Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in online casinos. This is partly due to the fact that this casino game is easy to learn. In addition, this casino game is known for its high RTP value (Return To Player), on average this is 95.5%. This is known that in the long run the house edge of the online casino is around 4.5%, which is quite low compared to some other casino games. In blackjack, the objective is to get as close to 21 as possible or actually reach the number 21. When you get the number 21 with 2 cards, it’s Blackjack! However, in online casinos there are also many variations of blackjack to play. Specific rules may apply to this, so always first check the rules of the blackjack game you are going to play. In this article we take into account the standard blackjack game. Below we go into more detail about the rules of the game and winning chances.
Card values in Blackjack
To be able to play blackjack well, one must of course know what the value of the various playing cards are, these are as follows: Ace counts for 1 or 11, King, Queen and Jack is 10.
The rest of the playing cards have the value as stated on the card. The suits and types of cards such as: spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds are not relevant in blackjack. The main goal in this casino game is to get as close to 21 as possible or actually reach 21, preferably with 2 cards because then it’s blackjack!
The game rules
The first step is to determine the amount of money you want to bet. In online casinos there is often the choice to play blackjack at tables with different playing limits.
Imagine you bet €1, the dealer then deals the cards clockwise. As a player you are dealt 2 face up cards. The dealer deals himself one card face up and one card face down. Then it is always the player’s turn. As an example the first number is 13 and one chooses to take one more card, this is the number 5. You get a total of 18 and then choose to stop. The dealer has the number 9 face up on the table, the dealer is obliged to take another card as long as he does not have 17. In addition, the dealer is required to stop at 17 or higher. In this case, the dealer gets the 6 card and comes out with a total of 15. The dealer has to take another card, the playing card is a queen (value 10). Your dealer’s total is 25, which means the bank is dead. The bet of 1 euro is doubled, the dealer pays out €2. This is just an example of how a blackjack game can go. Below we will discuss some more exceptions and variations to the game.
When do you have blackjack?
Achieving blackjack is what one wants to achieve in this casino game. You have blackjack as soon as you reach the value of 21 with 2 cards. There are only 2 types of cards with which you can achieve this. The card combination must contain one ace and one picture playing card (jack, queen, king). The ace counts as 1 or 11, in case the other playing card contains a picture you always have blackjack. When you achieve this you will be paid 1.5x your bet!
Push or Draw
It also sometimes happens that there is a draw, this is also called push. In a tie, the dealer and player have the same card value. For example, the dealer has 17 with a face card and a 7. And you as a player have 17 with a 9 and an ace. This still means a tie because both values come to an equal number. In the event of a tie, the player gets his bet back.
Terminology
Like any casino game, blackjack has specific terminology. In case you don’t know what some of this specific blackjack terminology means? Then view the list of terms below:
- Hit: Take a new playing card.
- Stand: Pass, you don’t want a new playing card anymore. You can still win if you have the highest value in your hand.
- Push: It’s a tie, you get your bet back.
- Split: You can split if you receive 2 of the same cards from the dealer. For example, if you have received 2 jacks, you can split. At this point you are playing two hands at the same time. You will only be offered the option to split if the first 2 cards are equal.
- Double: With double you will double your bet, in an online casino you can often double with every card. At a physical casino, such as Holland Casino, this is only possible with 9, 10 or 11 points. But what does double actually mean? It’s very simple, you will be offered the option to double your bet while the blackjack game is already underway, as you have already been dealt 2 cards. Many card combinations are often not useful for doubling, for example 12 or 13. But imagine you get a 10 and a 1, then it can sometimes be smart to double. You only need one card with an image, such as a jack, queen or king. This makes a total value of 21. By doubling you bet twice as much money. You can also win twice as much, but of course also lose so use this option wisely. Note, after you have chosen to double, there is only one card left. In a blackjack game you have the option to insure yourself against a blackjack from the dealer. Imagine the blackjack has an ace and the dealer’s other card is still face down. In such a situation, you will be offered the option of insuring against the dealer’s blackjack. When you choose the insurance option, you pay half of your bet again as insurance. In the event that the bank actually turns over a picture card, for example a woman. Then the dealer has blackjack, because you have chosen insurance you get your bet back. As you can read below in our blackjack tips paragraph, it is never wise to use the insurance option. The chance that the bank will get blackjack in such a situation is only 30.8%. So it does not work in your favor to use insurance.
Tips to use during blackjack
By reading this article and choosing the best Europe online casino, you have already become a lot wiser about how the blackjack game actually works. However, everyone has their own playing style, but we can also learn from each other. Below we describe a number of tips that can ensure that you become even more proficient in playing blackjack. Of course this remains a game of chance and luck cannot be forced, however, by playing less on instinct but more on the basis of mathematical calculation, you can achieve better results.
By looking at the blackjack game in a mathematical way, one can apply a certain probability calculation. For example, if the dealer has an Ace or the number 10, then he is more likely to get a blackjack compared to the lower cards such as a 4 or 5. The following basic rule is remembered, the dealer has a 2 up to and including 6, you pass at 12 or higher. When the dealer has a 7 to A, you pass on 17 or higher. This does not apply if you have an ace in front of you, in English such a hand is also called a soft hand. You can still go in all directions with it, the ace counts for 1 or 11. This results in you having to pass less quickly. If the dealer has 2 to 6, you pass on 18. If the dealer has 7 to Ace, you pass on 19 or higher. More information can be found in this article or the basic blackjack strategy or by using the card below to improve your game.
When is it wise to use the double function?
It is wise to use the double function if the dealer has a low number and you have a high number. For example, if you have the number 9 and the bank has 2 to 6, then it is wise to double. In the situation that you have 10 or 11 points and the dealer has 2 to 9, you can also use the double function. Of course blackjack remains a game of chance, using these tips does not guarantee a profit.
Insurance, whether or not to insure with blackjack?
The answer is very short, no. It is never wise to use the option to insure against a dealer’s blackjack. This has to do with the probability that the dealer will get a blackjack is 4 out of 13. 4 of the 13 cards are worth 10 points. If this value is calculated back in percentage, one arrives at 30.3%.
When should I split?
The moment that 2 of the same cards come up, it is possible to split. Splitting can be risky if not applied at the right time. It’s not smart to split with 2’s, 4’s, 5’s or 10’s. However, there are 2 cards that you should always split with to achieve the best result, these are cards 8 and ace. In the case of the 2, 3, 6, 7 or 9, you have to look carefully to see which card the dealer has. If this is a very unfavorable card such as a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, it is smart to split.
