Blackjack is one of the favorite casino table games, whether offline or online casinos. Most players refer to it as 21. It is because the game aims to get a hand total equal to 21. Learn how to play blackjack online with our basic guide.
The gameplay and rules for online blackjack are not much different from the one played in traditional casinos. The game is also not a competition between players but of players and the dealer at the table. The minimum bet depends on the house or the online casino that offers online slot machines.
One of the main differences in playing blackjack online is the card counting strategy that may not be applicable. Also, the online version of the game shuffles after each round. Another nice feature for online players is you can pick from a wider variety of games with different rules.
The Rules on How to Play Blackjack Online
Learning the rules on how to play blackjack online is easy as it does not fall far from the traditional casino table game. Usually, the online blackjack gameplay starts when players place their bets like most of the casino card games begin. Once all the bets are in, it will be final, as players cannot add or reduce any bets during the gameplay.
Once the bets are all in, players will get two cards facing up while the dealer also gets two cards with one facing down. Once all cards are dealt with, the computing will be able to calculate the hand total. In this case, the player will have to decide if either will “Hit” or “Stand.”
If the player Hits, it means he will get more cards. Players can keep hitting until they “Stand” or good with their hand total unless they “Bust.” It only means that their hand total is over 21. If players bust, they lost their hand on the spot.
Once players stand, the dealer will show the hole card or the card that is facing down. He will then start Hilling and getting more cards until the dealer reaches or passes 17. After the dealer stands, the player’s hand will compare with the dealer’s hand, and whoever has 21 or closest to 21 wins. In case of a tie or “push,” the player gets back their bet.
Other Available Blackjack Players Decision
There are other decisions that players can make during the gameplay. Players can “Split” if they get identical cards to form two hands. These hands will have the same value as the original bet. Also, other versions are allowing players to split the “ten-value” cards. These cards include ten and faces, such as Jack, Queen, and King.
Another option that the player has is to double down. It is permitted after players get the first two cards. Some games only allow players to double down if the hand has a total equal to 9, 10, or 11. In this case, players only can get one more card after they double. This rule is not optional.
The surrender rule applies when the players “folds” or surrender, and they will lose half of their bets. Players will be making a decision only after the two cards are dealt with. Lastly, insurance is a side bet that players can place if the dealer’s card facing up is an Ace or a ten-value card. Players will win the bet if the hand has a blackjack, according to casino news.
Card Values
Usually, the card values are equal to the face value of each card. Jacks, Queen, and Kings have a value of ten. Aces can be either 1 or 11, depending on the blackjack hand. It is called soft if it forms a hand, counted as 11. If it creates a total while being counted as 1, it is called hard.