is a term used for players who are happy with their hands and do not wish to receive anymore cards. Players will have to wave their hand over the cards to signal they do not want anymore.
Doubling Down- is a term that signifies a player would like to double the previous ante bet they have placed. Once a player double downs they are only allowed to receive one more card from the dealer. Once the card is dealt the player has to stay on that hand. Some casinos will only allow for players to double down on hands of 10 or 11. To signify the bet players must put equal amount of chips next to their original bet. Players should only double down if it’s in their favour.
Splitting – is when a player is dealt two of the same cards for example two aces and wants to spit the hand into two separate hands. A player will have to wager the same amount as the original bet and will signal to the dealer by putting it next to the wager bet.
Insurance is when the dealer deals out the cards and the dealer card that is showing is an Ace. If you take insurance the dealer will pay out half the bet that was part of the original wager. This ensures that players can protect themselves if the dealer gets 21.
Casino Blackjack Tips
Pick a table that is not more then 5% of your total cash. Players that pick
tables with the rules in their favour such as doubling down on any hand will
help in obtaining more cash.
Since the dealer has to hit with any card below 16 it is wise for players to hit if they have any hand below 17 if the dealer is showing and 8 or higher. Stand on any hand above 11 when the dealer is showing 4, 5 or 6.
When splitting never spit a pair of 10’s but always split 2 or 3’s against 4, 5, or 6. Always split with a 7 or 8 and the dealer has a equal or lower hand.