Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. But this game is quite tricky and difficult to understand. There are so many twists and turns that a beginner can easily get confused. Do you want to learn how to play blackjack and win? Well, then, we are here to help you. In this article, you will learn how to play blackjack for beginners. Along with this, you will also get to know casino blackjack rules and all the important tips and tricks. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
What is the Game All About?
Before understanding how to play blackjack at a casino or online, let’s first understand what blackjack game is all about. In blackjack, there is one dealer and other players. The dealer distributes the cards, and whoever gets closer to 21 wins the game.
The trick is that you do not have to go over the number 21; neither the dealer nor you can go above this number. If you think that you are closer to 21, you can ‘stand’ the match. The game will stop, and all the players and the dealer will show their cards.
Now, the player or dealer who is closest to 21 will win the match. This is why this game is also known as ‘21’. Although this game is majorly based on luck, using the right tricks and following blackjack rules correctly can help you win the game.
How to Play Blackjack? Step By Step Process
Now that you have a basic understanding of the blackjack game, it’s time to understand how to play blackjack at a casino or online. Well, you just need to follow the step-by-step process given below, and in absolutely no time, you will become pro at the game.
1. Select Table
First of all, you need to select the table in which you want to participate. After joining the table, you will get poker chips to place your bet.
2. Place Your Bet
With the chips that you have got, it is time to place your bet. Before starting the match, every player needs to bet something; it can be money or any other valuable item with the chips.
3. Distribution of Cards
Once everyone has placed their bets, now, the distributor distributes 2 cards to each player, as well as themselves. The players get face-up cards, while the distributor gets one face-down card and then one face-up card. (Everyone can see the face-up card, while the face-down card that the dealer gets cannot be seen by anyone other than the dealer).
4. The Game Starts
Now, the game starts with the player sitting left to the dealer and then going clockwise.
5. Analyze Your Cards
Now, when your chance comes, you can either choose to ‘Hit’ or ‘Stand’. Now let’s see what these terms mean:
Stand: Now you need to add the numbers of both of your cards; if you believe that the total can be close to 21 (Like 17, 18, or 19) and you have the chance of winning, then you can choose to stand.
Hit: If you total of the 2 cards that you have got is not near 21, then you will go for a hit. When you choose the hit option, the dealer gives you one face-down card.
6. Each Player Gets Their Chance
Now, all the players will go for their chances until one of them stands. If any of the players go for the stand, then all the players and the dealer will show their cards. Whoever is the closest to 21 will win the match. Here, the match will end.
7. Dealer Reveals The Card
If none of the players go for the stand and one round gets finished, then the dealer will reveal its second card. The players with a total of more than 21 are automatically out of the game. After this, the winner will be decided.
Moreover, if you are playing this game with your friends or family and do not want to include money or bets, then you can play this game without placing bets as well.
Important Blackjack Rules
Now that you have learned how to play blackjack with friends or at a casino, let’s have a look at the most important rules and regulations of the game so that you can ensure winning. Here we go
1. Value of Cards
In the game of blackjack, the most important thing is to understand the value of the cards. Here’s the value that the cards hold.
Card 2 to 10: From cards 2 to 10, each card holds the value of the number written on the card. For example, card 3 holds 3 points, and card 7 holds 7 points. If you have a 3 card and a 7 card, then the total value of both of your cards would be 10.
King, Queen, and Jack: All the King, Queen, and Jack hold 10 points. For example, if you have one jack card and one 8 card, then the total value of your two cards would be 18.
Ace: The ace card can be equal to 11 as well as 1. The cardholder gets to decide the value of the ace that they are holding.
2. Perfect Blackjack
One King, Queen, or Jack, and one Ace is equal to 21 and results in perfect blackjack. If the player gets these cards, then they are the winner of this game.
3. Hit and Stand
When your chance comes, you get 2 chances, either to hit or stand. If you go for a hit, then the dealer gives you one more card. However, if you go for a stand, the match ends, the value of each player’s as well as the dealer’s card is analyzed, and the winner is declared.
4. Split
You get the split option if you have 2 cards of equal value. If you go for split, the dealer gives you one more chance. It is one of the most important blackjack dealer rules. For example,
5. Double Down
We would suggest you to go for the double-down option only if you are a pro at blackjack. In double down, you basically get to double your initial bet before getting your second card. This might only result in a win if you have a king, queen, jack, or an ace. All in all, you should only play on your luck if your first card is a 10 or 11.
6. 1:1 Win
When your total card value is around 21, then you win by 1:1.
7. 3:2 Win
When your total card value is equal to 21, then it becomes blackjack, and you win by 3:2.
8. Hit on Below 16
If the total card value is less than 16, then it becomes mandatory for the dealer to give you a hit. Here, you cannot choose to stand.
