If one game represents the casino and gaming industry more than any other, that game would be blackjack. The simplicity of the game’s concept, coupled with endless forms of strategy make the race for 21 a favorite among casino fans new and old.
Classic Blackjack pits casino goers against the dealer at the table, and the first thing that players will see is the pair of cards that have been dealt to them. If one of those cards is a 10 or a face card and the other is an Ace, congratulations, you just won.
In the likely event that those are not your initial cards, your mission is to come as close to a total of 21 as possible without going over. When called upon, you’ll be asked whether you’d like to hit or stay. If you’ve turned up an 8 and a 4, that’s a total of 12, and you’ll likely want to hit, so that you can increase your total. Calling for a hit will get you another card from the dealer. Using the same scenario, if the third card dealt is a 7, your total will increase from 12 to 19. If, by chance, the third card dealt was a queen, that’s trouble.
In blackjack, all face cards are worth 10, so the addition of a Queen to your initially dealt hand of 8 and 4 gives you a grand total of 22, which is over 21, which is a losing hand.
The best part about blackjack is making judgment calls based on the cards that are in your hand and the probability of being dealt an additional card that will help you get to 21. If you’ve been dealt a 3 and a 2, you could call for a hit several times. A hand of 3, 2, 2, 2, 4, 3 and 5 is unlikely, but it equals 21 - so you can still get lucky with small denominations.
Another major part of blackjack strategy is seeing what the dealer has been dealt. You get to see one of the dealer’s cards before you’re asked to make your decisions. If the dealer is showing a Queen, then you know you might be in trouble. If the dealer is showing a 5, then you’re in luck.
There are countless tips and rules to follow when playing blackjack, but the important part is to always be aware of where the dealers sit and what cards can beat them. Getting 21 is nice because it’s impossible to beat, but all you technically have to do is beat the dealer to win the hand. If the dealer looks to be in a position to go over 21, play smart. The dealer must always call for a hit if they have less than 17 in their hand.
It may seem like a lot for a beginner to take in, but it’s one of the easiest games to pick up in the casino. With free play available at Slots.lv, you get ample time to perfect your online blackjack strategy.