How to play blackjack and win online

16 April 2024

Originating in French casinos during the 1700s, blackjack, initially known as "Vingt-et-Un," quickly gained traction across Europe. As the game spread, it underwent various rule changes and adaptations while maintaining its core objective: achieving a hand total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Want to learn to play blackjack like a pro?

Where does the name blackjack come from? A little bit of blackjack history…

In the 19th century, blackjack crossed the Atlantic to America, brought by French colonists. American casinos introduced enticing blackjack bonuses, such as a 10-to-1 payout for a hand consisting of the ace of spades and a black jack, hence the name "blackjack" was born.

Despite gambling bans in parts of American history, blackjack persevered. With the legalization of gambling in Nevada in the early 20th century, particularly in Las Vegas, the game flourished, becoming a staple in the city's burgeoning casino scene.

As the game gained popularity, players and mathematicians began developing strategies to improve their odds. Pioneers like Edward O. Thorp and subsequent advancements in computer simulations contributed to the evolution of card counting techniques and optimal gameplay strategies.

Today, blackjack remains one of the most popular and iconic games in casinos worldwide. Its enduring appeal, coupled with its rich history and strategic depth, ensures that blackjack continues to captivate players of all generations.

How to play blackjack?

A game of blackjack is played between 1 and 7 players seated. Your aim is to beat the dealer's score, but never exceed 21.
There are 7 squares on the table on which several players can play, but only the player sitting opposite the square makes the decisions. Each box can accommodate a maximum of 3 players, within the limit of the maximum bet allowed per box. This means that, if you wish, you can bet on someone else's game.

Minimum and maximum bets are indicated on the table.

Blackjack Card Values

Aces are worth 11 or 1 point, as desired

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Jack, Queen and King is worth 10 points each

All other cards have their face value, from 2 to 10 points

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The best game you can get is a Blackjack: you get 21 points for 2 cards, an Ace with a face value or a 10

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Blackjack Gameplay

The wager, the dealer announces, "Place your bets!”. Place your chips, previously purchased from the cashier, on the square in front of you. When the croupier announces "Rien ne va plus!", you can no longer place a bet.
The dealer then deals 2 face-up cards to each player seated around the table and 1 card to himself, the Banker. From left to right, the dealer then tells each player their total points. When it's your turn, you have two options:
1. If you don't want any additional cards beyond the 2 you've already received, you announce "Stand".
2. If you would like additional cards to get closer to 21, say "Hit".
Once all players have spoken, the dealer draws their second card. If their point total is less than 17, they must continue to draw cards until they get at least 17. At 17 or more, the dealer must stop.

Possible Blackjack Results

• If your hand is higher than 21 or lower than the dealer's hand, you lose your bet.

• You have a better hand than that of the dealer without exceeding 21, and win 1x your bet.

• You are tied with the dealer, so you get your stake back.

• If you have a blackjack and beat the dealer, you win 1.5 times your stake.

Blackjack tips and strategies

Learn basic blackjack strategy. Familiarize yourself with our basic blackjack strategy chart. This charts outlines the statistically optimal moves to make based on your hand total and the dealer's upcard. Following basic strategy can significantly improve your odds of winning.

Blackjack strategy chart

T: Hit: Take another card.
R: Stand: Take no more cards; also known as "stand pat", "sit", "stick", or "stay".
D: Double down: Increase the initial bet by 100% and take exactly one more card. The additional bet is placed next to the original bet. Some games permit the player to increase the bet by amounts smaller than 100%, which is known as "double for less". Non-controlling players may or may not double their wager, but they still only take one card.
DV: Split: Create two hands from a starting hand where both cards are the same value. Each new hand gets a second card resulting in two starting hands. This requires an additional bet on the second hand. The two hands are played out independently, and the wager on each hand is won or lost independently.

