Blackjack is a thrilling casino table game that demands a blend of skill, strategy, and luck. If you’re new to the game, this can be intimidating, but confidence is key when sitting at the blackjack table or participating in a live dealer blackjack game online. Knowing how to play blackjack and spending a little time practicing will enhance your overall gameplay and maximize your chances of success.
This guide explores various aspects of blackjack, including its history, and basic strategies and tips for playing blackjack to help you feel confident and enjoy the thrill of the game.
The History of Blackjack
The game most people now know as blackjack started to become popular in 16th-century France as vingt-un or 21. Some accounts suggest that people in Italy and Spain were learning blackjack in earlier forms before then.
Either way, vingt-un spread across Europe with Napoleon’s conquests and then to the rest of the world via cultural exchanges. In the 21st century, it’s a staple at both online and physical casinos in the United States.
Blackjack Basics
Learning blackjack basics is one of the simplest tasks you could ever undertake. It’s just a matter of understanding the scoring system of the cards, the process for how you communicate whether you want more cards, and the procedure for how the game plays out.
Understanding how to play blackjack to win is a more complicated matter, however. That requires a knowledge of the probabilities and betting options, some of which can vary based on the exact blackjack game you’re playing.
Understanding the Rules of Blackjack
Before you sit down at the blackjack table, it’s essential to understand the basics of the game. In standard games, the blackjack rules of thumb are quite simple. The objective of a blackjack game is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over a total value of 21. The game can involve multiple players, but each player competes individually against the dealer.
Each player receives two cards, and the dealer receives one card face up and one face down. The first two cards that you’re dealt will determine the best course of action for proceeding. Because blackjack deals with a finite number of cards, there are fixed probabilities to consider.
Players can hit and receive another card, stand and keep their current hand, double down to double the initial bet and receive one additional card, or split if they have two cards of the same rank. The value of each card is determined by its number or face value, with face cards being worth 10, and aces worth either 1 or 11.
It’s also important to know the essential blackjack terms include the namesake, which means that any hand that adds up to exactly 21 is a blackjack. There are other terms that players should familiarize themselves with, like the choice to hit (take another card) or stay (refuse additional cards).
The Best and Worst Starting Hands in Blackjack
In blackjack, there are no surefire losing or winning starting blackjack hands. Regardless of what your hand looks like to begin with, your decisions and the luck of the draw will determine whether you lose or win.
Experienced blackjack players know that there are limited quantities of each card in a game and can deduce the probability of getting the cards they want based on what’s in their hand and what is showing on the table. This is when familiarizing yourself with a blackjack hand guide can be helpful.
Regardless of what cards you get dealt, everyone at the table is trying to have a good time and win. It’s just as important to become familiar with the blackjack etiquette.
The Importance of Proper Casino Blackjack Etiquette
When you play online blackjack, it’s just you and the algorithm. When you play a live dealer version online or play at a land-based casino, though, you need to observe blackjack etiquette, which is essentially an unwritten rule in blackjack.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid getting emotional or showing frustration: Don’t get boisterous, even if you’re on a losing streak. Remember that everyone is there to have fun and enjoy the casino’s games.
- Be respectful of the other players and the dealer: Don’t antagonize or criticize others for their playing decisions, and avoid touching your chips or cards after the initial bet. Courtesy to the dealer also means tipping them for their service. If you have questions, asking the dealer between hands is ideal so you don’t interrupt gameplay or stall the game.
- Follow the casino’s rules and regulations: Avoid distracting behavior like using your phone or talking loudly. It’s also important to understand the different blackjack table rules in various casinos.
- Know the unspoken blackjack table rules: Understanding the unspoken blackjack table rules, such as blackjack hand signals and bet placement, will help you fit in and feel more confident.
Does Your Position at the Blackjack Table Matter?
Regarding betting in blackjack, some players have a superstition about where they sit at the table. Being comfortable is a positive for players because it allows them to relax and focus on the game.
At the same time, no evidence proves that your position at the blackjack table affects your likelihood of winning blackjack. Blackjack dealers are trained to deal cards in blackjack in a way that nullifies any potential dealer advantage or disadvantage of any position.
How Many Decks Are Used in Blackjack?
How many decks are used in blackjack is an important consideration for all players. That number can change from one variant of the game to the next, starting with just a single deck and escalating from there.
This is an important consideration because the number of cards in play greatly changes the probabilities. When you’re learning how to play double-deck blackjack, for example, you need to keep in mind that there are eight of each numbered card. If you’re trying to beat the house playing single-deck blackjack, on the other hand, there are just four of the same.
