Online Blackjack Can Be Fun Even For Beginners
March 16, 2010 by Angelo Bucco
Filed under Games
It is a known fact that blackjack is one of the more popular games in the gambling world. There are a couple of reasons for that. One, being that the odds are somewhat better than most games in Vegas and it gives the player the feeling that they have a little more control over the game than a lot of others. So it is no shock that the favoritism flows over onto online blackjack.
Some people may have stayed away from the Internet game because they may not think that it is the same as regular and perhaps they do not think that it pays out the same. Which would not be true, the odds are the same as in Vegas. Also perhaps you are simply a person who has never really played the game. It really is not a difficult game to play, you just need a few basics.
Whether you are experienced or not, you should enjoy the online version. There really is not much difference between the real game and the online version. The main difference is that you play it in the privacy of your own home.
When you enter one of the online blackjack rooms you will see that the tables are pretty much the same as in a real casino. There will be one dealer and anywhere from one player to five players. They also have your minimum and maximum bets allowed. Some tables start as low as one dollar minimum bet and can go as high as five hundred dollars for the maximum allowed.
Once the wagers have been made a persons bet can not be changed but they can however; double their money if they choose to double down, take insurance or split their hand. Insurance though is not always recommended because you really have to believe you have a very good hand to insure.
Just like the in Vegas players play against the dealer trying to get 21 and or hoping they can cause the dealer to bust. When the dealer busts, everyone wins unless they busted as well. If a player gets 21 with their first two cards they automatically win 1.5 their bet. The standard rule for a dealer by the way is that they must hit a 17.
Should the first two cards you receive do not equal 21 then you must decide whether or not you want to take a card, which is called a hit or if you do not want anymore cards and that is called a stand. The player can continue to get cards trying to get as close to the number 21 as possible. Going over however; means a bust and that hand is over for them.
What a player decides to do each time the cards are dealt can change the outcome of the game. This is one of the reasons why this game is so popular off line as well as playing the online blackjack version.
It is always important to note that you need to make smart decision not only for yourself but to also try to avoid upsetting other players. One thing an experienced player dislikes the most is someone who simply does not know what they are doing. First thing it is always smart to never hit on 17 thru 21, it does not matter what the dealer has, those numbers for most mean stand. Stand on numbers 13 thru 16 if you see that the dealer has numbers 2 thru 7. On the other hand, if the dealer has an 8 thru an Ace, it is probably safe to take a hit. The only time you should take a hit on a 12 is when the dealer has a 2 or 3. If they have 4, 5, 6 stand but you might try taking a hit if they have a 7 thru Ace showing. It is pretty safe to take a hit if you have 4 thru 11 no matter what the dealer has. If you have an Ace in your hand, the hand is a soft hand. Make sure to stand if you have an Ace combined with an 8 thru 10. If you have an Ace and 7 and dealer should have a 9, 10 or an Ace, it is probably OK to take a hit. An Ace combined with the cards 2 thru 7 it is always wise to take a hit, no matter what the dealer has.
When it comes to doubling down, there are a few things that will help you play it wiser. Rule number one, never double down with a 12. Always hit an 11 unless the dealer has an Ace showing. With a 10 take a hit unless the dealer has an Ace or a 10. With 9s you should only take a hit if the dealer is showing 3 thru 6. Never double down on 8s.
Doubling down on soft hands is somewhat different. If you have an Ace and 6 or 7 only hit if the dealer is showing 3 through 6. If you have an Ace and 4 or 5 only hit if the dealer is showing a 4 through 6. Finally if you have an Ace plus a 2 or a 3 you should only hit if the dealer is showing a 5 or a 6. You should not hit on any other combinations with soft hands.
When you split your cards you have the chance of doubling your money. Again this all has to do with what the dealer is showing. If you have two Aces, it does not matter what the dealer has, always split Aces. Never split 10s or 5s. With 9s you can split if the dealer is showing 2 through 6 or 8 and 9. Always split 8s no matter what the dealer has. You can split 7s if the dealer is showing 2 through 7. The same goes for 6s. Only split 4s if the dealer is showing a 5 or a 6. And 3s and 2s can be split if the dealer is showing 2 through 7.
Insurance for good hands and the possibility that the dealer has blackjack is really not recommended by seasoned gamblers the same goes with surrender.
Should you not do very well your first time playing, there is no reason to quit. It just take a few more times before you can use the strategy and feel comfortable doing so.
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