Live Blackjack is probably one of the most popular games in online casino settings, and it certainly draws the most players to sites. The game itself has a big-time reputation and a really straightforward gameplay, and it is definitely one of the simplest games to learn in live casino layout. However, just because it’s easy to learn, that doesn’t mean that the game is easy to master. In order to become a true pro player of Blackjack, there is a wide range of strategies to learn. In that respect, here is a simple beginner’s guide to Blackjack live.
The Layout
All of the live casino formats do their best to have a layout similar to the real-life casinos. So, as soon as you choose your live blackjack casino, you will notice that you will be facing the dealer. The dealer will sit behind the blackjack betting table, and the game proceeds as usual. The dealer will draw cards from a shoe (a box where the deck of cards is placed and the cards are drawn from), and he will be laying them down in front of your bet. Also, you will be able to see the cards of other players, which certainly adds to the community feel of the entire game. Also, there will be an allotted time between the rounds where you need to decide on your wager and place your bets.
The Basic Rules
There is a popular belief that you don’t need to reach number 21 in blackjack. The number 21 is the best score in the game, but when it comes to live blackjack this is not a guaranteed win. What is actually the aim of the live blackjack is that you need to beat the dealer’s card total in order to win.
Card Values
When it comes to live blackjack, card values are simple. For cards between numbers 2 and 10, the value is equal to the numbers on the cards. For example, if you are dealt a 7 and a 6, you know that the total value is 13. Jack, Queen, and King (face cards) are valued at 10, while the Ace can have two values - 11 or 1 (depending on other cards in your hand and how the game is played). For example, if you have a 2 in your hand and an Ace is drawn it automatically values at 11, making you hand a total of 13. On the other hand, if you have a 10 and draw an Ace, the value of your hand is a total of 23, and you will change the value of the Ace to one in order to avoid the bust. The point is to count the cards in your hand and be careful while hitting. As soon as your card value in hand goes over 21, your hand is a bust and you lose your wager.
In-Play Options
There is a number of different actions you can take after your cards are drawn and these actions are fundamental to playing this game with success.
Hit: when hitting, this means that you are requesting another card from the dealer in order to increase the value of your hand.
Strand: this is the opposite of hitting, meaning you are refusing another card and sticking with your hand.
Split: this is used to split your hand and you must have a pair of cards. For example, you have two eights and request a split, thus creating two separate hands, each having the value of eight. With this, you can double your winnings, but you must match the initial bet of the original hand with the new one.
Double down: this means you are doubling your initial bet in exchange for only one additional card. This means that you cannot hit again after a double down.
Insurance: there are live casino lobbies that will let you take an insurance bet. This bet will be available to you only if the dealer draws an Ace as their first card.
Blackjack in any form certainly is a thrilling game that can get you wins. In live casinos, it is a bit different, but that doesn’t mean it is less exciting. All you have to do is be patient, develop a strategy, and you are guaranteed a success.