House Edge, Probability, and Odds in Blackjack
A key objective when you learn blackjack online is to become comfortable with the house edge, odds, and probability in blackjack. In this case, probability means the likelihood of a particular card being dealt at a specific time.
Odds refer to the likelihood of your hand beating the dealer’s hand. This is where the risk of blackjack comes into play, as you won’t know for sure what the dealer is holding until the final reveal after you’ve placed your bets.
The house edge is the casino’s interest in the game. It’s like the cost of admission that you have to pay to enjoy the game you’re participating in, and it can vary from one blackjack variant to the next.
Betting On Blackjack: What You Should Know
No matter how much time you’ve spent playing blackjack online or how much you’ve studied the game, there is no way to completely eliminate the house edge or guarantee a win. Blackjack is a game of chance.
You can, however, give yourself the best opportunity to take advantage of good luck. You can do this by smartly managing risk.
Practicing Proper Blackjack Bankroll Management
Before you place your first wager, you should observe some tried and true blackjack bankroll management tips. These tips are essential to managing your blackjack bankroll effectively, which is another important aspect of feeling confident when playing blackjack.
Whether you’re at the casino’s blackjack table or enjoying online casino games, it’s essential to set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Only wager what you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses.
If you’re learning how to manage your bankroll, you should establish an overall budget, a win goal, and a loss limit. You should also avoid making big bets or taking risks that can quickly empty your bankroll. A good rule of thumb is to never bet more than 5% of your bankroll per hand.
Should You Play Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are the epitome of high reward, high risk. They offer the best payouts in the game but also carry the least player-friendly probabilities.
If you’re interested in trying out these wagers, you should ensure that the game you want to play allows them and that you build such bets into your budget.
Blackjack Insurance Bets Explained
Blackjack insurance bets are a special wager that you can only place when the dealer might hit a natural blackjack (exactly 21 on the first two cards). It’s a way to potentially recoup some of your losses if that happens.
There is still some risk, however, as you could lose both your original bet and the insurance bet. Again, it’s crucial to prepare for such situations as you learn how to master the game.
Learning Blackjack Strategy and Building Confidence
One of the most important things you can do to feel confident in a blackjack game is to learn basic blackjack strategy. Basic blackjack strategy is a mathematically proven method that tells you the best move to make in every situation based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Following a basic strategy will help you reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning.
There are many resources available online to learn basic strategy, including charts for learning how to calculate blackjack payouts and simulators for practicing different types of blackjack. Spending some time practicing blackjack techniques helps you gain control of your decisions at the table. It provides a strong foundation for confident gameplay and builds a solid understanding of how to play blackjack strategically.
Dealing With Winning and Losing Streaks
Winning and losing streaks are common in blackjack games, which is why knowing how to deal with them is crucial. Remember that winning and losing streaks are a natural part of the game, and they can even out over time.
Here’s what you need to know about handling a winning or losing streak.
Stay Disciplined
Stick to your basic blackjack game strategy regardless of the outcomes, and take a break if you need to. Winning streaks can be exciting, but it’s important not to get too carried away. On the other hand, frustrating losing streaks in casino blackjack can easily trigger a downward spiral, but staying calm and avoiding rash decisions is vital.
Know When To Walk Away
If you’ve been playing for a while and are not feeling confident, or you’re on a losing streak, it may be time to take a break from the table and try a different casino game. Don’t keep playing just because you feel like you have to or want to win back your losses. Taking a break can help you clear your mind and return refreshed and ready to play again.
Practice Your Blackjack Game
Many casinos offer free or low-stakes blackjack games where you can practice your blackjack skills and strategies without risking a lot of money. Some casinos also have different blackjack table rules than others, like allowing players to surrender or offering a 6-5 blackjack payout instead of the standard 3-2 payout. Take advantage of these opportunities to gain experience and confidence before playing at a higher-stakes table.
Focus on Long-Term Results
Remember that blackjack is a game of skill and strategy. Keep up to date with the latest strategies and practice blackjack techniques so you can continue to improve your skills and increase your chances of winning. In the long run, refining your basic strategy and practicing discipline will produce more favorable results.
Choosing the Blackjack Variant You Want To Play
Just like making the right move as you play blackjack has a strong bearing on your fate in blackjack, picking the right variant is an important decision. Although the basic objective of the game stays consistent, many blackjack variants introduce rule changes and betting options that can alter your blackjack strategy.
