A Beginners Guide To Blackjack

Blackjack is renowned worldwide for its popularity and simplicity; it can be a good introduction to card games as it typically doesn’t take too long to pick up the basics, which is why it is a popular choice among beginners. Whilst the game itself is mostly up to chance, understanding it can make it more enjoyable. In this guide, we aim to equip you with the right knowledge to decide whether or not Blackjack is right for you. 

So, are you ready to learn the basics of Blackjack? 

What Is Blackjack?

Blackjack can be played at home, online, or in Casinos. It doesn’t have a set amount of players required, making it one of the more versatile card games available. Gameplay is structured around trying to beat the dealer, as opposed to competing with fellow players; this different approach sets it aside from other card games like poker.

The main aim of Blackjack is to have a hand value that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without going over.

What Are The Rules of Blackjack?

The rules of Blackjack are straightforward due to the simplistic nature of the game – after learning the few rules, navigating a game should feel less daunting. 

At the beginning of a round, each player is dealt two cards – the dealer also receives two cards, but one of the dealer’s cards is hidden from view. After considering the combined numerical value of their cards, players decide whether to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep their current hand) based on their cards and what they think the dealer has. 

In Blackjack, cards numbered 2-10 are worth their face value, whilst the Jack, Queen, and King are all worth 10. Aces can be worth 1 or 11, depending on which is more beneficial for the hand of the player.

The pace of the game is relatively quick, making it exciting to play – however, it’s important to remember to play responsibly and stay within your chosen limits.

Hitting

In Blackjack, “hitting” is an essential part of the game. If you decide to hit, you are asking for another card to be added to your hand – this can help you get closer to 21. Before you hit, it’s important to consider the current total of your cards. If your hand value is low, hitting can be a wise choice to improve your chances. However, as your hand value gets closer to 21, adding another card carries the risk of going over, or “busting”, which results in an automatic loss for the player. 

The choice to hit is based on what cards you’ve been dealt and what you believe the dealer may have. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have a stronger hand than the dealer without exceeding 21.

Practising your decision-making when hitting can help you play more effectively over time. Keep an eye on your hand total and make choices that align with your comfort level and understanding of the game.

Through practice and learning, knowing when it might be better to hit can become clearer as you play, but it is important to remember that there is no telling what card might appear next. 

Standing

In Blackjack, “standing” means you are comfortable with the cards you have and do not wish to take any more. When you stand, you keep your current hand as it is and end your turn. You then wait to see what the dealer’s hand will be after all the other players have played their turn.

Deciding to stand is often based on the total value of your cards. For instance, if you have a hand you believe is close enough to 21 to potentially beat the dealer, standing can be a sensible choice. Once you stand, the other players have their turns and then it gets to the dealer’s turn, revealing their hidden card and drawing additional cards as per the game’s rules. The aim is for your standing hand to have a better value than the dealer’s without going over 21.

Choosing when to stand is a crucial decision in Blackjack. It requires weighing your current hand against the potential risk of going bust from taking another card, as well as what you think the dealer might have. Over time, players may develop their own approach to when it’s best to stand based on their prior experience.

Splitting

Splitting in Blackjack adds an extra layer of strategy to the game. It comes into play when your first two cards are of the same value. In this situation, you have the option to split them into two separate hands.

To split, you need to place an additional bet equal to your original bet. This creates two hands that you play independently. Each split hand starts with one card from your original pair, and you receive an additional card for each hand.

Each hand is then played separately, giving you the chance for potentially better hands. You can choose to hit or stand on each of these hands, just like in regular play.

Splitting can be a useful option, especially if it increases your chances of improving one or both hands. Commonly, players consider splitting when dealt pairs like eights or aces, as these can form strong hands if split. As always, it’s important to be aware of the rules regarding splitting at the specific table you are playing. Some tables may have restrictions, so understanding these is key.

Doubling Down

Doubling down is an option in Blackjack that allows you to increase your initial bet. You can double your wager in exchange for committing to draw just one additional card. This move is usually considered when you have a strong starting hand and want to make the most of a favourable situation. Common hands for doubling down are when you have a total of 9, 10, or 11.

To double down, you place an additional bet, equal to your original bet, next to your initial wager. After receiving one more card, your hand is complete, and you cannot hit again.

It’s important to know the rules of the table, as some may have restrictions on when you can double down. Understanding these guidelines before you play is a good practice. Doubling down can offer the potential to increase your winnings on a strong hand, but it could also mean losing twice as much if you go bust or the dealer wins. So, it’s essential to be mindful of your total bets and stay within your comfort zone. 

Is The Ace Worth 1 or 11?

In Blackjack, the Ace is a unique card because it can be worth either 1 or 11. Its value will change depending on what benefits your hand the most. If having the Ace as an 11 keeps your hand under 21, you can use it as such. This is often called a “soft” hand. For example, an Ace and a 6 together make a soft 17. 

If making the Ace an 11 would cause you to go over 21, then the Ace is counted as 1. This helps you avoid busting. In our example, if you add a 10 to the soft 17, the Ace switches to 1, making your hand a “hard” 17. Knowing how the Ace can affect your hand is a key piece of foundational knowledge. It provides flexibility, allowing you to adjust your strategy as the hand progresses.

Blackjack Odds and Payouts

In most Blackjack games, if your hand wins, the payout is typically even money; this means if you bet £5 and won, you would win an additional £5, making your total return £10.

