Blackjack is Extremely Popular All Over the World
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games globally, and can be played in land based casinos all over the world, and in nearly every online casino too.
Legend has it that blackjack originated in France during the 1700s, and the name that was used for this new game meant twenty one. Blackjack was called Twenty one for a long time, until American casinos came up with an idea to promote this new game and increase its popularity.
A bonus was offered to players of a ten to one payout if the player’s hand contained the Ace of Spades plus a Jack of clubs or the jack of spades, in other words, a black jack. This bonus was called a blackjack, and the name stuck to the game, although the bonus itself was soon withdrawn.
Strategies and Skill are Important
Blackjack, like all casino games, relies greatly on chance, or luck. But where blackjack differs from other casino games, is the fact that strategy and skill also play a large part of the outcome of games. This aspect of the game sets it apart, and makes it profitable for players to take the time to investigate and learn the basic strategies of wagering and playing the game of blackjack.
Blackjack rules are fairly easy to understand and learn. It is a game played against the dealer, and not against other players. The object of the game is to have a hand of cards with a value of as close to 21 as you can get, without exceeding that score, and having a total higher than that of the dealer. The value of your card combination is based on the standard card values. Number cards are worth their numerical value, and all picture cards are worth ten points. The Ace can be worth one or ten, depending on your hand. Suits have no bearing on the game.
Playing the Game
The game of blackjack begins with players placing their first bet, called the ante. The dealer then deals two cards to each player, facing up on the table. The dealer has two cards as well, one facing up and the other facing down. If the player’s cards total a number closer to 21 than the dealer’s, then the player wins outright. The best combination of cards is an Ace and a picture card, and this hand is called a blackjack. If the player does not have a blackjack, he then has several options he can make. He can hit, stand, double down or split. Surrender is another option. This is when the basic strategy in the game comes into play. Players need to base their decisions and other important calls on the strategy they have learnt.
One of the reasons online blackjack is so popular with players and professional gamblers is that the game provides some of the best odds in the casino. Blackjack can be played with one deck of cards, or multiple decks, up to eight. House odds are best when only one deck is used, but not all casinos allow only one deck to be used.
Blackjack can be played for free at many online casinos, and this is a very good idea for you to do. You can use the opportunity to improve your game, and to practise the strategies you will need when you decide to try wagering for real money.