Blackjack

February 17, 2012 | Filed under: Game Guide | Posted by: webzcas

Probably the ‘mother’ of all casino table games, blackjack can be found on pretty much every casino which operates on the internet. Indeed, I have yet to encounter any online casino which does not have blackjack, recommended, rogue or otherwise.

More widely played than poker believe it or not, blackjack is game between the player and the dealer, featuring several decks of 52 playing cards. A player is dealt a two card hand with the aim to get to 21 or as close to 21 as possible.

Several of the casinos which we recommend also employ a multi player blackjack game, which allows players to chat with and play alongside other online players. Thus further enhancing the whole feel of the game.

Unlike your land based casinos though, you will also find a space at a table playing online.

Before you even think of playing Blackjack online there are a few things you should think about first. Firstly you need to decide how much money you want to play with and more importantly how much you can afford to lose.

If we work with a nice easy number as 100 to get things going it will be much easier in the long run.

As a good example we shall say that once we have only 80 left to play with then that will be that for today. We shall also say that if we reach 120 then we shall also call it a day.

Blackjack is a game played with cards, usually 4 packs excluding jokers meaning there are 208 cards in most games. This game is about you versus the dealer, you are required to get 21 points or more points than the dealer, or hope that the dealer gets more that 21, in which case the delaer is declared bust and has to pay out. Cards are worth exactly what they show IE a 6 is worth 6 points. The exception is that coloured cards (Jack,Queen,King) are worth 10 points and Aces either 1 or 11 depending on what is needed. In most casinos, a dealer must hold on 17 or more.

The best two cards you could have is a Jack and an Ace, this is called Blackjack and the dealer automatically pays out unless the dealer also has Blackjack where all bets are handed back.

When the game first begins you will be given two cards which are laid open, the dealer receives 1 which is open. This is where some tactics can come into play. You know that the dealer must hold on 17 or more before paying out. We shall say for examples sake that you have a 6 and an Ace and the dealer has an 8.

This means you already have either 7 or 17. The dealer could however turn their next card to reveal a 10 meaning they would have 18 and win. If we play with the 7 or 17 you will note you cannot go bust on the draw of the next card and you really want to get higher than 18 on this draw. Let us say you take one more card. It is a 2 meaning you have 9 or 19. Personally this where I would stick on this and take no more cards. The dealer would be required to have more than an ace on their next card to beat you. The card is drawn and the dealer takes a 4 giving them 12.

The 12 is a dangerous position to be in as one 10 means you are bust, always proceed with caution when you have a 12. The dealer still needs at least 17 so draws another card, this time it is a 5 giving the dealer 17. The dealer can not take any further cards and must pay to all players who have more than 17 but remove any chips from those players that have gone bust.

Had the dealer received a 10 on the 12 instead of the 5 they would have had 22(bust) and would have had to pay out all players that had previously NOT gone bust.

The best starting hand for players that the dealer has is always 12 as the dealer can go bust with one draw of a card. Be aware though that this is not always the case and few low numbers and the dealer can quite easily get 17 to 21 points.

If you, the player start off with a 10 and a 2 IE 12 then you are in the same situation as the dealer except you have a choice as to whether you draw or stand. If you have a 12 and the dealer has a 10, then the dealer has a better overall chance of getting better than your score. With a 12 for me and a 10 for the dealer I would usually risk another card. If 10 or higher then game over but anything less gives you a better chance than previously. You may only get 17 before standing but the dealer then has to play and if they get low numbers to start off with then you are in with a good chance.

Below are some opening strategies that will hold you in better positions, they will not guarantee you a win but will better your chances. You will note some terms such as Split/Double Up – these are situations where you firmly believe the cards are very strong in your favour and where you may wish to double you bet to win double back. This is risky but can be very rewarding, particularly if the dealer ends up bust. When “Splitting” you equal the bet on the first hand, and continue to decide whether you wish to draw or stand.