How to Play Blackjack?
Better known in the former Soviet Union as 21 and point, blackjack has become an integral part of casinos and online casinos around the world. The card game’s fanbase is growing largely due to the low entry threshold and high chance of winning.
The game involves 6 decks of 52 cards each. The dealer hands out cards from the shouse, and the player’s goal is to beat the casino by scoring 21 points, or as close to it as possible. In fact, it’s the casino that is the opponent in Blackjack.
Card values
- Ace – Meaning 11 or 1. The number depends on the combination the player has accumulated. If it is close to 21, an Ace denotes a 1. If the player holds a card face value of 10 or less, then an Ace stands for 11.
- Kings, queens and jacks are 10 points regardless of the cards in hand.
- A face value of 2 to 10 is the same number as the card.
Starting the game and calculating the bets
Before the game starts, the user must place a bet. In an online casino, three choices are given: a draw, a croupier win, or a player win. In the casino, however, the player should only bet on his victory. The dealer deals one card each, after which the process repeats. After receiving two cards, the player may request another one or stay with the hand.
If the player wins, the winnings go to him. Blackjack triples the bet, and if the croupier wins, the casino takes all the bets. Play continues until there are no cards left in the deck.
Blackjack variations
The above game is a classic blackjack game. There are several other variations used in popular casinos:
- Baden-Baden – if the dealer has blackjack, the table loses regardless of the cards in hand;
- Spanish – a game with no tens. In the case of blackjack in both (dealer and player), the win goes to the gambler;
- Pontoon – winning the casino at a draw and compulsory completion of the player’s cards in the case of 14 or fewer points;
- Progressive – the first ace in the game claims the jackpot;
- Switch – a game with a super bet where the gambler can substitute a card.
Tips from the pros
In order to successfully play blackjack and earn money, the professionals recommend following these guidelines:
- Understand the rules of the game. Fortunately for beginners, there aren’t many;
- Blackjack, like any other card game, has several strategies that need to be followed. The gambler will find it useful to learn the most popular ones;
- Recognize winning combinations quickly;
- Pay attention to the card count when playing in the casino.
Many casinos offer players a demo mode. Before starting to play for money, users are advised to go through several tutorial games.