Rules of Blackjack
If you’re new to the blackjack game or haven’t visited a casino, this guide will be helpful. When entering a blackjack table, you will find five to seven betting spots or seats. There is a dealer behind the table and acts as the representative of the table and is responsible for the management of play. You will get the same arrangement in online blackjack – there are a blackjack table, a dealer and betting spots. Whatever variant you play, the main objective remains the same: get as close to 21 as possible without going over.
Card Values
Since this is a cards-comparing casino game, the card values assume a critical role. As a player, you need to know the different card values before proceeding to other complex rules and bet types. In the basic rules of the game, the cards from 10 to 2 assume their face values. For example, your 6s and 7s will retain their values. Your face cards like Kings and Jacks are assigned a value of 10. On the other hand, the Aces can get an 11 or 1 depending on the current hand value.
How to Play Blackjack
Online blackjack is one of the most popular card games in online casinos. Thanks to its popularity, you can enjoy different game variants, and you can enjoy these in many leading Indian casinos. Just like in standard online slots and table games, your choice of the casino should depend on several factors including but not limited to security, bonuses, and blackjack variants available. Once you have selected your preferred platform and want to try out the blackjack tables, you can follow these steps:
1. Make a deposit
Provided that you made an account, the next step that you should do is to make a deposit. Indian casinos host different payment options which can process the payments from e-wallets to debit and credit cards. To start the process, just log in to your account and navigate to the deposit page. Select ‘Deposit’ and choose your preferred deposit option. Enter the amount that you want to submit and approve this request.
2. Enter a blackjack table
Once the deposited amount has been cleared, you’re ready to play with real money. Simply visit the Games Lobby and browse the different Indian blackjack variants available. On many websites, the ‘Lobby’ features different shortcuts for certain casino categories. Click on a category (table game or live dealer) and choose a specific title to enter the game. When you have entered the table, you can click ‘take seat’. You will know that the blackjack table is ready when you can clearly see the table layout including chips, betting interface, and the chat window.
3. Make your bets
Once you have taken a seat, you will find the blackjack table, betting area, and different chips of varying amounts. Click on a specific chip or token that reflects the amount that you want to wager. The minimum and maximum amount that you can wager depends on the game variant or the game provider. In many blackjack tables, the minimum bet is 1.00 credit up to a maximum of 1,000 or even 100,000. There are different chips that represent different values, like 5.00 or 10.00 credits to help you complete your bets easily.
4. Dealer deals cards
Once the bets have been placed, the blackjack dealer then shuffles the cards and in a traditional casino setting, he may ask a player to ‘cut’ the deck. He then places the cards into the shoe and discards the first card. The distribution of the cards follows starting from the participant farthest from the left (first base). In online blackjack with you as the only player, the distribution is for obvious reasons simplified.
5. Make decisions
Once the cards are dealt, they are instantly displayed on the player’s and the dealer’s side. With two cards on your side and one face up card for the dealer, you will now make a decision. There are at least four decisions to choose from: you can hit, stand, double, or even surrender. In this part of the game, an understanding of the card values and basic betting strategies can help you make more informed decisions.
6. Game outcome
As a player, you should pay attention to the card values in front of you. Once a decision has been made (either to stand, hit or surrender), the system will then show the dealer’s cards and computes for the total value of the hands. You win the round if your hand value beats the dealer’s hand and if your hand does not exceed ‘21’. You lose your wager if the dealer’s hand beat yours or if you bust.
Hard Hand vs Soft Hand
When playing the game, hands can be categorized as either a hard hand or soft hand. If you’re looking to improve your performance and results at the blackjack table, then you should know the difference between the two. Some of the best blackjack strategies revolve around these two terms. You have a hard blackjack hand if your cards do not include an Ace. It becomes a soft hand if it includes at least one Ace.
Blackjack Dealer Rules
During the game round, the live dealer also follows a set of rules. For example, the dealing of the cards starts from the farthest left first to the right. When all players have been assigned their cards, the face down card is then turned face up. If the total of the dealer’s hand is a 17, they must stand. However, if the total of the dealer’s hand is 16 or less, the rule calls for a ‘hit’ and another card must be added to the hand. The dealer will continue to take cards until the hand value is 17 or more and when it happens, they must stand.
Betting Rules
Once you participate in a game of blackjack, you will find a semi-circular table with a felt cloth. This table will seat up to 7 players. In an online game, you will find a virtual table with a circle that acts as the betting spot. This is where you place your casino chips of different values. A live casino dealer is assigned to manage the game based on acknowledged casino rules. In many instances, you need chips, to bet on the outcomes of the game. These chips are available in different colors and each color has a specific value. The chip value ranges from 1.00 to 1,000.00 and you need to click on the chips to make your wager.
Even Money
If the player collects a blackjack hand and the dealer has an Ace for face up card, the dealer will ask the player if he wants ‘even money’. This means that the casino will instantly offer you a 1:1 payout, hence even money. This is offered even before the dealer checks the other card. By taking this option, you get the same result by taking insurance for your blackjack hand.
Why Is Blackjack a Game of Skill?
Compared to standard online slots and other instant win games, online blackjack doesn’t rely on the Random Number Generator (RNG). Instead, you need a complete understanding of how to play blackjack and some decision-making skills to end up as the winner. For a start, you need to know how hands are counted and formed. The value of the hand and if it includes an Ace will influence how you play the game. Also, deciding whether to hit or stand also requires a skill in the decision-making process. Finally, the game comes with different blackjack side bets, you need a complete understanding of each bet to maximize its potential.
Blackjack Payouts
If you’re playing casino games online, your intention is to win and collect a payout. This is true as well with blackjack and in this popular casino game, you can expect different kinds of payouts. The most popular is a payout for a blackjack which pays 3:2. For insurance and you win, the standard payout is 2:1. When playing, you need to avoid busting as this does not offer a payout. However, if the dealer busts, you still earn a payout of 1:1.
Depositing and Withdrawing
In many casinos, you need to visit the ‘Cashier’ section in order to deposit or withdraw funds. However, some leading Indian casinos now allow you to deposit or withdraw funds at the table. Thanks to this feature, you don’t need to exit the game just to fund your account and continue playing. Simply locate the tool within the game window to complete this transaction. You can easily fund your account in the currency and payment processor you prefer and get instantly back to the game.
