Blackjack: The rules of the game in online casinos
Blackjack is a popular card game based on card counting. It is not enough to rely on luck or intuition, the rules, knowledge of theory and the ability to properly think through strategies are more important. Tactics increase the chances of winning, but do not give guarantees. Blackjack is second only to poker in popularity, but has more simple rules. Below we will analyze them in detail.
The goal of playing blackjack
The main goal is to beat the dealer or other players. This can be done by scoring 21 points or less using the minimum number of cards. A win is counted in one of the three cases listed below:
- Not exceeding the 21-point limit, but scoring more than the dealer;
- Get a combination of an Ace and a card worth 10 points (called Blackjack);
- the croupier's points exceeded the established limit of 21.
The game involves a standard deck of 52 cards. There must be up to 8 of these decks - the exact number depends on the variation of blackjack you run. At the table is the dealer, who regulates not only the distribution of cards, but also the calculation of points. Thus, players always take cards from the table. At the same time, the dealer only takes cards from the deck provided that he has no more than 16 points in hand.
Card values
A game of blackjack always starts with placing your bets. However, before you do that, you need to find out how many points are assigned to which card. These values are constant no matter what the variation will be. Let's examine them in detail:
- Ace - the value can be 1 or 11. If the sum of the accumulated points exceeds 21, then the ace is equal to one. In other cases, it is evaluated as 11.
- Any card with an image (Jack, Queen, King) - 10 points;
- Cards with a face value between 2 and 10 have a face value. For example, a nine gives 9 points.
It is also important that the suit of the card does not play a role. This makes Blackjack very different from other poker-style card games.
Getting Started and Progressing
Blackjack bets are made in an original way, which also deserves attention. So, players need to put chips (the value of each chip is different) in a special area of the table. Then the dealer announces the beginning of the deal. At its first stage, each player receives two cards open and one card is laid face down.
The player makes his first move, guided by the cards that he has in his hands. There are several options for his next move:
- 21 points are scored, the dealer has 2-9 points. In this case, the player wins x1.5 of the specified bet and becomes the winner of the deal.
- Collected a combination of an ace and a ten (Blackjack), the dealer has 10-11 points. If the dealer manages to get 21, the deal ends in a draw. If not, the player wins and receives x1.5 of the bet made.
Separately, it is worth considering situations where the dealer fails to get blackjack. There are 6 options for the further course of the game:
- Draw another card. You can keep taking cards until the limit is exceeded or the number of points reaches 21.
- Stop the deal. The situation with the cards in the player's hand does not change.
- Double the bet. After that, instead of two cards the player receives only one.
- Split (split in two). This outcome is possible, provided that it was possible to collect a combination of two identical cards. In this case, the player must bet exactly the same amount as the first time.
- Backup. This scenario should be considered only if the dealer's up card is an Ace.
- Surrender. The player automatically ends up losing the hand and receives a small percentage of the bet back.
Each option will be appropriate under certain circumstances. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the probability of winning first, and then already take possible actions. Sometimes it happens that players with a potentially strong hand make mistakes and decide to fold or hedge. Knowing how to correctly calculate the possible outcome of the deal comes only with experience.
Dealer's move
The dealer makes his move after all the users have moved. The dealer cannot make a move back and bust; the option of doubling his bet is not available to him. During the deal, he can only be guided by the cards in his hand and in the deck. The number of other users' points is irrelevant. If you run a classic variation of blackjack, the dealer continues to take cards until he has 17 points or more.
Secrets of Card Counting
As it becomes clear, the main principle of blackjack comes down to card counting. So, in the basic strategy, each card has the same probability of falling out. However, if the deal lasts longer than usual, small changes may occur.
Due to this, the players' chances of winning are greatly increased. To do this, it is necessary to correctly calculate the fallout of small and particularly valuable cards. This will also be discussed below.
The plus-minus system
The cards are divided into 3 groups, where each gets a number:
- -1 (tens, aces, cards with pictures);
- 0 (cards with a face value of 7 to 9);
- +1 (cards with a face value of 2 to 6).
Once the cards are dealt, the sum of the values in the deck is 0. The player, guided by this system, needs to calculate a number of values in his mind. In practice, it looks like this:
- a card with a face value of 7,8,9 has fallen out - the sum of values does not change;
- If a card with face value 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 appears, add 1 to the sum of values;
- if a card with face value 10, ace or queen, jack, king is hit - the sum of values should be subtracted from 1.
If the total score is positive, there is a high probability of falling out of large cards. If the score is negative, it is better to skip a move. The system may seem difficult at first, but with experience, counting cards will become easier.
The "Halves" system
Each card gets an additional value in addition to its original value. This can have a value of + or -. For example, if a ten or an ace is hit, -1 is subtracted from the deck's original value (0). If a card of eight is drawn, nothing changes. 0.5 is added if a card of two or seven appears. +1 is added if cards three or four come out.
