Above all the card game Blackjack, also known as “21,” is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Blackjack is sought out by millions of gamblers due to its combination of being easy to play yet strategic in nature. Unlike slots or keno, Blackjack does give the player an opportunity to have some control over the specific bets that they make. Indeed, it is the power of decision making that makes Blackjack betting so popular. Players also love Blackjack as a game with one of the lowest house edges at any casino.
Blackjack Basics
Accordingly, the goal of Blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over the point total of 21. Face cards are worth 10 with aces worth either one or 11, whichever makes for the better hand.
In the beginning, each player will have two cards with one of the dealer’s cards being hidden until the end. To “hit” means that you are asking for another card. “Stand” means that you will hold your total hand and end your turn. If you go over 21 that means you “bust” and lose with the dealer winning regardless of their hand. If you are dealt 21 from the start, which means ace and 10, you have a Blackjack.
Specifically, Blackjack means that you win 1.5 times the amount of your bet depending on the online casino. The dealer will hit until they reach the card total of 17 or higher. Further doubling is a hit only the bet is doubled and you will get only one more card.
Splitting is an option when you have two of the same card with the pair split into two hands. Also, splitting doubles the bet because each new hand is worth the original wager. You can only double and or split on the first move, or the first move of a hand created by a split. If you split two aces you can’t play on them. Finally, you can double on a hand resulting from a split, tripling or quadrupling your bet.
Different Types of Blackjack Games
Blackjack can be played from single or multiple decks. Subsequently, most online casinos will offer several different Blackjack Betting game options.
Single Deck Blackjack has a reputation for being the best one to play for gamblers. But some online casinos have increased the odds in the house’s favor to counter that. Card Counting by skilled players is the main reason that single deck blackjack used to be popular. But casinos made the necessary adjustments to offset such activities.
Six to eight deck Blackjack offers many variations of rules. Most important of all is that these are among the most common versions of the game. Late on most online casinos will offer a host of creative playing options six and eight-deck Blackjack to attract players.
Namely Vegas Strip Blackjack is a term you will often encounter and is the most popular version of the game. Most of all players like it because it reminds them of playing Blackjack in Las Vegas, where it is the most played Blackjack game in town. In Vegas Strip Blackjack four standard decks of cards are used.
Admittedly each individual player will have a different preference for which Blackjack game is right for them. It’s good to try the various games out and get a feel for them to discover which is best for you. Regardless, it won’t take long to discover why Blackjack is so popular!