There are a number of card games that have been played for centuries, but none has the longevity and popularity of Blackjack. The game is simple to learn and only requires one deck of cards with no jokers. In this post we will discuss how to play blackjack in a beginner’s guide so you can get up to speed quickly on this popular card game!
The game begins with the player and dealer receiving two cards each. The aim of the game is to accumulate a hand total that is as close to 21 without going over, also known as Blackjack. In order to achieve this, players can request additional cards from the dealer in an attempt to get closer to 21. Face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) are worth ten points each, while other card values remain at their numerical value. Aces can be counted as either one or eleven, whichever works best for your hand.
If you have a hand total of less than 21, you may choose to hit (take another card) or stand (end your turn). If you go over 21 then you bust and automatically lose.
As the game is played, you will notice that there is a Blackjack table and dealer. A black “table” indicates that this is where players place their bets while the dealer uses his/her hand to indicate what each player should play. The main difference between Live Blackjack tables compared to online ones are that in live casinos there are no buttons or screens – it’s all done by hand!
The aim of the game for both players and dealers are as follows:
– Player wins if they have higher card value than Dealer without busting or going over 21.
– Dealer wins if he/she has equal value cards to Player without busting but doesn’t go over. If Dealer goes over 21 then the Player automatically wins.
– If cards are tied then it is a Push – no one wins or loses.
Now that you know the basics, below we go through some of the most popular Blackjack variants which can be found at both online and live casinos across the globe!
Classic Blackjack: This is the original game without any additional rules or side bets. Perfect for beginners who want to learn how to play blackjack in its simplest form!
Pontoon: Similar to Classic Blackjack but with a few twists, Pontoon offers players better odds as well as unique side bet opportunities.
Double Exposure: Like Classic Blackjack, Double Exposure sees both dealer’s cards face up giving players a slight advantage when making their decision.
Spanish 21: Spanish 21 introduces a number of rule changes including bonuses for players with blackjack hands (of any value) and the removal of the ten card. This variant is perfect for those who want to increase their chances of winning!
Blackjack Switch: Blackjack Switch sees players being dealt two hands at once and then being given the opportunity to switch cards between them in order to create a better hand. If both player’s hands beat the dealer, then it’s a win – even if one hand is bust!
Insurance: Insurance is offered when the Dealer has an Ace up his sleeve. It’s essentially a side bet that pays out at odds of two-to-one if the Dealer does indeed have Blackjack.
The dealer will check for insurance after seeing his hand, so be sure to place it before the Dealer checks under the table!
Early Surrender: For players who are feeling a little too adventurous can try out Early Surrender – allowing you to surrender your hands up until Player has looked at their cards. This means that if an Ace is showing then they can opt not to play and forfeit half of their bet instead. Late Surrender allows players one more chance when all bets have already been placed in order to give them another opportunity to escape without losing everything!
Blackjack Live Casino Bonus Offers & Promotions A-Z
Live casino bonuses provide new customers with extra funds which enable them test out games with greater stakes. The most common live casino bonuses are deposit bonuses, which give players a percentage of their deposited amount added to their account. There are also reload bonuses, offered to customers who have already made at least one deposit, as well as no-deposit bonuses for those who want to try out the games before committing any funds.
Players can usually expect live casino bonus offers and promotions to come in the form of free spins, cashback on losses, matched deposits and more. Be sure to check out our list of top Live Blackjack casinos for generous bonus offers!
Now that you know all about Live Blackjack variants, game rules and bonus offers – it’s time to put your skills into practice! Head over to one of our recommended Live Blackjack casinos and get playing!
You can also read our complete guide on How to Play Blackjack which covers in detail all the different variants, rules and strategies you need to know in order to play like a pro!
We hope you enjoyed reading this A-Z of Live Blackjack. Be sure to check out our other casino game guides for more information on your favourite online casino games! Good luck and have fun!
Now that you’re familiar with the basics of live blackjack, it’s time to learn about some of the most popular variants found at both online and land-based casinos around the world. Below we’ll go over Classic Blackjack, Pontoon, Double Exposure, Spanish 21, Blackjack Switch and