The system works on an almost identical principle to the previous one. There are some differences as well. For example, each card is assigned more precise numerical values than in the "Plus-Minus" system. This makes it easier to determine the future course of the deal, as well as one's chances of winning.
Hi-Opt System
More recently, fans of blackjack developed a new system that differs in the main parameters from the previous one. Its principle is that the ace is completely ignored. In this case, each card is set to the original numerical values.
For example, a two gets a value of 0, if a card of three, four, or six comes up, +1 is added to the base value of the deck. Cards with a value of 7, 8, or 9 are also set to zero. The advantage of this system is that there is no difficulty in remembering the value of the cards.
Deciphering the dialed values is also easy. So, if the score is positive, then there is a high probability of falling out large denominations. If the base value went into minus, it is better to skip the move.
Common mistakes of players
Both beginners and experienced players, in the course of the deal can make mistakes. We can highlight their main variations, which occur most often:
- Refusal to finish cards. Quite often, when there are 12-15 points in hand, players skip a move and do not take a card. They do this because they are afraid of overkill, but with so many points, it makes sense to take a chance.
- Repeat the dealer's move. Dealer in 90% of cases operates according to a strictly prescribed algorithm, which is determined by the rules. He does not risk anything, so he does not adhere to any strategies. If you copy the dealer's moves, the chances of winning are reduced by 50%.
- Splitting tens into two hands. 20 is a winning combination that provides a high chance of winning. There is no point in finishing and splitting. Better to stop and watch the moves of other players or the dealer.
- Constantly resort to the insurance. If an ace falls, according to the rules the dealer asks about the insurance. Do not immediately give consent, so there is a risk of losing.
For beginners, avoiding these mistakes can be difficult, but with experience, you'll come to a precise understanding of hopeless and initially winning situations in the course of a deal. In doing so, typical mistakes will be kept to a minimum.
Popular Blackjack varieties
Blackjack has been a popular card game for years. Not surprisingly, it comes in numerous variations. Users can choose from standard blackjack variations as well as focus on the original ones. Below, let's take a look at the popular varieties of this game:
- Baden-Baden. The game uses 2 decks of cards, instead of the usual 8. If the dealer collects blackjack (an ace and a ten regardless of suit), the other players automatically lose. If a player has 6 or more cards in his hand, but the number of points is not more than 21, he wins.
- Spanish. There are no tens in the deck. If you roll an ace with a six, the dealer draws another card. If both the dealer and the player managed to collect 21 points, the victory is awarded to the player.
- Pontoon. If there are 5 cards that add up to 21 points, the winnings are awarded x2 of the specified bet. If the player gets less than 14 points during the deal, he must draw one more card. If the hand ends in a tie for 21 points, the winner is awarded to the player.
- Progressive. The Jackpot is awarded to the player who first managed to get an Ace in his hand.
- Switch. Cards are dealt in two hands. If the dealer scores 17 points, he has to take another card. Original options are provided: super betting and card swapping.
Each variation is unique. This is expressed not only in the rules of card allocation, but also in the nuances of card counting. Such a variety opens up a wide playing horizon for the players.
Tips for Beginner Players
To quickly become a professional blackjack and increase the chances of a substantial cash prize, it is worth adhering to several tips:
- Playing in the demo. The free version of blackjack is available to all players. It excludes financial risks, as virtual coins are used for betting. This allows you to learn the rules and test strategies.
- Periodically looking at the table. Testing different counting systems, periodically need to look at the table and reconcile the moves. Experienced players do not usually need it.
- Allocate your budget wisely. During familiarity with the game, do not take much risk. This can lead to total loss of the money.
- Gradually increase the rates. It is not necessary at the beginning of the game immediately put a lot of money and that much risk. It is better to start the game with a small bet and, depending on the outcome of the deal (or several deals), gradually increase its value to a reasonable limit.
- Ignoring insurance. The insurance betting option will only be useful to experienced players, because they know how to use it to their advantage and keep a card count. For beginners, it can be a useless waste of money.
Separately, let's look at two important game options that beginners should also consider. First and foremost, we are talking about doubling. Ideally, it should be a 10-point hand. This option should be used if the dealer has 9 points or even less. Don't forget about the split option. So, you should always deal a 7 or 8-point hand. Split will also be useful if the dealer has 4 to 6 points.
To increase your chances of winning, it is recommended to:
- To understand the rules of the classic variation of blackjack;
- Learn the main varieties of the game and determine their features;
- Choose a winning strategy, taking into account your skills and budget;
- Learn to quickly identify winning card combinations;
- Master card counting and learn the main systems.
Following these recommendations will make the game comfortable. At the same time, players will have the opportunity to win even with weak hands. Regardless of the chosen prize strategy, experienced players have all the chances to win. Beginners only need to improve their blackjack skills.
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