Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games globally, and it’s pretty easy to see why. It’s simple to learn, fun to play, and offers fantastic rewards when you win.
The game is a combination of luck and skill, with the house always coming out on top. It combines the thrill of betting with the skill of playing poker, so there’s a lot to like about Blackjack. Not only that, but it’s also one of the most popular casino games available in the UK.
The Basics Of Blackjack
Blackjack is a game of chance, where players are trying to beat the dealer at their poker game. To do this, you need to bet on the outcome of a hand – whether you’ll beat the dealer or not. The game is played with standard playing cards, and the rules are simple:
- Every player must place their bet before they’re dealt their first hand
- The dealer hits, i.e. shows their cards, after every card has been dealt
- The dealer shows their 10 highest ranking cards, and the highest total hand beats the dealer
- Cards are ranked sequentially, with blackjack being the highest rank
- Players must count their wins and losses on a poker table
- You’ll typically find blackjack in casinos, sportsbooks, and race tracks, as these are the places where you can place bets
- The object of the game is to beat the dealer
- Players are risking their own money, which is usually placed in an area where the dealer can’t see or block the action
- The payout varies based on whether you win or lose, with the house always coming out on top
- Since this is a game of chance, outcomes are unpredictable
Where Can I Bet On Blackjack?
You’ll typically find blackjack in casinos, sportsbooks, and race tracks, as these are the places where you can place bets. However, you can also play online, either at a reputable site or via a mobile app.
Wherever you choose to play, just make sure that you’ll have access to the games as they are available in your area, as the sites and apps might not be available in all countries. Also, make sure that the rules and regulations of your chosen location are adhered to, as improper bets or actions can and often do result in losing your money and even getting banned from gambling altogether.
How Much Money Can I Expect To LOSE?
The amount of money you can expect to lose on average playing Blackjack is around two to three times your initial bet. For example, if you place a $10 wager and the dealer is showing a face card (e.g. 10) and an Ace (e.g. A), the payout is as follows:
- You’ll lose $20 (i.e. $10 x 2) on a 10-Aardealer combination
- You’ll lose $30 (i.e. $10 x 3) on a 10-Ace combination
- You’ll lose $40 (i.e. $10 x 4) on a 10-10 combination
- You’ll lose $50 (i.e. $10 x 5) on a 10-Joker combination
- You’ll lose $60 (i.e. $10 x 6) on a 10-Queen combination
- You’ll lose $70 (i.e. $10 x 7) on a 10-King combination
- You’ll lose $80 (i.e. $10 x 8) on a 10-Ace+A combination
- You’ll lose $90 (i.e. $10 x 9) on a 10-Ace+10 combination
- You’ll lose $100 (i.e. $10 x 10) on a 10-Ace+Joker combination
How Do I Win On Blackjack?
To win on Blackjack, you need to get a run of consecutive cards that form a winning hand according to these rules:
- A hand of two cards, one of which is a 10, will beat any hand with an eight or higher, including hands with sevens and sixes
- A hand of 10 cards, all of which are either Aces, or the card equivalent of an Ace, will always beat a hand with nine cards
- A straight flush, which is five of a kind, will beat a four of a kind or better
- A pair of 10s, which are the highest hand possible according to the rules of Blackjack, will beat any two-card hand
- A pair of Kings will beat any pair
- A pair of Queens will beat any pair
- A pair of Jacks will beat any pair
- A pair of Aces will beat any pair
- A flush, which is any five cards in sequence, will beat any four cards
- A straight will beat any five cards
- An open-ended straight, which is any five sequential cards without a 10 or Ace in the middle, will beat any four cards
- A void card, i.e. a card without an associated number (e.g. J, Q, or 10), will beat any card
As you can see, there are several ways to win on Blackjack. The most straightforward way is to get a run of seven or more cards in sequence that form a winning hand. This is generally considered the most optimal way to win at Blackjack, and it’s also the method that most casinos use to determine whether or not you’ve won. A hand that forms according to the rules of Blackjack wins, regardless of the number of decks used (e.g. two decks, four decks, or more).
Making The Most Out Of Blackjack
Once you’ve started placing consistent profits in your pocket, it’s time to think about making the most out of your newfound wealth. One way to do this is to play against the house instead of with it. This way, you’ll never lose as long as you follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid betting money you can’t afford to lose
- Use resources like top ten cards or a hot deck to optimize your plays
- Manage your bankroll and only bet what you can afford to lose
- Increase your profits with a strategy such as parlay betting (also known as banked betting)
- Make the most of free games and promotions
- Practice mindfulness and concentration while playing
The first two rules will ensure that you continue to win; the last four will help you maximize your winnings. Mindfulness and concentration will help you avoid getting distracted by external factors, like the noise in the room or the surrounding environment, and will allow you to remain focused on the game at hand.
Final Takeaway
Whether you’ve been playing for years or this is your first experience with gambling, Blackjack is a sure way to get started. The game is easy to learn and very accessible for anyone, even those who have never played poker before. Plus, there’s plenty of room for strategy and improvement, even for experienced players.
If you’re looking to place bets online, you’ll find several reputable sites that offer the games, and you can use Bitcoin or other payment methods to securely and conveniently fund your account. Just remember to abide by the rules and regulations of the site that you choose, as improper bets or actions can and often do result in losing your money and even getting banned from gambling altogether.