A game can turn quickly on the deal of a single card, so it’s important to be prepared for basically any circumstance as you play. One way to do that is to familiarize yourself with some basic rules for online casino games like blackjack.
These rules cover common scenarios in blackjack and encompass a variety of concerns. While playing according to them may not improve your odds of winning, doing so will help you avoid potentially costly mistakes.
Basic Blackjack Rules of Thumb
There is one rule for blackjack that might take precedent over all others. That rule is to know the rules of the game before you start playing.
While there are many standard rules across all types of blackjack, there are some blackjack rule variants that can affect your strategy in diverse variants. An example of this is whether a game allows you to surrender and if so, when you can invoke that option.
Equally important for blackjack players is to stick to your limits. This includes never chasing losses and establishing a budget for both money and time before you start playing.
When it comes to understanding the rules of the game, another concept that you must grasp is the house edge in blackjack. Familiarity with this factor can guide your wager choices.
Sizing Up the Blackjack House Edge
The first thing that new players might misunderstand when they begin to learn about blackjack is what the house edge actually is. They might confuse it with the probability of a certain result during the game or their odds of winning the game.
The house edge in blackjack is neither of those things. It is the portion of all the money wagered on a blackjack game that the casino keeps instead of returning to players.
Even when a player wins, there is still a house edge. This tends to deviate between half a percent and 4% depending on the blackjack variant being played, the experience level of the players at the table, and the casino’s house rules.
Why does knowing that matter? The lower the house edge, the better the return to players. Keeping this in mind will allow you to think strategically about your choices before you even start playing.
Select the Right Blackjack Game for Your Goals
In addition to learning the rules of a blackjack game before you play, you should spend some time considering what you want to get out of your time. Do you want to pass some time playing casually? Are you looking to go for some big payouts by placing some high-stakes bets? Is your priority more on trying to build your bankroll in small increments over time?
Perhaps you have different ambitions at different times. Regardless, knowing this will help you identify the right blackjack variant to match your desires.
Having these options is one reason why BetMGM is the best casino for online blackjack. You can check out nine different blackjack variants to see if any of them match your wishes.
Some of these games emphasize different aspects of blackjack while others incorporate some unique game mechanics. A primary choice is whether you want to play a digital version of the game or not.
Live Casino Blackjack Rules
Many players come to BetMGM wondering what live dealer blackjack is about. The simplest way to explain it is playing live dealer blackjack on BetMGM is essentially taking a virtual seat at a real blackjack table.
With BetMGM’s live dealer games like First Person Blackjack, the only components that are digital are your chips and your interactions with the dealer or other players. The croupier is a real human, the table is real, and the cards are physical.
Rules for these games are quite similar to what you’ll find at a land-based casino to extend that realism. You’ll have many of the same options you’d have at a brick-and-mortar casino, including your options to react to the cards you are dealt.
Double Down Rules in Blackjack
Many blackjack variants will allow you to double down on your hand. This is an important time to remember that just because you can, doesn’t mean that you should.
There are many opinions on when it’s best to do this, but you should first understand what it means to double down in blackjack. As an example, suppose the first two cards you were dealt add up to 11 without any aces.
You could choose to double down at that point, and split those cards into two hands. To do so, you will need to place a second wager.
The advantage of doing so here is you have the beginnings of what could be excellent hands. By doubling down, you set yourself up to make the most of them if your luck holds out.
Doubling down when you have a “hard” 11 is an example of strategy you become familiar with as you play. There are other examples.
Blackjack 5 Card Rule
As there are a set number of cards used in each game, there are specific probabilities for each outcome in a deal. One of the results with the lowest probability is the five card trick.
This is the term for when a player gets a natural 21 on the first five cards dealt. Put another way, the first five cards dealt add up to 21 exactly.
In a standard game, the odds of hitting such a combination are once in every 1,300 hands. So while you can hit a five card trick, you are extremely unlikely to do so.
The rule here is to recognize that low probability and to react accordingly when the opportunity presents itself.
Splitting 8s Rule in Blackjack
Suppose you’ve fired up the BetMGM app and selected your game, made your bet, and the first two cards you are dealt are both 8s. The rule of thumb in this situation is that splitting those 8s in blackjack is a must.
In doing so, you are simultaneously accomplishing two things. The first is that you are turning what is statistically a weak hand into a little stronger pair of hands.
The second is that you are putting yourself into position to potentially land a five card trick, as you only need a 6 and a 7 on either of those new hands to hit a natural 21. With two hands, your probability of getting those cards is higher.
Recognizing these opportunities comes easier as you gain experience. Doing so quickly becomes even more essential with a specific variant of blackjack.
Speed Blackjack Rules
Knowledge is power when it comes to how to play speed blackjack. This variant can reward you for reacting quickly to the game.
In Speed Blackjack, you only have a maximum of seven seconds to decide whether to hit, stand, or make other moves. There are incentives for even faster play, as if you want a card, you get first priority over other players if you decide to hit before they do.
There is also a penalty for letting time expire, as you are put on auto-dealer option. You can set that option before you begin playing, however.
This live dealer game includes many player options like the option to protect yourself if the dealer might hit blackjack.
Blackjack Insurance Rules
You’ve got two queens showing and you’re beaming with satisfaction. At that moment, the dealer turns up an ace. In a flash, your anticipation turns to dread as you know that the other card could very well be the 10, Jack, Queen, or King the dealer needs to best your hand.
In many blackjack variants, this is when the dealer will ask every player if they want to buy insurance. Blackjack insurances bets are essentially a side bet that can allow you to limit your losses if the dealer does indeed hit blackjack.
Normally, the cost of the insurance is half of the stake you placed on the game. If the dealer hits blackjack, you win that bet although you lose your initial wager.
If the dealer does not hit blackjack, you lose your insurance stake but your original bet stands. Play proceeds as normal from there.
This is just one example of the scenarios to be prepared for by checking out the rules of each game. When it comes to blackjack, observing variations the right way is important.
Are Vegas Blackjack Rules Different?
Casinos and game developers have become quite adept at taking creative approaches to blackjack and other table games. In the 21st century, these networks of suppliers have enabled more standardization across geographic areas.
That’s why even in a gambling epicenter like Las Vegas, you should be more concerned with variations between different versions of blackjack than local versions. Within places like Vegas, you’ll find different variants and shouldn’t assume that every game has all the same rules.
What’s common across all the variants and regardless of locale is the need to gamble safely. Some rules of thumb are crucial in this regard.
Rules of Thumb for Playing Blackjack the Smart Way
All players, regardless of experience level, will benefit from practicing blackjack bankroll management strategies. Buying insurance is an example, as is determining exactly how much you want to risk on each hand before you start playing.
Another way to play smart is to take advantage of promotions that BetMGM offers to blackjack fans. As an example, you can use the bonus funds you get from BetMGM’s stupendous casino welcome bonus to learn about the different variants available.
You can land those bonuses when you register for BetMGM, and begin exploring all the various ways to play blackjack. For such a simple game, there is a world of possibilities.
