How to play live blackjack

Did you know some statistics suggest the odds of winning at blackjack favour gamblers because the house has the lowest edge?

It’s no surprise that this card game is popular among players. Now you can play it online with the same excitement you get at an actual physical casino. Try playing live blackjack, and you’ll know what we mean.

If you’re new to the game, this guide will help you get started.

The setup

Live blackjack comes close to offering the same atmosphere as in a bricks and mortar casino. You’ll play against real life croupiers, making the game realistic.

Objective

Your aim in blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without going above 21. In a tie, the house wins.

How to play

Now that you know your goal let’s start.

The game begins with a regular deck minus the jokers. All numbered cards score their face value. Picture cards, J, Q, and K, count as ten. The ace can represent one or eleven, depending on which gives you a more decisive hand.

Players and the dealer get two cards at the start of every round. You can ‘stand,’ meaning you don’t take another one if you think you have a winning hand. Or you can ‘hit,’ which is to ask for an additional card to strengthen your position.

If you get an ace and a card that’s worth ten points, you win. The term is blackjack and is the most valuable hand any player can have.

Now, let’s look at some strategies that’ll give you a better winning chance.

When to hit and stand

Knowing when to hit and stand is critical in a game of live blackjack.

When the dealer has a score of 16 or lower, they’ll likely hit. So, if you’re holding 17 or less, you’ve got to get another card or hope the house busts.

Your decision is easy if your hand is 11 or lower. Your chances of hitting 21 with the next card are high because there are many tens.

However, if you hold 12 or more, it’s tricky as you might get a ten, and you’re out. You can stand, but it’s unlikely you’ll win with that soft hand.

Don’t hit when your score is 19 or higher.

Doubling down

Doubling down refers to you increasing your stake twofold during a game. However, you’ll lose more money if you’re wrong.

Adopt this strategy when your opening two cards amount to eleven. The probability of you getting a winning hand is very high as there are more chances of a ten or picture card appearing.

Splitting

Split your cards if you get two with the same value. For instance, when you have two sixes, two eights, two tens, etc., you can break them up and play two hands instead of one.

When the croupier deals you two aces, you should split because they can count as eleven. You’ll have two chances of hitting blackjack.

However, if you hold two tens, you should stand rather than split. Twenty is a very high score. By splitting, you risk ending up with not one but two weaker hands.