How to Play Blackjack Properly

Play of cards is common by nature, little less popular than poker. Yet another nickname given to the game is "21". Casino game is well-known at casinos. Its best plus it has is with a superb win potential. Nowadays, quite a few people prefer betting blackjack online, experiencing the same thrill and means of the game in the comfort of their own home.

How to Play Blackjack Online

The typical version of the game uses up to six decks of 52 cards. The dealer takes the cards from a shoe. The objective of each player is to beat the casino by winning 21 points or getting as close to it as possible.

To fully grasp how blackjack is played, an individual should know card values. An ace can be worth 1 or 11 points. If it is one of the two combinations that add up to 21, its value will be 1. The face cards (the tens, the jacks, the queens, and the kings) are each worth 10 points. All others are worth a point value equal to their face. In the regular game, suits do not matter. Ace + 10 is the optimum combination since it can defeat all other combinations with a value of 21.

How to Win at Blackjack

There are two ways through which a player can win:

By scoring more points than the dealer but not exceeding 21.
By allowing the dealer to exceed 21 points.

If the player's score is 21 or less, and the dealer busted, then the player wins — and vice versa. If both of them have the same points, it is a draw, and the player receives his money back. If no one busted, the one who has the most points wins.

How to Start Playing Blackjack and Bet Payouts

When the game starts, the dealer invites players to bet. Then, each player receives one card. The process is followed so that the dealer and the player both have two cards. In American blackjack, two cards are distributed to the dealer — one of them face down. During the game, everything is done in the open, and players are not permitted to touch the cards. Players can ask for more cards, but if the sum is over 21, they lose and the casino takes their bet. Cards of the same value can be split into two hands. The dealer has to draw cards until their points are at least 17.

The following are the standard bet payout rules:

1:1 payout if player points are higher than dealer's.
3:2 payout on blackjack.
Push (tie) if player and dealer have the same score, and player's bet is returned.

If all remaining players bust, their cards are collected and discarded. Play continues until shoe depletion.

Playing Blackjack by Game Type

Besides the standard game, there are a few variations, each with certain subtleties:

Baden-Baden – two decks. The other players lose instantly if the dealer has blackjack. Six cards with a total of 21 or less wins for a player.
Spanish Blackjack – does not include tens. Dealer and player split the tie if both draw 21. A dealer draws an ace and a six, he/she draws again.
Pontoon – 21 with five cards pays 2:1. When a player is below 14, they have to draw. Push and a win for the casino in a tie situation.
Progressive Blackjack – players who are initially dealt the first ace may become eligible for being paid a jackpot.
Switch Blackjack – players are dealt two hands and have the option of transferring cards from one hand to another. Dealers draw a card when their hand is 17. This variant features a side bet bonus.

Pro Tips to Play Blackjack Effectively

Blackjack is a great game that has very limited rules. One can use strategy and an experienced player to maximize enjoyment and gain returns on investments.

Master game rules and familiarize yourself with its variations.
Learn mathematics and strategy behind playing cards.
Recognize optimal combinations.
Practice card counting while playing versus the dealer.

Practice card counting while playing versus the dealer.

Another good piece of advice is to play in demo mode initially. Most casinos offer a demo version of the game, wherein one can practice and learn with virtual chips.