Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around, and for a good reason. It’s easy to learn, exciting to play and offers some of the best odds in the house. However, while blackjack may be a profitable and enjoyable game, it can also also be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the golden rules of online blackjack. So whether you’re new to the game or just looking for some winning strategy tips, this is the article for you.
Understanding the Rules of Online Blackjack
If you want to play online blackjack for real money, it is essential to have a solid understanding of online blackjack rules and an effective strategy. Knowing the game inside out can help you make informed decisions and reduce risks associated with gambling.
The objective of the game is straightforward: beat the dealer by getting a hand totaling 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over, often known as “busting”. If your hand is higher than the dealer’s, you win.
Each card is worth its face value, with all picture cards (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) worth 10 points each. Aces are worth either one or 11, depending on what works best for your hand.
Developing Your Winning Strategy
Once you have mastered the rules of the game, you can start to develop your winning strategy. There are a few key points to keep in mind when playing blackjack online that could help tip the odds in your favor.
Use basic strategy to make decisions about when to hit, stand, double down, or split pairs
When playing online blackjack, the most important thing is to understand the basic strategies and use them to make informed decisions when it comes to hitting, standing, doubling down, or splitting pairs. Developing a winning strategy involves understanding what each of these moves means and when to use them.
A hit occurs when a player requests another card from the dealer. You can do this when you feel that you can improve your hand by adding one more card. It is important to remember that if your hand exceeds twenty-one after hitting, you will automatically go bust and lose your bet.
Standing means that you are finished requesting cards, and can stay on your current total. Generally, you should stand if you have seventeen or higher, as there is no way of improving this score without risking going over twenty-one.
Doubling down means that after being dealt two initial cards, you can double your original wager in exchange for a one draw from the deck. This is generally done when you have a strong eleven or ten value hand and believe that by taking just one more card, you can hit 21 or get close enough to it. However, your chances of winning are still high even if they don’t hit 21 exactly.
Finally, splitting pairs occurs when you initially draw two matching cards from the deck (e.g., two eights). In this case, you can split the pair and play each eight separately as if they were two separate hands, meaning double wagers and double opportunities for winning! Splitting pairs gives you an advantage by increasing your chances of creating multiple hands with 21 potential points each, which significantly increases your chances of winning over staying on one single sixteen-point hand.
Always split aces and eights
When it comes to playing blackjack, there’s one game plan that should always be at the top of your list: always split aces and eights. Splitting these two cards when dealt is considered to be the best way to increase your chances of success. Not only does it give you two opportunities for potential wins, but it also doubles the initial bet when played correctly and can open the door for more strategic moves like hitting or doubling down later in the game.
Consider it an easy way to get ahead – utilize this strategy wisely, and you could find yourself with even better odds of bringing a big win home.
Don’t take insurance unless you’re sure that the dealer has blackjack
Insurance may seem like a safe way to protect your hand, but it only pays 2-1 if the dealer has blackjack. Taking insurance means that you are essentially doubling your bet and giving up a chance to win 3-2 unless you are absolutely certain that they have blackjack – in which case, why bother playing?
Consider sticking to basic strategies of determining whether or not it is worth your while to hit, stand, double down, or split. By focusing on making the best decision for each card draw, you can remain focused and maximize your chances of walking away with winnings.
Stand on a hard 17 or higher
Knowing when to stand in the game of Blackjack can make all the difference. In general, it is wise to use basic strategy, and standing on a hard total of 17 or higher is no exception. By choosing to ‘stand’ instead of ‘hit,’ you will maximize your chances of beating the dealer, who must hit until they reach 17 or higher. Therefore, stand on a hard total of 17 or higher whenever possible – this move will give you the best chance at winning your next hand!