Live Online Blackjack
Blackjack is a popular card game, closely associated with Twenty-One- a gambling game that can be traced back to ancient times. Contemporary Blackjack was first introduced in American casinos and later on, its fame spread to European countries. However, historically the game can be traced back to the 17th century Spain where Twenty-One was a popular gambling game during the era. During the 18th century, a card game quite similar to Blackjack was popular in French casinos. This was later introduced to American clubs during the colonial era.
The present game of Blackjack comprises one or more players including the dealer. The players take their turns to compete with the dealer. The game generally involves 6 to 8 decks and 3 boxes. Each deal ends when either the dealer or the player is
defeated. The game starts with the player and the dealer both getting a pair of cards. The player’s cards are placed face up and the dealer gets one card face up and the other hidden. The rules may vary depending on the casino practices and the type of Blackjack played. Generally, the games where only a single card of the dealer is face-up are termed as Hole Games.
Even though the game can be played between a single-player and a dealer, it can have up to 7 players in total. Generally considered as a game of probability, the player stands a good chance to win on a random basis compared to other card games. This is perhaps one of the reasons behind its widespread popularity. The main skill required for mastering the game is a player’s ability to decipher the probabilities.
How to Win at online Blackjack?
Blackjack can be won mainly in 3 ways that are enumerated below:
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Primarily, the goal is to secure 21 points from the 2 cards offered to the player. If the total value of the 2 cards comes to 21, the player wins. However, if the dealer also gets a 21, then the deal ends as a tie and the money is returned to the player without any winnings.
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Another chance of winning occurs if the player gets a final score which is below 21 points but higher than the dealer’s score.
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The player can also win if the dealer’s hand is busted as the total of his cards exceeds 21 points.
In short, you can conclude that for winning a round of Blackjack, you need a hand value of 21 or closer to 21 compared to the dealer’s hand, but not exceed 21.
During the game, the dealer would Hit and add more cards if the existing cards are below 17 points. However, if the new card brings the total above 21 points then he gets busted and the player wins. The player can hit, that is, ask for more cards if the values are low or choose to Stand and let the dealer add more cards or end the game by revealing the cards.
Card Values
In the game of Blackjack the cards 2 through 10 represent their face value. Ace has 2 values and can be alternated based on the requirement of the deal. Ace can either act as 11 points or 1 point. The face cards of Jack, Queen, and King each are valued at 10 points. This value is standard and remains the same for all the variants of Blackjack.
Online Blackjack versus Live Blackjack
Online Blackjack stands for Blackjack games that are played at online casinos that offer various types of gambling software. These are games played via Blackjack gaming apps developed by software manufacturers like Red Tiger Gaming, Rela Gaming, Play’n GO, NetEnt, and Switch Studios. The results are random and automatically generated. The entire game is based on random probability and is not controlled by the casino. These online games can be played for fun wherein the player gets a demo balance and need not make any real money bets. Most casinos let the players try their online blackjack games without even signing up as a customer.
As against online Blackjack, Live Blackjack involves live dealers and the experience is similar to the one you could have in an offline casino. The only difference is that you get to play from your home and watch the events live from your casino site. The gaming sites broadcast high-definition videos and the player can interact with the dealer on real-time and place bets through the options offered on the screen. He can hear and watch the dealer but the dealers cannot see the players. The main difference between Online and Live Blackjack is that the former is a computer version of the game and the later is a real version which is recorded and uploaded for the players to watch live. In Live Blackjack games, the player has to place real-money bets and there is no “fun mode” available. On the other hand, online Blackjack allows the player to try the demo version of the game. This is an added advantage for novice players who are new to the game of Blackjack and seek to learn the moves without risking their real money. For this reason, every casino site offers a Table game section that comprises various types of Blackjack games.
Besides the fact that online Blackjack is a gaming app, all the other features are similar to Live Blackjack. This includes rules, card values, and options provided to the player. However, the experience of playing Live Blackjack is quite real when compared to online Blackjack titles.
How to Play online Blackjack?
