Blackjack is a popular card game in casinos. It creates a pleasant tension and a passionate desire to win – a real excitement that warms up the blood. Is there a possibility of coming out a winner? Of course, let’s understand the rules, strategy, what to do and what not to do at the card table.
A Brief History of Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most famous and widespread card games in the world, rivalled only by poker. In the Middle Ages, a game with almost the same rules as blackjack was very popular in Italy. So much so that it was banned, as well as other gambling games. The Franciscan missionary-preacher Bernadino of Siena (XIV century) preached sermons that resulted in fires of “vanity” – in which playing cards and dice, boards, chess and other “frivolous” objects were burnt.
It’s funny that there was a period in the US when gambling houses had to specifically stimulate interest in blackjack. Now there is no need for that – the game attracts with its simple rules, speed and easy strategy in card counting.
Blackjack Game: the Essence of the Game and Rules
So, the main goal of blackjack is to score as close to 21 as possible – more than the dealer, but not exceeding 21. If the player’s score exceeds 21, it is called “overcall” or “loss”.
The game is played between the player and the dealer. Players should be aware that there are several blackjack variants:
- American. It differs in that the dealer has one open card and one hidden card (known as the “hole card”) on the table. If the dealer’s revealed card is an Ace or Ten (in some variants only an Ace), he checks the hidden card. If the dealer’s card is a blackjack, the game ends.
- European Blackjack – The dealer takes a second card after all players have completed their moves. If the dealer has blackjack, all additional bets of the players are returned to them (except for “insurance” bets).
- Blackjack variations with their own names based on the classic game. These include Double Exposure Blackjack, Caribbean 21, Blackjack Switch, 3 Card Blackjack, Spanish 21, and so on.
The Basic Rules of Blackjack
The cards have the following values: 2 to 10 are at face value, Ace is 1 or 11 (depending on the situation), and Jack to King are 10 points each.
The player and the dealer each receive two cards. In most variants of the game, the player’s cards are open and the dealer’s one card is closed.
The player has several options after receiving his first two cards:
- “Hit” (take an extra card): a player can take one more card to get closer to 21.
- “Tand
- (stay with current cards): the player gives up additional cards.
- “Double”
- (double your bet and take only one extra card): only available after the first two cards have been dealt.
- Split”
- (split the pair into two separate hands): if a player’s first two cards have the same value, the player may split them into two separate hands and play each one separately.
After a player completes his moves, the dealer reveals his hidden card and decides whether to take additional cards or stay with his current cards. The dealer must draw additional cards until the sum of his cards reaches 17 or more. The side whose score is closest to, but not exceeding, 21 wins. If the player and the dealer have the same point total, it is called a “flush” and the player keeps his bet.
These are the basic rules of Blackjack, but there may be differences in the rules depending on the particular casino or game variant.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
If you are determined to master blackjack, start by familiarising yourself with the basic strategy table. It can be bought or found on the internet. Always use it, keep it “in front of your eyes” while you memorise it.
The basic strategy provides optimal recommendations for the game, indicating the correct moves in each situation at the gaming table. It is based on the player’s cards and the dealer’s open card. It was developed in the 1950s by four engineers from the US Army using simple arithmeters. The method was later improved with computer models analysing millions of hands. This led to the creation of a strategy table to help players.
It should be noted that the basic strategy does not guarantee a win, but only reduces the casino’s advantage and gives more opportunities to reduce losses. However, short-term results can be unpredictable and luck continues to play an important role in the game of 21.
Looking closely at the basic strategy table, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- Stand on 17+. This basic blackjack rule reduces the risk of losing, even if the dealer has a strong hand such as an ace or 10.
- Do not split tens. Stand on the pair of tens, as it represents a strong hand that has a high potential to win.
- Take an Ace-7 when the dealer shows a card of 8 or higher. This helps minimise the risk of losing against the dealer’s stronger hand.
- Doubling down on 11. Doubling down on a hard 11 allows you to maximise your potential blackjack winnings.
- Stand on 13, 14, 15 or 16 against the dealer’s open cards 2 to 6 to reduce the likelihood of losing or use surrender if possible.
- Splitting pairs of eights and aces. Splitting these pairs increases the chances of success in the long run, despite the extra bets.
- Stand on 12 when the dealer has an open card of 4, 5 or 6. This strategy helps reduce the probability of losing when the dealer has a weak open card.
Advice on How to Apply Basic Blackjack Strategy
The effectiveness of the basic strategy depends on how much the player understands and remembers it. It is necessary to act step by step:
- Take the opportunity to practice without risking real money. Online blackjack is available in demo mode, where you can spend more time on your decisions, and test them with a basic strategy table.
- Buy a basic strategy chart from a gift shop or print out a basic strategy chart from the internet so you can use it comfortably.
- Create a set of cards with different game situations based on basic blackjack strategy. Then, play them out loud and practice the correct moves to help you memorise the strategies better and be ready to play blackjack for real money.
- Do not deviate from the basic strategy. It is important to follow the pattern presented in the table without any deviations. Changes based on intuition or emotion compromise the effectiveness of a proven concept.
Blackjack at Online Casinos with Live Dealer
Blackjack can be played not only in a real casino, but also online with a live dealer. Such a game combines the atmosphere of a real casino, while providing players with an exciting and realistic experience.
In this variant of the virtual card game, a real dealer controls the game through a live video broadcast. Here are some key features of this form of the game:
- Realistic: Players can enjoy the atmosphere of a real casino while playing in the comfort of their own home. They can see and hear the dealer and interact with him and other participants via chat.
- Ease of Access: Blackjack with a live dealer ensures that the game is accessible at any time of the day or night. There is no need to visit a physical casino or wait for a seat at a gaming table.
- Transparency and Integrity: Live dealer blackjack broadcasts are usually from specially equipped studios or real casinos, which ensures that the game is fair and free from fraud.
Application of the Martingale System in Blackjack
The Martingale system is one of the best known and simplest betting strategies, often used in gambling games such as blackjack and roulette. The basic idea is to double the bet size after each loss to cover the losses and make a profit on the next win.
It is important to realise that the Martingale system does not guarantee a win, on the contrary, it can lead to significant losses, especially if you face a long losing streak or if your bankroll is limited. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for risks and be able to manage your bankroll before using this blackjack strategy.
- Choosing a starting bet: Determine the amount of your starting bet that you will double every time you lose. For example, start with a small amount such as $10.
- Place your initial bet: Make your initial bet in blackjack.
- Doubling your bet after a loss: If you fail, double your next bet. For example, if your initial bet was $10 and you lose, your next bet should be $20.
- Continue doubling: Keep doubling your bet after each loss until you win. Once you win – go back to your initial bet.
- Bankroll Management: It is important to keep an eye on your bankroll and be ready to stop if your bet reaches the casino’s maximum limit or if you reach your limit of doubling your bet.
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