Blackjack

Blackjack, a classic card game with roots dating back centuries, has captivated players worldwide. With the advent of online casinos, this timeless game has gained even more popularity. If you're new to online blackjack, this guide will provide you with the essential information to get started.

Basic Rules of Blackjack

Each card in blackjack has a value:

• Number cards: Their face value (2-10).
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): 10 points.
• Ace: 1 or 11 points interchangeably, depending on what gives you a better hand.

» Enhance your understanding of the ace value in blackjack

Actions You Can Take in Blackjack

The dealer deals two cards to you and two cards to themselves (one face-up and one face-down). From here, there are several actions you can take in a round:

• Hit: Draw another card, typically when you have a low hand and are unlikely to bust, but can also be used on relatively higher values if you're feeling confident. Maximizing your hits is a crucial aspect of blackjack.
• Stand: Keep your current hand. Ideal when you have a strong value (19-21) or risk busting with another card (15-18).
• Double down: Double your bet and receive one more card if you're feeling confident, such as with a strong hand of 10 or 11.
• Split: Separate your hand into two if you have a pair, keeping your original bet on one card and placing an equal bet on the second. This allows you to essentially play two hands at the same time.
• Surrender: Surrendering in blackjack involves forfeiting half your bet to end the hand and minimize your loss. Use when you have a very weak hand against a strong dealer card.

» Learn more: Basic rules of blackjack explained

Key Blackjack Rules to Remember

• Regular wins pay 1:1: In a regular win (where your value is closer to 21 than the dealer's), your payout is 1:1, meaning you'll get back $20 on a $10 bet.
• Blackjack wins pay 3:2: If you win with blackjack (an ace and a 10-value card on the draw), you get an automatic win with a 3:2 payout, meaning you'll get back $25 on a $10 bet.
• Dealer must hit/stand: In most games, the dealer must hit if their hand is valued at 16 or below, and must stand on a hard 17 or higher. In some games, the dealer might hit on a soft 17.

Types of Online Blackjack Games

While the core rules remain the same, there are various online blackjack variants, each with its own unique features:

• Classic blackjack: The most common version, featuring standard rules.
• European blackjack: Similar to classic blackjack, but with a few rule differences, such as the dealer only drawing one card initially and having no option for surrendering.
• Spanish 21: This variant removes all 10-value cards from the deck, increasing the odds of getting a strong hand. It also features a salvage option if a player busts with an ace in their hand by removing an ace and reducing their hand value by 10 and an automatic win for a five-card hand that doesn't bust.
• Perfect pairs: Offers side bets based on whether your first two cards are a pair or a perfect pair (two cards of the same suit and rank), with a higher payout than a regular pair.
• Live dealer blackjack: Experience the thrill of playing with a real dealer in a real-time casino environment, online from the comfort of your home.

» Want some more? See these other blackjack variations

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Online Blackjack Etiquette

Although online blackjack might be played from the comfort of your own home and behind a screen, there are some common etiquette practices you should still adhere to:

• Respect other players: If the game allows for text or voice chat, avoid using offensive language or making disruptive comments.
• Follow game rules: Familiarize yourself with the rules of the specific blackjack variant you're playing and adhere to them. If you want to surrender in a variant that doesn't allow surrendering, it's on you.
• Place bets promptly: Don't delay the game by taking too long to place your bets.
• Don't cheat: Using unfair tactics or exploiting software vulnerabilities is strictly prohibited and might even be illegal.
• Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your gambling session and stick to it. Don't risk the funds you can't afford to lose and always remember the fundamentals of responsible gaming.
• Enjoy the game: Remember that blackjack is supposed to be fun. Don't let it become a source of stress or frustration.

» Ready to improve your blackjack skills? See our basic blackjack tips and strategies

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