The internet was instrumental in popularizing many a game .Casinos are the latest land based games to enter the online bandwagon .Thanks to the World Wide Web , we now have an amazing number of classic games delivered right in front of our desk to play and enjoy !
Online Blackjack or popularly called ‘twenty one’is an immensely popular online game, probably the most widely played banking game in the world. The Blackjack revolution started with Edward O Thorp’s 1963 best selling book titled ‘Beat the Dealer’ which incidentally is the main objective of the game.
Online Blackjack is played in the same way as live Blackjack with 52 simulation cards without jokers. While you play Blackjack, the main aim of the game is to get 21 or a number closer to it. Any number greater than 21 results in a bust .The numbers are calculated by adding the card values. Online Blackjack is played against the dealer .The player and the dealer scoring same values will be a ‘push’ forcing the player to return the bet. The shuffling of cards is done by a random number generator .Online Blackjack is played with a number of variations in many casinos adopting different table rules. To play Blackjack, be it live or online is a game of chance and skill, which accounts for part of its enormous popularity.
The Blackjack is easy to play and has one of the lowest house edges in casino games .A competent gambler who knows his moves and strategies can gain an advantage in online Blackjack .It is the only game where your decision can make a huge difference as to whether you win or lose .A semi skilled player with even basic strategic moves can reduce the house edge to 0.5%.The Online Blackjack begins with a wager and the payouts are mostly the same as the wager .While they play Blackjack ,the players are offered a couple of upward facing cards .The cards numbers are all calculated at face value in online Blackjack unlike the traditional game where the card value varies .The house has a couple of downward facing cards .The player keeps requesting the cards to be turned up until he gets the much needed 21.Here the dealer too follows the same rules .Online Blackjack games shuffle the card after each hand, breaking the traditional counting of cards .If the competitors get the same score as you play Blackjack, the one with the fewer cards win the game.
When playing online Blackjack, it becomes difficult to deal with the options available as a wrong move would put your money at stake .If you have sixteen or fewer points than that, it ‘s worth giving it a try .More than seventeen is not worth you time .For the ones that are still stuck at learning the rules of the game, online Blackjacks have free games which are the same or available in variations that you can practice. The bonuses in free online Blackjacks are a resourceful way to accumulate cash for other games.
At this point, it would be worthwhile to take a look at the online Blackjack glossary and familiarize yourself with a few commonly used terms before you play Blackjack
• Hit: Hit, is the request to the dealer for a card. As many cards as you want could be requested until the card value reaches 21.
• Bust: You get a bust when the card value exceeds 21in online Blackjack.
• Stand: The Stand is your total card value when you decide to no longer receive cards from the dealer.
• Double Down: A Double Down in onlineBlackjack means that a two-card combination taken first can be doubled with the same amount of money placed on the bet. The Double Down option is dealt with a single card. After a Double, you have to stand invariably unless you go Bust.When the dealer has a ‘natural 21’ the insurance bet can be availed of which pays 3 to 2 or 2 to 1 .Insurance payout varies with every Casino’s rule .
• Multi -Hand: The Multi -Hand option comes in handy when you are playing multiple hands at the table .Online Blackjack casinos seat you at the centre with the left and right side kept empty where you can fill up with extra hands for the cards .
• Rebet: Rebet button allows you to bet the same amount again .
• Split: A Split is an option where you can split the same value cards into two hands instead of adding them up .
• Soft 17: A Soft 17 in online Blackjack is any two card combination with an ace .Soft 17s give the house edge an extra 0.20% in most casinos .Some Casinos offer a surrender option whereby you can forgo playing the hand .Though you lose half your bet ,it can sometimes prove beneficial too especially if the dealer has an ace or 10 face up.
Blackjack has many variants as the rule changes .Spanish 21,Pontoon,Double Exposure Blackjack, Vingt-et-un, Chinese Blackjack, Elimination Blackjack, Blackjack Switch etc are few variations of online Blackjack .In addition there are side bets offered in some casinos.
Certain tips on how to play online Blackjack would certainly hold you in good stead .Always remember not to take an insurance when the dealer has hit an Ace .Variants of Blackjack are a good way to learn different strategic moves when you play Blackjack. Blackjack games that pay 3 to 2 are better than 6 to 5.Knowing when to stop is always necessary for any casino game let alone Blackjack. It is also a good idea to take advantage of the free online Blackjacks which offer bonus amounts that you can use for practice sessions .With basic strategy in place, it is possible to reduce the house edge to under 1%.And always remember the objective of the game is to beat the dealer and not to get close to 21.Finally it is of utmost importance to check the casino you have chosen to play Blackjack so as not to get cheated.
With the internet culture moving from strength to strength, there is no stopping the popularity of this legendary game! Now don’t you think it’s time to venture into an online casino and play a game of Blackjack!