Understand the blackjack rules. Before you start playing, make sure you understand the specific rules of the blackjack variant you're playing. Rules regarding things like splitting, doubling down, and surrendering can vary between games and casinos.

Avoid insurance bets. Insurance bets can seem tempting if the dealer's upcard is an Ace, but they usually have a high house edge and are not recommended in the long run. An insurance bet costs half your original bet, and that 'insurance' is paid out if the dealer turns out to have a blackjack.

Don't always split Aces and Eights. While it's generally advisable to split aces and eights, there are exceptions. For example, if the dealer's upcard is strong (like a face card or a ten), it might be better to stand on a pair of eights.

Pay attention to the dealer's upcard. The dealer's upcard can influence your decisions. For instance, if the dealer's upcard is a low card (2 through 6), and your hand total is 12 or higher, you might want to stand to let the dealer potentially bust.

Consider your bets carefully. In general, it's wise to bet smaller amounts when you're on a losing streak and increase your bets when you're winning.

Avoid side bets. Many blackjack variants offer side bets with enticing payouts, but these bets usually have a high house edge and can quickly deplete your bankroll. Stick to the main game to maximize your chances of winning at the blackjack table.

Interesting Blackjack facts

The "Basic Strategy" origin: The foundation of modern blackjack strategy, known as "Basic Strategy," was popularized by a group of mathematicians led by Roger Baldwin in the 1950s. They used early computers to simulate millions of blackjack hands, determining the statistically optimal plays for every possible combination of player hands and dealer upcards.
The largest blackjack table: In 2013, the largest blackjack table ever built measured a whopping 206 square meters (2,217 square feet) and was unveiled in the Dominican Republic. It featured oversized cards and chips, creating a surreal gaming experience for participants.
Blackjack as a mathematical puzzle: Blackjack has intrigued mathematicians for centuries due to its blend of probability, strategy, and randomness. In 2008, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed an algorithm capable of solving blackjack, determining the optimal play for every possible hand combination. While this doesn't guarantee a win every time, it highlights the game's complexity and appeal to mathematical minds.
The longest blackjack game: The longest continuous blackjack game in history lasted for over 38 hours. It took place in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel in Atlantic City in 1995, where players endured through the night and into the following day, fueled by a mix of determination and adrenaline.
The mythical "MIT Blackjack Team": Immortalized in books and movies like "21," the MIT Blackjack Team was a group of students and alumni from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who famously used card counting techniques to win millions of dollars from casinos in the 1970s and 1980s. While their exploits captured the public's imagination, the team's actual impact on the game of blackjack may have been exaggerated over time.
Blackjack and its influence on popular culture: Blackjack has left an indelible mark on popular culture, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and books. From James Bond's high-stakes games to the tense card-counting scenes in "Rain Man," blackjack's allure continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Lucky number seven: Blackjack is often associated with the number 21, but did you know that seven is considered a lucky number in many cultures? In Chinese superstition, the number seven is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. Some blackjack players even have lucky rituals involving the number seven, such as tapping the table seven times before making a bet.
The "Hot Table" phenomenon: Ever heard of the concept of a "hot table" in blackjack? It's a superstition among some players that certain tables are luckier than others. While there's no scientific basis for this belief, it's a fun aspect of blackjack culture. Players might flock to a table where someone is on a winning streak, hoping to catch some of that luck for themselves.
The origins of the term "Bust": In blackjack, when a player's hand exceeds 21 and they lose the round, it's called a "bust." But have you ever wondered where this term comes from? It's believed to have originated from the game of Faro, a popular card game in the 19th century. In Faro, if a player's hand exceeded 21, it was referred to as a "bust," and the player forfeited their bet.

Playing Blackjack Online

At online casino Goldenpalacedice.be, you can play a lot of different versions of online blackjack, in the virtual casino and in the live casino. You can play blackjack online for real money, or simply for fun, by choosing the demo version of the game of your choice.

Want to know more about how to play casino games? Be sure to read these articles:

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