In casino games, Blackjack reigns supreme, surpassing poker and baccarat in popularity. After all, what explains the fascination this game awakens worldwide? The answer lies in the perfect combination of luck and skill that Blackjack offers. Unlike games of pure chance, such as roulette, in live Blackjack, the player can influence the game’s outcome through strategic decisions.

Before it was called Blackjack, “Vingt-et-Un,” (twenty-one in French) was the name it was known in 18th-century Europe. The game became popular in England and had a strong presence in Italy and France. In the 20th century, American casinos advertised it with the image of a hand with the Ace of Spades and a blackjack. The image became popular, and the name stuck.

Hollywood has captured the thrill and strategy of the game in several unforgettable movies. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for inspiration or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, some movies offer a captivating glimpse into the world of blackjack like Rain Man, 21, Croupier and The Gambler.

Popularity

It’s easy to understand why they’re so popular. In addition to having simple rules, the chances of winning are high. For every card, an action taken contributes to winning. If you want to uncover the secrets of this popular game and venture into the online blackjack tables, this article is your guide.

Its straightforward rules make it accessible to newcomers, while offering enough depth to keep seasoned players engaged. Unlike some other casino games, blackjack won’t intimidate you with complex strategies from the start.

But don’t let its simplicity fool you. Blackjack is a thrilling game with plenty of ups and downs. As you gain experience, you’ll discover subtle strategies that can improve your chances of winning. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious strategist, blackjack offers something for everyone.

Choose it wisely

Here, we’ll present the basic rules of playing Blackjack and advanced strategies with examples, keeping in mind that players are eager to put into practice what they’ll quickly learn. First, choose a reliable online casino like Stake, which offers a trustworthy platform. In addition, payments can be made with Bitcoin and Google Pay. If you want to play with your friends, invite them to close a table.

The rules of Blackjack at the online casino

All casino games are designed to give the house some advantage. In the case of live Blackjack, the main benefit is that whoever goes over 21 before loses. So, let’s start from the beginning. 

In each round of live Blackjack, players begin by deciding on the value of their bets. Each table indicates the minimum and maximum limits. The dealer deals two face-up cards to all players and takes two for himself: one face-up and one face-down. At this point, the player can take more cards or stay.

The goal of all players is to beat the dealer, with the score as close as possible to 21. Whoever goes over this value loses the round. Considering a full suit, cards from 2 to 10 are worth precisely the score they show; The jack, queen, and king are worth 10, and the Ace is worth 1 or 11, depending on which is more advantageous. For example:

You received two cards, a 2 and a jack; your score is 12.

Your first two cards are a 3 and a 6; you ask for another card and receive a queen. Your score is 3+6+10 = 19.

When players win, they receive the same amount back. If it is $100, the house pays another R$100 in the winning scenario. If the dealer has a hand closer to the score of 21, the player loses the entire bet he made in the round. And when there is a tie, with a player presenting the same score as the dealer, neither wins and the next round begins.

There is an automatic way to win. It is when the player has a blackjack in hand, represented by an Ace and another card worth 10 (either a 10, a jack, a queen, or a king) in their first two cards. If the dealer does not have a blackjack either, the player wins, and this hand pays better, 3:2.

For example:

When the player joins with $400: 400 x 3 ÷ 2 = $600.

You can also calculate it as 150% of the original value, which would be 100% (400) + 50% (200) = 600.

The Six Moves of Blackjack

1. Hit

It is the most common action. Players ask the dealer for another card to increase their hand’s value, aiming to get as close to 21 without going over.

2. Stand

When players are satisfied with the value of their hand, they can choose to stand and not hit for more cards. They end their turn, and the dealer reveals his second card, completing the round.

3. Double Down

This action doubles the players’ initial bets in exchange for receiving only one more card. It is valid when you have a strong hand (9, 10, or 11) and believe the next card will help you reach 21.

4. Split

When the first two cards are equal, you can split them into two hands. Each hand receives an additional card, and players play both cards separately until the end of the round.

5. Surrender

At some live blackjack tables, players can surrender their hand mid-game, losing only half of their bet. This action is usually advantageous when players have a weak hand, and the dealer has a high card exposed.

6. Insurance

At some tables, if the dealer shows an Ace face-up, players can take a special guess that the dealer has Blackjack, thus betting on insurance. If the dealer does have Blackjack, the players win.

Basic Strategy, the key to the professional Blackjack player

Privately published in 1957 in a minimal edition, “Playing Blackjack to Win” was the first book to print the correct winning strategies for the game. Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Canty, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott served in the U.S. Army and used basic calculators to determine the best playing decision for each hand.

