Basics of Online Blackjack Games

The objective of a blackjack game is to obtain a total hand value of 21, or else get closer than the dealer while not going over, called a “bust.” Blackjack is a battle against you and the dealer; it doesn’t matter how many hands are being played around the table; your main goal is to focus on beating the hand of the dealer.

The initial bet placed against the dealer offers and even money payout, while some games alternatively use a payout rate of 3:2. Once bets have been made, two cards are dealt to all players and the dealer. All of the cards in play are face up except one of the dealers, called the “hole card.”

Here you must consider both the dealer’s up card and your own cards in play to choose the correct action to beat the dealer. Depending on all cards in play, choose one of the following moves hit, split, stand, double down, or surrender, which is offered within some blackjack variants.

After you are content with your hand, the dealer checks for blackjack and must act on the hand as the blackjack rules dictate. In the case the dealer holds 16 or less, an automatic “hit” occurs until 17 or more is reached in which the dealer stands.

Both hands are then compared, and the nearest hand value to 21 wins the game. The casino pays out all bets, and a new betting round commences.

Value of Cards

The value of cards within a game of blackjack is uncomplicated for all new players to learn quickly. Simply cards from 2-9 are all of their face value, while 10s and face cards are all allocated as ten-value cards. Finally, the most desirable card within this deck game is the Ace which can be played as an 11 or a 1 to prevent a bust or promote a blackjack winning hand.

Playing a Blackjack Hand

As we mentioned the various moves that can be taken on a blackjack hand, let’s dissect each considering a logical time when they should be used. If you are using a basic strategy, apply all moves as the basic strategy indicates. This will bring the house edge down to as low as 0.5%, increasing your chances of winning blackjack and minimizing mistakes.

The following are moves used within the game of blackjack. As per a blackjack strategy chart, they will be indicated as letters.

Hit – The “hit” move within blackjack is used when a player requires an additional card within their hand. If a players hold a 2 and a 5, the hit action may be used once or twice to achieve a higher total.

Stand – Once a player is satisfied with their hand total, they can “stand,” taking no further action on their cards in play. If a player has a total of 20, there is no point in taking another card. The hand will most likely bust.

Split – If the player receives two of the same value card, the opportunity presents itself to “split” the total and play with two hands at once. This will give the player double the chance at beating the dealer.

Double-down – In the case the player is confident that receiving one more card will likely secure a winning hand on the blackjack table, a double-down is used. Here the player obtains only one more card within the game and doubles the original bet.

Surrender – The surrender is almost the opposite of doubling down. Within surrender blackjack, a player has the ability to forfeit their hand while only losing half their original bet amount. If the dealer has an Ace and you have a weak hand and wish to cut your losses, the move can be used either as a late or early surrender.

Insurance Bets – Insurance blackjack side bets can be used if the dealer has an Ace. The bet is won if the dealer’s hole cad turns out to be a 10 valued card paying out at 2:1.