SubscribeBlackjack is a game of skill and therefore one of very few online (and offline) games where what the player decides to do next will affect the game's outcome significantly.
Online Blackjack players have a much better chance of beating the house, than those sitting down at the table of a regular casino. It is a lot less intimidating and with full access to the basic strategy chart, players can take their time to plan and implement their strategy.
Blackjack originated in France around 1700 A.D. and is believed to be a combination of the card games ?chemin de fer?, ?French Ferme? and ?vinget-et-un? (twenty-and-one).
Blackjack on the Internet
From the casinos of Paris the game (known as 21 at the time) made its way to the Americas during the 19th century when European immigrants left the Old World in search of a better life.
The game only gained popularity after the rules were changed to increase the odds in favour of the players. The change meant that drawing the Jack of Clubs (or Spades) along with the Ace of Spades now awarded players with a 10:1 bonus. With this change the game shed its old name of 21 and became known as Blackjack. The game has since evolved into the modern version played today and with online gaming now a computer away, Blackjack has become immensely popular.
Even though learning the rules of Blackjack is not hard, the challenge lies in mastering the game. All Blackjack games are similarly structured, but keep in mind that there are a few variations of the game, so pay close attention to the specific rules of individual tables before commencing play.
Both online and offline Blackjack have the same objective: a player needs to accumulate cards equal to or as close to the value 21 as possible while beating the total of the dealer?s cards. In other words the winner is whoever has closest to 21 after the value of the cards has been added.
If the total of the cards were to exceed 21 it is called a ?bust? and the player or dealer (depending on whom falls victim to a ?bust?) loses. If the cards make up a total value of less than or equal to 21 the highest total wins. Should there be a tie no one wins and a new hand is played.
The game will commence when the dealer shuffles six to eight decks of cards together and places them in what is termed the ?shoe?. After placing their wagers all players are dealt two cards face up. The dealer gets one card face up and one card face down. The players must then decide whether to ?stay? or take another card to get closer to 21. Players who do not bust at this time then wait for the dealer to turn over the face down card. On a card value of 17 or higher the dealer must stay and on a card value of 16 or lower the dealer must take another card. If the dealer matches the highest card total on the table it is called a ?push? and the hand is replayed. The dealer wins if he or she have the highest card total at the table.
The player will automatically win if he or she makes the total of 21 with the first two cards they are dealt. This is called ?Blackjack?.
Mastering the basics in terms of Blackjack terminology will help you stay on top of your game.
Hit: When a player requests another card it is called a hit. Players are allowed to request as many cards as they like until they either stand or bust.
Stand: When getting too close to 21, a player may decide to receive no more cards or to stand.
Double: A double refers to a player deciding to receive one more card only and in doing so they will double their bet. The player has to stand whether the hand is good or bad.
Split: Should a player?s first two cards be of equal value they can opt to split the hand. Each card then becomes the first card of a new hand and the player must make another bet of equal value to the first hand.
Herewith a few Blackjack Tips to help maximise the playing experience.
The rules of each online Blackjack game may differ slightly, so make sure you understand the rules of your table of choice before getting started.
As online Blackjack is a game of skill you should only play the game when you are focussed and able to concentrate. Your decisions and strategy will affect the game?s outcome.
Be sure to hold at seventeen unless you are up and neither you nor the dealer has a low card showing. Keep in mind however that the chances of another low card are slim if you already have a two or a three.
Always keep a close watch on your total credits. You can bet a little bit more when you?re winning, but you should bet a little bit less when you?re losing. It will keep you in the game longer and increase your chances of winning
You should only decide to double if the dealer has a weak hand and you have at least one face card. Don?t be blinded by the promise of a higher payout, rather make use of this option at the right time.