Playing online Blackjack is quite simple and quick if you know the rules well. Described below is a step by step illustration of the process:
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As the game begins you would be getting the option to place a bet. On the bottom panel, you can see a list of values that represent the bet values. You can choose a higher or lower value than the default one.
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After selecting the bet value you can start the game by clicking on one of the boxes indicated as “click to play”. There are 3 boxes that represent 3 players. Every time a new bet is placed, you can select the boxes alternately or randomly.
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Once you place the bet, more options get highlighted. To proceed with your bet, you need to click on “deal”. You can also cancel the bet by choosing the option “clear all” or “cancel”. In some cases, there would be a cross symbol near the bet value and you can surrender or cancel the bet by clicking on it.
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To proceed with the bet you need to click on “deal” and a pair of card would appear on the player’s side of the table as well as on the dealer’s side. The player’s cards would be face up and the total points would be displayed. However, only one of the dealer’s cards would be face up and the points for the same would be displayed.
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If the player has total points equal to 21 or close to 21, then he can select the option “stand”. This would assign the next cards to the dealer’s hand and the round concludes when the total of the dealer’s hand is above 17. The player wins if he has 21 points or closer to it without exceeding 21. But if the value of the dealer’s cards is higher than the player’s cards and within 21, the player is defeated. The player gets automatically busted if the total is above 21. The same rule is applicable to the dealer as well.
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When the cards are dealt, if the value of the player’s cards is lower than 17, he can select the option “Hit”. This would add the next card to the player’s set bringing the total closer to 21 or making it 21. If the total is still low, the player can again select “hit” for an additional card. If the total is 22 or higher the player is busted.
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In a new bet, if the player needs an addition of a single card, he can select the option “double”. This would add another card to the player’s set and the dealer’s hidden card is shown. The round ends at this point and no more cards are dealt and the result would depend on the card values of both the parties.
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If the 2 cards in a new bet have the same value, the player also gets an additional option to “split” the deal. This would divide the cards into two different hands and a new card is added to each set. The player can win half the bet if either of the two hands has a winning combination.
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If the card values of both the parties are the same, the round ends in a tie and the bet money is added back to your balance.
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Throughout the game, the dealer doesn’t use the options of double or split. These options are only for the player.
Types of Blackjack
There are many variants of online Blackjack based on the rules of the game. Listed below are some of the popular categories:
- Classic Blackjack
This is the traditional blackjack played with 1 or more decks with the maximum being 8 decks. The rules are simple and you can win if your cards have 21 points or closer to 21 but higher than dealer’s hand. If the value exceeds 21, you get busted.
- Progressive Blackjack
In a progressive Blackjack, the player gets a chance to win a progressive jackpot by placing an extra bet worth $1. There are also a few variations in the way the cards are dealt.
- European Blackjack
In a European Blackjack, the game involves 2 decks and the hole card of the dealer is dealt only after the player has acted upon his hand. If the value of the player’s cards equals 9, 10, or 11, he can choose to double down.
- Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is played with 6 or 8 decks and all the cards that have a value of 10 are excluded from the game. Thus, it is played with 48 cards instead of 52. The highlight of this version is that the player can surrender or choose the option of insurance at the advanced stages of a round. Even after doubling down, the player gets an option to surrender.
- Atlantic City Blackjack
It is an 8-deck game that lets the dealer check his hidden card. There is an option for late insurance as well as surrender. Also, a re-split is possible to the extent of 3 hands.
How to Choose an Online Blackjack Casino?
If you are planning to bet on online Blackjack, you should consider choosing a reliable casino that enjoys a good rating in the online gambling world. You can check the reviews and comments offered by players to compare the quality and reputation of various gambling sites. Choosing Blackjack games powered by reputed providers NetEnt can also make a difference. These games have a user-friendly layout and respond smoothly to the options and choices made. It is always advisable to try the demo version before betting with real money. Reputed casinos offer a special chat option for each of their online casino games. While playing, the user can click on this option to consult with a customer support executive. Such options can definitely make your online Blackjack an exciting event.
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Interested in more live online casino games? Check out our Live online roulette and Live online Baccarat reviews. Or read our slots and casino reviews.