Blackjack is among the most played games in the casinos among professionals due to its low house edge. Another reason gamers like blackjack are that the game can be won using a few math skills. Card counting is a popular term that you may have heard in casino movies. It can relatively increase the odds of winning for any player if done right. Still, blackjack is good for beginners who are not familiar with counting strategies if they know a few simple rules. Here is how you can win blackjack using these simple strategies.
Sharpen your card skills by playing blackjack online; The Ultimate Blackjack Guide: Quick Tips for Success. When it comes to popular casino card games, blackjack trumps the competition. Funny thing about blackjack is that it's surprisingly easy to play. All you need to do is beat the dealer's hand total without exceeding 21.
Learn the basic strategy
The basic strategy of blackjack teaches beginners when to hit, split, stand, and double down their hands. This can lower the house edge of blackjack from 1 or 2% to 0.5%. That is the lowest house edge you can find on any game in the casino. The basic strategy explains:
Stand when you have 12-16 against dealer’s 2-6s.
Hit when you have 12-16 against the dealer’s 7-Aces.
Always split Aces and 8s.
Double 11 against dealer’s 2-10.
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Hit or double Aces-6 always.
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You can learn these basic strategies and stick to them to become consistent with winning.
Check the dealer’s up card
The cards of the dealer make all the difference in the games and your decisions. Always keep an eye on the up cards of the dealer. It will help you plan your next move. If the dealer’s upcard is between 2-6, it is bad. If the dealer’s upcard is between 7-Ace, it is good. The cards with the dealer make all the difference between the strategies you will make.
Do not take the first seat
You should get enough time to see and plan your move on seeing the dealer’s upcard. When you are at the first seat, you will have to make a move instantly. You may feel the pressure of others waiting for you, which can interrupt your decisions. Sit further down the turn to get enough time to review the upcards of the dealer and make your next move.
Always start small
Establish a stronghold on the game before you start making any money from it. Blackjack is not like poker, and playing aggressively in the beginning, does not help you in any way. Start slow and try to get the hang of the game when you join the table. Find out whether the dealer is hot or cold. If the dealer has been cold for a long time, it might just be the time when you step into the game.
Avoid the blackjack myths
Learn the difference between the strategies and myths that surround blackjack. One common myth that people have is that card counting is tough and illegal when it is none of those. Card counting can become pretty easy if you have good addition and subtraction skills. On top of that, it is not a criminal offense to count cards during the game. Only when you are caught, you may be asked to leave or get banned from the casino permanently. But you cannot be accused of any crime for that. Blow off the myths and the people who claim to be experts and like to give advice.
Sports have been widely postponed in the real world for over a month now, but gamblers are finding ways to get their fix electronically. There are eSports and virtual sporting events dotting the landscape now, but there is an old, trusty version of gambling in online casino games. They’ve been around a while, they’re fun, and you can make a lot of loot if you, pardon the pun, play your cards right.
Here, we’ll look at a rather rudimentary guide on how to play online blackjack.
How to play online blackjack: Starting out
If you’re new to playing blackjack online, start slowly. Don’t get in over your head and start betting high stakes if you’re not exactly sure how it all works. The same rules apply as they do playing in a real casino. Study and understudy your basic blackjack strategy so you’re not hemorrhaging money.
We’ve all been playing at a table in real-life and some new player hits the table and starts gumming up the works. They split their 10’s, they hit on 16 when the dealer is showing a five, etc. Understand the basics of the game before you start sinking your hard-earned money into play. In fact, consider playing a few ‘practice hands’ first to get a feel for the game.
How to play online blackjack: Scoring
Let’s roll it back, though, if you’re REALLY a beginner. Know that an ace (A) can be used as a one or an 11, all face cards – jacks (J), queens (Q) and kings (K) have a value of 10 and know that there are four suits in a standard 52-card deck – clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades. The idea of blackjack, or 21, is to beat the dealer.
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You needn’t worry about the other players at the table, as you do not have to beat their cards like in poker. You simply need to be closer to 21 than the dealer. If your cards end up with a total of 22 or higher, it’s called a ‘bust’. Know your terminology, too. If you end up with the same total as the dealer, it’s a ‘push’.
Sounds simple, right? Well, technically blackjack is one of the table games where you have the best odds to beat the house, although, of course, the advantage is still in their favor. If you play wisely, you can come out ahead in the long term.
How to play online blackjack: Strategies
It’s my personal experience when playing to NEVER take insurance. Insurance is offered when the dealer is showing an ace with their other card hidden, or down. One always should assume the dealer is holding a 10 in their hole card. While insurance pays 2 to 1, it’s essentially an extra bet on whether or not the dealer will hit blackjack; while your hand can lose, you could potentially recover any lost monies with a win on the insurance wager. The only time I might do this is if I hit a blackjack myself, and an insurance bet will offer even money if the dealer shows an ace and also flips over a face or a 10 to also get blackjack. Other than that, don’t get roped into insurance.
Also, blackjack is a fun game, as you can double your wager after a hand has started. For instance, you initially wager $5 in chips. You are dealt a total of 11, while the dealer is showing a 6. Again, there are 16 cards in a single deck with a value of 10, so you assume the dealer’s hidden card is a 10, and/or your next card will be a 10. So you ‘double down’, or double your wager. You will receive only one card, while the dealer can take as many as needed. Doubling down on 11 is not always a sound option, however, as if the dealer is holding a 10, it is generally discouraged. Some players like to do it, but you really should only double when there is a high bust potential for the dealer.
You can also ‘split’ cards that are paired up. For instance, you get two 9s, you can split these and make two hands against the dealer. Essentially, it’s doubling down, but you can play them like normal hands with no limit on how many cards you can take. You can also double down on these ‘new’ hands, if you like, making for a lot more action, and potential winnings.
Again, you want to be smart about splitting. The example above, with the 9s, is a sound play if you are playing against a dealer’s 8 or less; however, if they’re showing a 10, you’d want to stand, or stick with the cards you have without any further action. Learn the basic strategy first before getting into the nuances of the game.
How to play online blackjack: Play responsibly
Lastly, it might go without saying, but it’s also a good idea to limit your alcohol intake when playing online. It’s no secret alcohol and gambling have gone hand-in-hand in real-life casinos, and free drinks while playing table games is attractive to many players, but more drinks leads to more bad decisions and generally means better results for the house.
Ready to give online blackjack a try? Head over to BetMGM to sign up and play.
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