Blackjack

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular and widely played card games around, which can be found at almost every trusted online casino and traditional, brick-and-mortar gambling facility. This game guarantees a well-spent time full of joy and excitement. 

The game has very simple rules that even beginners will learn the basics in just a couple of minutes. Below you will find everything that you need to know about blackjack.

History of Blackjack

Blackjack is the successor of the English version of twenty-one called Vingt-Un, a game of unknown origin. Many believe that the game was invented in Spain because of a written reference in a book from the Spanish author Miguel de Servantes, which dates from 1601 or 1602.

The first evidence of the game being played in France occurs in 1768. Meanwhile, in Britain, the game has been around since the 1770s and 1780s. Twenty-One, or Vingt-Un as it was known back then, appeared in the US in the early 1800s. 

The first known American rules date from 1825 and they were a reprint of the English rules released in 1800. Later the English version Vingt-Un was developed into an American variant and it was renamed “blackjack” in 1899.

In the 20^th century in Nevada, the game was still called 21. But somewhere around that time, the game’s name was changed to blackjack. American casinos offered bonus payouts, including an extra payout if a blackjack (a jack of clubs or spades) was dealt as well as an ace of spades, with the intention to promote the game. As the game’s popularity was raised, the bonus payouts started to vanish.

The first online casinos provided the standard version of the game, which was one of the best online casino games at disposal. But very soon after that, many varieties of the game started to appear online, with unique features and different rules.

As the internet age developed, live dealer casino games, including live blackjack, were made possible for players to enjoy from their homes. This type of gambling is highly popular in the present day and it will almost definitely be the future of online gambling.

Blackjack Betting Rules

Before we reveal the betting rules, we must first introduce you to the game concept. Blackjack is played with a standard 52-card pack, but most casinos use several decks of cards when setting the game. The six-deck game, which holds 312 cards, is the most popular of them all.

The main objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting a total card value of 21. This or a value as close as possible to 21, but without going over that number.

Before the cards are dealt, each player must place a bet in chips in front of them. The casino establishes minimum and maximum betting limits, with the most common betting limits being set being from $2 to $500. Now that you know the betting rules and the game setup, next on the list is to describe how the game is played.

Once the betting is settled each player will receive two cards face up. The blackjack dealer also receives two cards, out of which one is face-down and the other face-up. After you’ve received your two cards now you have to decide whether to hit, stand, split (if the two cards are equal numbers), double down (double your initial bet and receive an additional card), or surrender.

How To Make My Next Move?

In order to know what to do, you must first know the value of your cards. If you choose to hit then you will receive an additional card. Keep in mind that this card might get you over 21, so always choose this option when you’re sure that the card won’t bust you.

If you think that your card value is already high enough, you can choose to stand and the dealer won’t give you an additional card. The decision that you made at this stage will determine whether you will stay in the game or not.

After all of the players have made their choices, all eyes shift towards the dealer as it is their turn to reveal the card. If the dealer’s card value exceeds 21, or your card value is closer to 21, then you win the round. On the other hand, if the dealer’s card value is closer to 21 than yours then they win the round. The value of the bet that you’ve placed in the beginning decides your winning payouts.

Different Types of Blackjack

Many might not know that there are other variants of the game where players can play with much greater odds. We are talking about blackjack variants such as American Blackjack, European Blackjack, Spanish 21, Progressive Blackjack, Blackjack Swift, Super Fun 21, and a few more. Below we will explain some of the blackjack types.

European Blackjack

In the European version of blackjack, the dealer doesn’t receive the hole card until the players have made up their minds about how to play the cards. Compared to the American blackjack, this version has more restrictions on various aspects.

American or Classic Blackjack

The American version of blackjack is the most widely played form of the game. In this version of the game, the dealer gets their hole card before the players make a decision about their first move. Also, in American blackjack, the players can choose to split or double down. 

Spanish 21

The Spanish version of blackjack is played with six or eight-deck cards and all the 10 value cards are removed from the initial 52 cards. Which leaves each deck with only 48 cards to begin the game. Also, in this game, the dealer gets to peek at his hole card and can win the game if it’s a Blackjack or 21.

Progressive Blackjack

In this version of blackjack, the gameplay is very similar to the regular blackjack, with the main difference being that the player has a chance to win the increasing jackpot. Also, there is an additional $1 bet, which is needed to be placed in order to win the progressive jackpot.

Blackjack Switch

This is another type of blackjack where the player gets the chance sot switch between two pairs of cards and receive two hands of cards. All of the cards are dealt face up and the player can improve on them by switching. But remember! The payout is set at 1/1, instead of the usual 3/2.

Types of Bets

Apart from the starting bets that the players set in a game of blackjack, many blackjack tables offer a unique chance to place side bets on various outcomes. Here’s a list of the possible side bets that can be placed on a game of blackjack:

• Lucky Lucky: the player’s and dealer’s card value is 19, 20, or 21
• Perfect Pairs: the player’s initial cards are a pair
• Royal Match: the player’s initial cards are suited, suited, and connected, or a K and Q
• 21+3: the player’s initial card value plus the dealer’s card makes a three-of-a-kind poker hand, flush, or straight
• Lucky Ladies: the player’s initial card value has a total sum of 20
• In Bet: the dealer’s face-up card is a value between the value of the player’s two cards
• Bust It: the first card that the dealer gets will result in a dealer bust
• Match the Dealer: one or both cards from the player is the same as the dealer’s cards

Where Can I Play Blackjack Online?

If you are eager to start your blackjack game tonight, you should search for a trustworthy online casino before making any deposit. In order to choose the best online casino, you can check out the BetCraving website. Secondly, the online casino must fulfill all the criteria set by our experts in order to be featured in BetCraving.

You can find many reputable online casinos in BetCraving and you can trust us when choosing your best online casino. In addition, you can also check out some offers for live casino games that you wouldn’t want to miss!

Summary

Through our expert explanation, we believe that you have understood how to play Blackjack at a land-based or online casino. On the other hand, BetCraving will like to remind you that this game is based on luck. But you can adjust your playing method to improve your winning chance. We hope that you enjoy our article and are able to win some extra cash today!