Blackjack is one of the many popular games on offer at both online and land-based casinos. Like poker, it is a game of tactics and planning rather than pure chance and it appeals to people who like thinking strategically.
Unlike poker though, blackjack is played against the dealer rather than other players. The basic point of it is to get a hand of cards that is higher in total value than the dealer’s hand, but not over 21.Â
It is a game that a knowledgeable player has a very good chance of winning. That is why those who play casino games at Monopoly Casino and similar places like online blackjack.Â
In this article we will be outlining the best tips for mastering the game and boosting your chances.
How Blackjack Works
Blackjack derives from the game called 21 and the essential point of it is to get as close to that number with your hand of cards as you can without going over it. It is played with a standard 52-card deck and the game starts with the first bets.
Then the players are dealt two cards face up, while the dealer gets one face up and one face down that is known as the ‘hole card’. Further cards are then dealt out if the players wish them, as they try to reach that 21 total value.
There are not many differences between online and land-based blackjack. Most online casinos have live blackjack featuring real-life dealers available now, in addition to the purely digital games.
Tips for Online Blackjack
The strategic thought needed to excel at blackjack can seem daunting to new players, but it is possible to learn the ropes quickly. Here are some tips for achieving that.
- Understand the Terminology
A key pointer for mastering blackjack play is to get a grasp of the terminology. Once you have been dealt your first two cards, you will have two options: to ‘hit’ or ‘stand’.
If you ‘hit’ that means you take another card from the dealer, whereas if you ‘stand’ it means you stick with the two you already have. Should your total go above 21, then you will have ‘bust’, which means losing the game.
Other key terms in blackjack include ‘doubling down’ (making a second bet of the same amount as the first one and getting another card), ‘hard hand’ (one without an ace that counts as 11), ‘soft hand’ (one with such an ace) and ‘splitting’ (dividing your existing hand to make two new ones).
- Avoid 6:5 Blackjack Games
The best online blackjack games to pick are ones that pay full 3:2 odds. That means £15 if you win on a £10 bet.
By contrast, a 6:5 odds game will earn you just £12 for a win on a £10 bet and thus should be avoided.
- Manage Your Money Carefully
Blackjack is a game where you can go for periods without a win and if you wage too recklessly you can find yourself out of the game before the big chance arrives. It is smarter to manage your bankroll carefully and bide your time.
- Learn Simple Strategies
There are some basic strategies that will help you win blackjack games much of the time.Â
- Assume the dealer’s hole card adds up to 10
Given that the 10 card and all of the face ones count as 10, the odds are in favour of the hidden hole card held by the dealer adding up to that amount.
- When to double down
You should always double down with a second bet if the initial two cards that you are dealt add up to 11.Â
- When and when not to split
The point in blackjack where you should always split your hand in two is if you have either two 8s or two Aces, as you will be wagering on landing a 10. The time when you should never split the hand is if you have a hand valued at 10, as this gives you good odds of getting your existing total to 20 by hitting the dealer for another card.
- Set a Limit
Managing your money carefully during the game is important but so is setting a limit after which you stop playing. That can be if you reach a target for winnings because you want to walk away with that money intact.
It can also be if you are on a losing streak though. One of the most important blackjack tips of all is to resist any urge to chase losses with more and more bets.
You can always recoup them next time.
We hope you find these online blackjack tips useful and can enjoy fun and success playing it.