The Different Types of Blackjack You Can Play
Choosing blackjack variants isn’t like picking out a pair of socks. Rule tweaks can change the probabilities and payouts associated with your favorite bets.
For example, there are blackjack games that require the dealer to stay on certain numbers or hit on others. Other versions introduce creative twists like giving every player at the table the same starting hand.
Yet other variants differentiate themselves with unique betting mechanisms. Jackpots are a great example of such modifications.
Progressive Blackjack: Jackpot-Sized Fun
Progressive blackjack offers players chances at amazing payouts without placing outlandish wagers. A part of each bet that all players make goes into a jackpot that builds until some player gets lucky enough to claim it.
Progressive blackjack enhances the excitement of the game because you can watch the pot grow and each play can give you a chance to be the lucky one to win it. These games are available in multiple formats on BetMGM.
Getting Started with Online Blackjack
If you need a break from trekking through casino floors, online RNG blackjack games allow you to take a virtual seat at a digital blackjack table and exercise great control over your experience. Getting started with online blackjack is as simple as picking a game, deciding how much you’re going to wager, and letting the game play out.
Online blackjack is the best experience for novice players or for trying out a new strategy you might have encountered in a blackjack guide. There are other experiences that many blackjack players enjoy.
Live Blackjack: A Casino Experience at Home
Live dealer blackjack is the ultimate in realism for blackjack fans playing online. In these games, your seat is digital, but most other components of the game, like the cards, dealer, and table, are tangible. Live dealer blackjack technology is cutting-edge and immersive, and almost makes you feel as if you’re in a casino.
Once you join a game, you place your bets and see the action play out in real time. Within this genre, there are even more variations.
Play Multiple Hands for A Bigger Challenge
BetMGM is home to variants that allow players to bet on multiple hands of blackjack at once – two or more hands simultaneously. While this gives you more opportunities to win, it also increases the cost of playing.
This emphasizes the importance of a responsible gambling plan. That includes evaluating all your betting options, with which a blackjack strategy guide can help.
Tips & Strategies To Help You Master the Game of Blackjack
Mastering the game of blackjack takes patience, repetition, and study. Even the most experienced and knowledgeable players can only reduce the house edge with luck on their side, though.
Mastering means being familiar enough with the betting options and probabilities that you can make the best decision in any situation. For many players, that starts with how to proceed with aces in your hand in blackjack.
How To Play Your Aces in Blackjack
Playing an ace in blackjack can mean a great opportunity but also an escalated risk. Ultimately, how you proceed with aces is a matter of your risk appetite. Your knowledge of the probabilities of getting a 10 or face card with the other cards showing can also guide you in this instance.
How To Know When To Split
Statistically speaking, there are specific pairs you should and shouldn’t split in a standard game of blackjack. Variants can change these rules, so it’s important to read the rules of the game you’re playing.
Basic rules for knowing when to split in blackjack include always splitting on a pair of eights but avoiding the split on a pair of fours, fives, or 10s. There are similar rules for doubling down.
Understanding the Blackjack Five Card Charlie Rule
The Five Card Charlie Rule in blackjack essentially means that if you get five cards into your hand without busting, you win. If you get four low cards, you may want to take the chance and hit, as another low card would give you a win in almost every scenario.
The only exception to this rule is the dealer having a natural blackjack. In that instance, the dealer would still win. You might choose to invoke another option in a similar scenario.
Understanding the Blackjack Surrender Rule
The blackjack surrender rule guides players concerning when they should cut their losses and try to recoup some of their bet. Surrendering can allow you to get half of your wager back, depending on the rules of the game you’re playing.
In some cases, you’ll have to surrender before the dealer reveals their cards. However, some variants don’t allow players to surrender at all. You can explore these options at BetMGM.
Step Up Your Blackjack Game
BetMGM is the best online casino for blackjack players because it offers the best variety of games, the biggest volume of titles, the best casino rewards program, and regular valuable promotions. Combined with stellar Android and iOS apps and a smooth website, it’s the top way to experience playing blackjack online.
With BetMGM, playing blackjack is as entertaining as it is potentially rewarding.
Double Down and Find Your Confidence With BetMGM
Feeling confident at the blackjack table requires a combination of knowledge, practice, and discipline. Practice makes perfect, and online casino games present the perfect opportunity to hone your craft.
There are many blackjack variants to play at BetMGM. You can also read a number of blogs similar to this one for more information and tips for playing blackjack and many other casino games. For all that and much, much more, register with BetMGM and put your skills to the test at the blackjack table.