9. Surrender
The last rule in our rules of blackjack is the rule of surrender. If you feel like you have no chance of winning, then instead of going for a hit or stand, you can go for surrender when you chance comes.
Instead of losing the whole money, you will get 50% of your bet money and quit the game before it ends. However, not all online and offline casinos allow you to surrender.
Tips: How to Play Blackjack
Here comes the time for important tips. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of winning the blackjack game. So, here we go!
1. Do Not Split Two Face Cards
While splitting is a very good option and can increase your winning chances if you split 2 face cards (kings, queens, or jacks), it can turn into a big mistake. Because 2 face cards equals 20 points, it can result in a high probability of winning.
2. Split 8s and Aces
When it comes to splitting, it is best to split cards when you have two 8s or 2 Aces. Because two 8s will give you the dreaded 16, and 2 Aces will give you 12, 22, or 2, so there will be no chances of winning.
3. Only Bet Money That You Can Afford
We all know that betting is quite risky. While it can give you a lot of money, it can also take a lot of money from you. So, when it comes to betting, it is betting it is better to only bet money that you can afford to lose. Moreover, betting is very addictive; if you feel like you or someone you know is addicted to betting, our post on how to stop gambling is there to help.
4. Learn Before Placing High Bets
Do not go with beginner’s luck. Start with placing less money, and place high bets only when you have learned all the strategies and rules of the game well.
Top 4 Online Platforms for Blackjack
Now that you know how to play blackjack at a casino, in this section, we will tell you about the best betting platforms where you can play blackjack. All the platforms covered here are reliable and trustworthy so that you can place your bets without any worries. Now, let’s get started:
1. Bovada
The first betting platform on our list to play blackjack online is Bovada. Not just Blackjack, but this platform has several other casino games as well. There are eight different types of blackjack games on this platform, and at all times, 26 live dealers are available to place your bets. The best part is that here, you can place live bets. It allows you to place bets on various sports as well, like cricket, football, tennis, etc.
Pros
- Eight different types of blackjacks are there.
- Twenty-six live dealers are available 24 x 7.
- Easy and fast withdrawal.
- It’s a good welcome bonus.
- Genuine platform.
Cons
- You need to deposit money before placing bets.
- Customer care service is slow.
2. Ignition
Ignition betting platform came in the year 2016, and since its launch, it has gained a huge fan base because of its easy-to-use interface, top selection of casinos, live betting, and wide range of sports betting options. It covers all the major and minor sports events and tournaments. They also teach you how to play blackjack for beginners. All in all, it is a good and reliable betting platform.
Pros
- Easy to use interface.
- 24/7 live chat customer care support.
- Easy money deposit and withdrawal procedure.
- Huge welcome bonus.
Cons
- Few online slots are available.
- The number of mobile games is limited.
3. Black Lotus
Are you new to betting and casinos? Well, then, Black Lotus is the perfect platform for you to place bets. The best part is, they teach you how to play blackjack and then let you become an expert. Here, you can play different forms of blackjack, like the Vegas Strip, Single Deck, European Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, etc. Moreover, it is a certified platform, so you do not need to worry about any fraud.
Pros
- They provide 24/7 customer care support.
- Live betting is available.
- They give betting tips.
- Accepts various payment options like credit cards, debit cards, and net banking.
Cons
- You won’t be able to place bets without depositing a minimum deposit amount.
- The platform needs a better interface.
4. BetOnline
Do you want to learn how to play blackjack and win? Well, then, BetOnline is perfect for you. With this application, not only you can learn betting, but you can also place bets and win high prizes. Along with this, they also cover a wide variety of sports as well as casino games to keep their customers entertained all the time. Also, it is a certified platform with easy deposit and withdrawal of money.
Pros
- It accepts 20 different payment modes.
- They have 17 varieties of online blackjack games.
- User-friendly interface.
- Live bets are available.
Cons
- Customer care service could be better.
- You need to deposit money before placing bets.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How to play blackjack in Vegas?
Well, the steps to play blackjack will be the same as above, but since Vegas is very popular for casinos, you can play blackjack as well as several other casino games. There are various other adventures that you can do in Vegas.
Q2. What is splitting in blackjack?
Splitting works when you have two cards of the same number. When you decide to split, the dealer exchanges one of your cards. We recommend you to go for a split only if you have got two aces or two 8s.
Q3. What is the benefit of surrender in blackjack?
Surrender comes into function when you think that you do not have any chance of winning now. When your chance comes, if you choose to surrender instead of hit or stand, the dealer sends you out of the game by giving you 50% amount of your initial bet. It is better to lose half of the money instead of all.
Conclusion
In this article, you got to know how to play blackjack. Along with this, you also got to know about the best online casino platforms to play blackjack. By following the tips and tricks given in this article, you can increase your winning chances. If you have any other queries or confusion, you can reach out to us in the comments section.