The following rules were developed to increase the player’s chances, regardless of his hand, to avoid making choices with a lower probability of winning. After all, the player increases the casino’s chances of winning by making bad choices. Everyone can have a lucky night, but the 

odds will work in the house’s favor over time.

To win at Blackjack, you need to do two things.

The first is to double down when you are in an advantageous position. The player’s chances are hurt when they do not double down when they are supposed to. So when should they double down? Whenever the hand is good, as shown in the scenarios below. It is the right way to play Blackjack.

The second is to memorize these decisions—surrenders, splits, doubles, hits, or stands—according to the scenarios. Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers shares the helpful concept that it takes 10,000 hours to master anything. It certainly will take some time to memorize the scenarios below. 

Scenarios and choices in Live Blackjack

These decisions apply to land-based Blackjack and live online Blackjack’s version.

Surrender

If your hand totals 16, surrender to the dealer with a hand of 9 through Ace; otherwise, don’t surrender.
If your hand totals 15, surrender to the dealer with a hand of 10; otherwise, don’t surrender.

• Splits and Doubles (split and double down)
• Always split Aces.
• Never split tens.
• A pair of 9s should be split to the dealer with a card from 2 through 9, except the 7; otherwise, stand.
• Always split a pair of 8s
• Split a pair of 7s against the dealer from 2 to 7 otherwise hit.
• Split a pair of 6s against the dealer from 2 to 6 otherwise hit.
• Double unsplit a pair of 5s against the dealer from 2 to 9; otherwise, hit.
• Split a pair of 4s against the dealer from 5 and 6 otherwise hit.
• Split a pair of 3s against the dealer from 2 to 7 otherwise hit.
• Split a pair of 2s against the dealer from 2 to 7; otherwise, hit.
  

Soft total

A soft total is any hand with an Ace as one of the first two cards. The Ace counts as 11 to start.

• Soft 20 (A,9) always stands.
• Soft 19 (A,8) doubles against the dealer’s 6; otherwise, it stands.
• Soft 18 (A,7) doubles against the dealer on 2 through 6 and hits against 9 through Ace; otherwise, it stands.
• Soft 17 (A,6) doubles against the dealer on 3 through 6, otherwise hit.
• Soft 16 (A,5) doubles against the dealer on 4 through 6, otherwise hit.
• Soft 15 (A,4) doubles against the dealer on 4 through 6, otherwise hit.
• Soft 14 (A,3) doubles against the dealer on 5 through 6, otherwise hit.
• Soft 13 (A,2) doubles against the dealer on 5 through 6, otherwise hit.

Hard Total

A challenging total is any hand that does not start with an Ace, or that has been dealt an Ace that can only count as one instead of 11.

• 17 and above always stand.
• 16 must stand against the dealer on 2 through 6; otherwise, hit.
• 15 must be held against the dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
• 14 must be held against the dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
• 13 must be held against the dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
• 12 must be held against the dealer 4 through 6, otherwise hit.
• 11 always doubles.
• 10 doubles against the dealer 2 through 9, otherwise hit.
• 9 doubles against the dealer 3 through 6, otherwise hit.
• The 8 always hit.

Since less than 5% of players follow the basic strategy perfectly, casinos make a lot of money this way. By following these rules, the player halves the casino’s advantage in Blackjack.

What else do I need to know

Game Side Bets

It’s common to find side bets at online casinos like Stake, which can make a round even more exciting. These optional bets are made separately from the main bet and depend on specific events during the hand, such as the combination of your cards and the dealer’s cards.

There are many different types of side bets. Some of the most common include Perfect Pairs, 21+3 (a unique combination of the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard), and total bets (such as whether the total will be odd or even).

These bets can be fun and profitable in specific cases, but it’s important to remember that they usually have a more significant edge for the casino than the main bet. In the long run, you’ll likely lose more money betting on the sides than you win.

Blackjack Simulators

A quick internet search for “live blackjack simulators” or “blackjack simulators” will reveal countless free software programs available 24/7.

Advanced strategies

Things can get even more enjoyable for those who want to delve deeper into the game’s nerdy, mathematical side. With basic math concepts learned in elementary school and lots of practice, players can employ card counting taught in blackjack courses.

Play Safely

Live Blackjack can be a fun and exciting way to have fun, but it is essential that players only bet what they can afford to lose. Finding and playing only at reputable online casino sites is vital to avoiding headaches. Finally, set time limits and seek help from a health professional if you have any gambling-related problems.