Blackjack – one of the most popular card games
Blackjack is a game for all those who love gambling and like to try their luck. It attracts players from all over the world with its simple rules and strategy, as well as its speed of play and high probability of winning.
A Brief History of Blackjack
In general, the question of which country first invented blackjack is still relevant, as there are three versions: the USA, France and Italy. The distinctive features of the game are inherent in the card games of these three countries.
However, the most popular and credible version is that blackjack was invented in France. This is supported by documented sources. Except that it was originally called differently in France and other countries. Blackjack is considered a modified version of the game Vingt-et-Un, meaning “twenty-one,” which originated in France.
There is no doubt that the USA has contributed greatly to the fact that blackjack is so popular today. And besides, the current name of the game is also thanks to the Americans. It was in the U.S. that they started to practice increased payments with certain card combinations – thus the “Black Jack” combination was born, which later gave the game its name.
Basic concepts of blackjack online
Every card game has its own concepts and terms. Learn the basic concepts of blackjack before you begin to play:
- Player – a person who is at a gambling table and plays against the dealer;
- Dealer or croupier – the person who deals the cards;
- Shoe – a device where a shuffled pack of cards is inserted, and then it deals those cards to the players throughout the game;
- Shuffle – the entire game cycle, which begins when the cards are shuffled and ends after the dealer sets the separating card;
- Hand – all of the player’s or dealer’s cards;
- Push – a situation in which the player and the dealer have the same number of points;
- Box – a special place where you can make a bet.
Card values in blackjack
Unlike some online games, the value of the cards in free blackjack remains the same throughout the game. The cards in this game have the following values:
- Cards with numbers – the number on the card corresponds to the number of points scored;
- Jack, Queen, King – 10 points;
- Ace – can be either 1 point or 11 (the participant decides which value to use in the game).
Thus, the essence of the game is to win 21 points using a minimum number of cards.
How to play blackjack
At the beginning, the dealer shuffles the packs of cards.
Before the game starts, however, players must make their bets. Bets are placed by means of chips, i.e. the player must place a certain number of chips on the appropriate fields on the playing table.
After the cards are shuffled and the bets are put, the dealer hands out the cards. Each player receives 2 cards. The dealer also receives one card for himself. It is also possible for the dealer to deal 2 cards to the players and himself as well. In either case, all players’ cards are opened at once. If there is only one dealer’s card, then it is dealt along with the cards of other players. If there are 2, only one card is opened.
Then the players and the dealer analyze their cards and the dealer’s cards.
Sometimes it happens that after dealt 2 cards a player gets 21 points at once, meaning he has a card with a picture and an ace. Such combination is called blackjack and the player who has got it wins. Correspondingly, this player can take his winnings at once which, according to the rules, should exceed his bet by 1.5 times.
Sometimes it happens that the dealer can also get 21 points. In that case the player is given an opportunity to take his winnings, which will be 1 time more than his bet.
If no one gets 21 points right away, the game continues. The player can take any number of cards (as long as the sum does not exceed 21 points) or stay with the number of cards he has.
If the player takes new cards and his amount of points exceeds 21, the dealer removes the player’s bet.
And if the croupier’s second card draws 21 points, all players automatically lose. Only those players who got 21 points at the beginning of the game stand to retain their bets (unless they decided to take their winnings at the beginning and continued to play).
The game continues. Everyone takes turns picking cards, including the dealer (he takes the last one).
It’s worth noting that according to the rules, the dealer can only take cards if he has less than 16 points or fewer. Under blackjack rules, the croupier must leave the game after gaining 17 points.
During the game players can not touch their cards, only the dealer can open cards.
At the end of the game, there is no competition either, as the game is only played against the dealer.
Blackjack basic strategy
Blackjack players have developed special strategies to increase their chances of winning and reduce their probability of losing. One such strategy is a basic one, suitable for beginners and professionals alike. We’ve put together a blackjack cheat sheet for you and real-life cases that you may face.
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Explanation of the symbols:
- H(Hit) – to draw an additional card;
- D(Double) – to double the bet, if it is not possible, then to draw another card;
- Ds(Double) – to double the bet, if it is impossible, you must pass;
- S(Stand) – to pass the Dealer’s turn;
- P(Split) – to split the cards;
- SP(Split) – to split the cards and, after a set, double them;
- HR(Surrender) – to leave the game, if necessary, or to draw a card.
But remember that croupiers also have their own strategies, and the above blackjack cheatsheet reduces your chances of winning by 4%.
Example 1
The dealer shows his card, which is a two, three, four, five or six. In all cases he is likely to lose, as there is a good chance that the dealer will get his hands on a card with a picture. And you remember that according to the rules, he can only play up to 17 points.
At that time, the player who has less than 11 points needs to draw a new card, stopping at 12 points. And players who have more than 11 points should double the bet, because it’s obvious that the dealer loses.
Example 2
Sometimes the dealer chooses the following strategy: he prefers to stop playing cards after he reaches 12-15 points. Even if the player has fewer points, dealers may stop.
In that case, according to the blackjack strategy, the player should continue to draw cards. Since cards with a picture are the most likely to be hit, there’s a good chance you’ll get 10 points.
Best online casinos to play blackjack
We have compiled a list of online casinos for you to play blackjack online. All 3 sites are completely safe, and there’s a high percentage of player winnings. Take a look at the following examples in choosing live blackjack sites.
Spin Casino
You’ll find more than 30 different blackjack variants here. Also, this online casino has a very solid welcome bonus.
JackpotCity Casino
This is definitely one of the best online casinos for playing blackjack. There are classic variants as well as the most modern ones. You’ll find over 100 variations of blackjack.
Casino.com
This online casino has a special welcome bonus that only applies to blackjack. There are over 20 different variations of live blackjack with real dealers. Overall, you’ll find just about every variation of blackjack, both speed and classic, and other options.
