Everything You Need to Know about How to Play Blackjack

The popularity of blackjack extends to land-based and online casinos, available across various styles and stakes. If you are new to the game, there are some things that you should know to get up and running quickly. Here we look at how this game generally works and cover different variations and strategies for improving your chances when competing against the house or fellow players. 

Understanding the Rules for Beginners

The premise of online blackjack in Canada is simple – to make a hand with a value as close to, but not exceeding, 21. To do this, you need 2 cards that total 21 (an ‘instant win’) or any other combination where the sum of your cards does not exceed 21. If you successfully make such a hand, you are said to have ‘busted’ and instantly lose the game and your stake. 

If neither player nor dealer makes a blackjack (2-card total of 21) or busts, then whoever has the highest valued hand wins. If both have hands of equal value, it results in a ‘push,’ where nobody wins or loses – your stake is simply returned to you.

During the round, you can make a few different decisions that will affect your game progress:

• Hitting: asking for another card from the dealer.
• Standing: stopping at your current hand value.
• Doubling down: increasing your original bet by 100% in exchange for receiving just one more card.

Aces are worth 1 or 11 points, picture cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) are all worth 10 points, and every other numbered card is equal to its pip value (2 through 10).

The Benefits of Playing Blackjack

There are plenty of reasons why blackjack is such a popular game enjoyed by millions worldwide. Here we list some of these benefits to help you understand just what it is that makes the blackjack online game so special:

• It is easy to play, and learners can quickly get up to speed with the basic rules and how to progress in the game.
• It offers good value for money, with low house edges meaning players can potentially win big while only staking small sums of cash.
• Many games are available online, with different variations and side bets to keep things fresh.
• Basic strategy is easy to learn, and applying it can help you reduce the house edge even further.
• The game is relatively quick, so you will not have to wait long before finding out if you have won or lost.

With these reasons in mind, it is easy to see why blackjack is one of the most commonly played casino games. It is a perfect choice if you are looking for an enjoyable way to use your spare time and provide an opportunity to win some money.

Versions of Online Blackjack

When looking for an online blackjack game, you’ll likely come across two main types – RNG (random number generator) and live dealer. Here we briefly explain the difference between these game types and some of their key features.

RNG-based Blackjack

These are controlled by a computer program that randomly generates results. Players can usually find multiple versions with different rule sets on offer from most casino sites. One big advantage of playing RNG blackjack online is that you can usually play for free in ‘demo’ mode before using real money. This allows you to learn how the game works and try out any new strategies without risking your cash.

Other features of RNG games include the following:

• The ability to play at your own pace without feeling pressured by other players or the dealer.
• Usually, a wide range of stakes is available, so you can bet according to your budget.
• You will likely find additional options, such as side bets and bonuses, to keep things interesting.

Live Dealer Blackjack

As the name suggests, this game is run by a human dealer in real time and streamed directly to your computer or mobile device. You make decisions using an onscreen interface, which the dealer then carries out. This experience is much more like playing in a bricks-and-mortar casino – right from the comfort of home

As well as providing a more immersive and exciting experience, the live game also has some advantages over its RNG counterpart:

• A social aspect – you can chat with your fellow players and the dealer.
• The chance to use tried-and-tested card counting strategies that are difficult to employ when playing against a computer. 
• The presence of a human dealer usually means that the game is fair and not tampered with by a casino owner or software developer.

Enjoy Secure Gaming with King Billy

With many online casinos to choose from, it can be tricky to know which is the right fit for you. That is why choosing only the best and most trustworthy ones is necessary. Online blackjack can be enjoyed in a safe and secure environment at King Billy. You will find all your favorite game variations, plus plenty of helpful bonuses to give you that extra edge.

With King Billy, you can play online blackjack in an RNG and a live dealer format. You can also take advantage of the casino’s special blackjack bonuses, which are available regularly and give you extra cash to play with or free spins that can be used on this classic game.

As well as being a great place to play blackjack, King Billy is also home to thousands of other casino games from the biggest software providers in the business. So, you can be sure to find something else that takes your fancy if you need a break from the intense action of 21. So, play some games for free and decide if this casino is the right one for you.

Source: Glusea