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Home » Online Casino Games » Blackjack
Blackjack
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Blackjack utilizes a randomly shuffled 52 card deck and all games are played against the dealer. The aim is to secure card values that are higher than the dealers up to the value of 21 in order to win. Card values that are equal to the dealers are termed "push", and the players original bet is returned. Card values exceeding 21 are termed a "bust" and all bets are lost. In this game, all card values are stipulated by the numbers represented, except for picture cards which have a value of 10 and aces, which have a value of either 1 or 11. Each player is dealt two facing cards to begin with, whilst the dealer is dealt one card face up and one face down. Typically, the player should assess his/her own card values against the dealers facing card to determine his/her course of action. There are two basic options to follow if the dealer's face card is 7 or higher. If the combined total of both the players cards are relatively low (usually 17 or under), the player should select to draw a card until he/she obtains a value equal to or greater than 17. If the combined card total is 17 or greater to begin with, the player should opt to stand. Typically however, if the dealer's face card is 6 or lower, there are several more exciting game plans to try. With a combined value of 12 or higher against a low dealer card, it is preferable to stand. If the card values total 9, 10 or 11, the player has the option to double down. This means that the original bet is doubled and the dealer issues one more card. The aim here is to secure a picture card on 11 or an ace on 9 and 10 for the highest total card value. Another good bet to make in blackjack when the dealer's face card is weak, is a split. This can only occur when the player has two cards of the same value. By matching the original bet, the player is in essence, dividing the two cards into two new bets, with the original cards acting as the first cards dealt. The dealer issues a second card to each new bet and the player once again decides on his/her course of action and how many additional cards to draw. The only hands that a player cannot draw additional cards on, are the split aces, which are only entitled to a second card. There is another game option which is offered at some casinos called "surrender". This allows players to surrender their cards and recoup half their bet if they feel that their odds against the dealer are poor. Surrenders cannot be conducted if the dealer has an ace facing. The reason for this is the games namesake...Blackjack. A blackjack is the supreme 21 which consists of an ace and a picture card. This hand trumps all hands. If a player secures blackjack and trumps the dealer, he/she will paid 3:2 on his/her original bet as opposed to all other payouts which are even money. If the dealer's face card is an ace, casinos usually offer an "insurance" option, which allows players to insure their original bets against loss if the dealer secures the blackjack. Whilst I have outlined "typical" blackjack methodology, there are no fixed rules on when to draw, stand, double down or split. I do however recommend that players visit one of numerous online blackjack sites to understand the unspoken rules of the game. Game plans have been devised over centuries because they assist in fighting casino odds. The "I feel lucky approach" does not suffice in this game, and I caution anyone who attempts fate when they are participating in live dealer games with other players present. Blackjack players are notoriously ferocious about protecting a good run of cards and don't look kindly upon random card slingers! A busy blackjack table usually requires that players "take one for the team", so if team activities are not your thing, I suggest you give poker a bash. Best Blackjack Casinos
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