If you hit a “Blackjack”, which is an Ace combined with a 10, Jack, Queen, or King in your initial cards (i.e. a hand totalling 21 exactly in just 2 cards), the payout is usually higher. Commonly, Blackjack pays 3:2/150% of your initial bet. So, for a £10 bet, you would win £15 plus your original £10, totalling £25. 

The odds in Blackjack can vary slightly based on the number of decks used and the specific rules at the table. Generally, the house edge is one of the lowest among casino games, which is why many find it appealing.

Be aware of these odds and payouts as they are an important part of planning your gameplay – always factor in these elements when deciding your bets, and most importantly, enjoy the game responsibly.

What Are The Side Bets In Blackjack?

Side bets in Blackjack are optional wagers you can place alongside your main bet, and they offer a chance to win based on specific outcomes that aren’t part of the standard game.

These side bets can add an extra layer of fun, but they often have a higher house edge; be wary of this when placing side bets ensuring that you keep within your set budget. 

Insurance Bets

An insurance bet in Blackjack is a side bet that you can make if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It is a form of protection against the dealer having a Blackjack, which is an Ace combined with a 10-value card.

The insurance bet allows you to wager half of your original bet. If the dealer has Blackjack, the insurance bet pays out at 2:1, which can help offset the loss from your original bet. If you take insurance and the dealer does not have Blackjack, you lose the insurance bet and the game continues based on your main hand.

It’s important to note that the insurance bet is independent of your main bet. It can be seen as a safety net, but it also has a higher house edge than the main blackjack game. So, it is best to give this fact, and your budget, consideration before deciding whether to place it.

21+3

The 21+3 side bet in Blackjack adds an extra element to the game. It combines elements of poker with classic Blackjack. If you choose to place a 21+3 side bet, you are betting on your first two cards along with the dealer’s upcard forming a poker-style hand with these three cards.

The possible winning combinations in the 21+3 bet include a flush (all cards of the same suit), a straight (consecutive numbers), three of a kind (same value), and straight flush (consecutive and the same suit). Each combination has its own payout, which can vary.

It’s important to note that the 21+3 bet is separate from your main hand and does not affect the primary objective of Blackjack. It’s simply an optional bet that can provide additional opportunities for payouts.

Perfect Pairs

Perfect Pairs is a side bet option available in some Blackjack games – it lets you place a bet on the chance that your first two cards will form a pair.

There are three types of pairs you can get with this bet. A “Mixed Pair” is when the cards share the same value but are of different colours and suits. A “Coloured Pair” means the cards are the same value and colour, but not the same suit. The most rewarding is a “Perfect Pair,” where the cards match in both value and suit.

Each type of pair has different payout rates, which can vary depending on the casino or table rules. It’s important to know these payouts before you decide whether to place this bet.

While Perfect Pairs can potentially add another layer of excitement to the game, remember that it’s an optional bet that is separate from the main game, which also means it could lead to additional losses if the outcome doesn’t go your way. Balancing your enjoyment with responsible play is always a good approach when considering any side bets; your budget and comfort with placing any bets should always be your main priority.

Is There a Best Blackjack Strategy?

When starting with Blackjack, many wonder if there’s a best strategy to follow. The truth is, while no method guarantees winning, learning basic strategy can help with your understanding of the game as well as potentially improve your chances of winning compared to playing with no strategy at all.

Basic Blackjack strategy involves knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split, based on your hand and the dealer’s visible card. This strategy offers the most statistically advantageous move to make based on this information and, if implemented effectively, can lower the house edge compared to playing with no strategy.

Learning this strategy doesn’t require memorising every detail but understanding a few key guidelines. For instance, it’s often recommended to hit on lower totals and stand on higher ones, although the dealer’s card plays a role in these decisions.

There are charts available that outline basic strategy moves for different hand situations – these can serve as handy references while you play.

Importantly, sticking to a strategy can help to encourage consistency in your game. However, it doesn’t change the fact that there is always going to be an element of chance, nor can it guarantee wins.

Play Blackjack Online at Dream Jackpot

Dream Jackpot offers a welcoming platform for players to play this classic card game online. Dream Jackpot provides a user-friendly experience designed to cater to players of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or someone looking to sharpen your skills, our platform has a range of options to suit a variety of player preferences and budgets.

Navigating our online casino site is straightforward, so you can quickly find a game that matches your interests. With a variety of Blackjack tables available, you can choose the version that sounds most interesting to you.

Joining Dream Jackpot is simple, plus our secure environment means you can focus on enjoying the game with peace of mind that all transactions and personal data are protected.

Are you ready to experience Blackjack online? Then, take a look at Dream Jackpot, where you can play this classic game for real money. Just remember to always play responsibly and only bet money you are comfortable losing.

FAQs

When To Hit In Blackjack?

Blackjack Basic Strategy suggests that, statistically, the most beneficial times to hit in Blackjack are if you have a “hard” total of 8 or under, or if you have a “hard” total of 13 or over, whilst the dealer’s upcard is 7 or above. There are also other circumstances in which you should hit, which can be found outlined on the Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart – this can be found online and is a helpful guide for those looking to learn more about Basic Strategy.

When To Stand In Blackjack?

Similarly, Basic Strategy suggests that if you have a “hard” total of 13 or more, and the dealer has an upcard of 2-6, you should stand – if you have a “hard” total of 17, you should stand irrespective of what the upcard is.

When To Split In Blackjack?

Basic Strategy says that if you have a pair of Aces or a pair of 8s, you should always split. There are a few more circumstances in which a player should split, which are also outlined in handy Blackjack Basic Strategy Charts.

What Is a Blackjack?

A Blackjack is a hand that totals 21 exactly but in just 2 cards. 

---

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these card games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.