Live blackjack is a casino game played by one or more players and a dealer. The objective is simple: beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. The value of the cards is vital to playing blackjack. Card numbers are worth their face values, face cards are worth 10, and Aces can work best for your hand. The suit of the cards does not matter in blackjack. Players place their initial bets to start a hand, and then the dealer deals one card face-up to each player and one card face-down to themselves, followed by a second card face-up to each player. With this, players now have two face-up cards in front of them, and the dealer has one face-up card and one face-down.
Key terms to know
Before we dive into strategies, let’s cover some key terms you’ll need to know when playing live blackjack:
- Hit – When the dealer hands you another card, this is known as hitting.
- Stand – When you are satisfied with your hand and do not wish to draw any more cards, you stand.
- Double down – Doubling your initial bet and receiving one more card before standing is known as doubling down. This is often done when the player believes they have a strong hand that will beat the dealer’s.
- Split – When your first two cards have the same value, you split them into two wagers equal to your first. You then play the round with two hands, receiving new second cards for each.
- Insurance – Players who bet against an Ace may gamble that the dealer has blackjack. The insurance pays out at 2:1.
- Surrender – In some blackjack games, you can surrender, fold your hand and receive half of your bet back if you feel you are likely to lose.
- Hard hand – A hard hand is any hand that does not include an Ace, or if it does, the Ace must be counted as one; otherwise, the total would exceed 21. For example, a ten and an eight would make a hard 18. To learn more about various topics, check out westendjuniors.com.
Now that we’ve covered the basics and critical terms, let’s get into the strategies you use to improve your chances of winning at live blackjack:
- House edge – The casino’s advantage over the player is called the house edge. Blackjack typically has a house edge of 0.5% to 1%. The rules of each specific blackjack game you’re playing. Understanding the house edge will help you manage your expectations and make more informed bets.
- Choose the right game – Different game variations will have different rules, which can affect the house edge. Look for games with favourable rules, such as late surrender, doubling down after splitting, and the dealer standing on soft 17. These rules can benefit the player and reduce the house edge.
- Know when to surrender – In games that offer the surrender option, knowing when to use it is essential. It’s generally a good idea to surrender if your hand is feeble and the dealer has a strong chance of beating you. For example, surrendering on a hard 16 with a 9, 10, or Ace saves you money in the long run.
Winning at live blackjack requires skills, strategy, and luck. With familiarity, basic strategy, and the tips outlined in this article, you beat the dealer and walk away a winner. Be responsible when gambling, stay within your budget and treat any winnings as a bonus to your entertainment.
