How to Play Blackjack

If you ask a layperson to name a casino card game, we don't doubt blackjack will pop up. It's considered one of the most popular card games enjoyed in online and traditional casinos. Played against the house on a semi-circular table, the game typically accommodates between 2 and 7 players.

However, if you play online, some blackjack variants support unlimited players. When playing the game online, you’re playing against a Random Number Generator (RNG) or a live dealer representing the house. Different versions tweak the rules slightly, but the blackjack basics typically stay the same.

Despite the game variation, the objective of blackjack is pretty simple; you must beat the dealer's hand without the value of your hand exceeding 21. So, how do you achieve this?

• Firstly, you draw a hand higher than the dealer's but not exceeding 21.
• Secondly, if the dealer draws a hand value higher than 21.
• Lastly, you beat the dealer if you draw a hand value of 21 on the first two cards dealt if the dealer doesn't.

Flipping the script, you lose if your hand value goes beyond 21 or the dealer's hand value is above yours when the round winds up.

A game uses 52-card decks, and cards are allocated points as follows:

• Number cards, from 2-10 score the face value.
• Face cards (K, Q, J) score 10 points.
• An Ace scores either 1 or 11.

In blackjack, the probability of winning the overall game is approximately 42.22%. The odds for a tie are 49.10%, of a loss 8.48%. As for blackjack payouts, they are as follows:

• If the dealer's hand surpasses 21, all players still in the game win and receive 1x the wager.
• If your hand value is higher than the dealer's, you win and receive 1x the stake.
• If you receive a natural blackjack (an Ace and a 10) in the first two cards, you win and receive a payout of 3:2.
• If your hand ties with the dealer’s, you receive your initial stake back. However, you do not get the bet’s payout.

A game round begins with players placing their wagers. You can place the main wager and any of the available side bets. Each player receives two cards facing up. The dealer also receives two cards, one face-down and the other face-up. Following this, each player has the following betting decisions to make:

• Hit: You get an extra card to improve your hand total. Players can Hit as many times as they want as long as they don't exceed 21. If a player exceeds 21, it's called a Bust, and the player loses.
• Stand: You can Stand if you’re happy with your first two cards and don’t desire to draw anymore. The dealer moves to the next player.
• Double Down: You can decide to double your initial wager and get an extra card.
• Split: You can place a second wager prompting the dealer to split your two cards.

There are a couple of additional side bets and features common to blackjack you can explore, depending on the game variant. These include:

• Surrender: If you’re not happy with your initial hand, you can Surrender by exchanging it for half the initial stake back.
• Insurance:  With Insurance bets, also referred to as Even Money bets, you're betting if the dealer has blackjack. If yes, you win 2:1 your stake.
• 21+3: This side bet allows you to win something extra if you combine the two of your cards with the dealer’s up-card. The idea is to form combinations with payouts, such as Three of a Kind or Flush.
• Pairs: This side bet only addresses your two initial cards. If you bet on it, you’ll win a payout if your pair is a Mixed, Coloured or Perfect Pair.

Like any casino card game, you boost the quality of your blackjack game by employing a few tips and tricks. Experts of the game swear by the following pointers:

• Don’t waste money on the Insurance/Even Money Bet: The concept sounds appealing in theory, but these bets will prematurely drain your balance. Professional blackjack players never spend their money on this bet.
• Double Down on a Hard 11: You stand a decent chance of winning more money if you Double Down your bet if your first two cards total 11.
• Always Split a pair of Aces and 8s: Irrespective of the dealer’s card, you should always split a pair of Aces or 8s. The move often results in significant gains.
• Avoid splitting 10-value cards: Always play two 5’s like a 10. That’s because you have a higher chance of winding up with a 20 if you Hit.
• Raise your bet if you’re on a winning streak: Take advantage of a winning streak (three more hands in a row) by raising your wager. It follows that you should lower your stake if you're on a losing streak.

Blackjack isn’t without its jargon every player should master. Below are a few important terms to note:

House Edge: The expected house advantage for each game.

Natural Blackjack: An Ace with a 10, J, K, Q, or K.

Flat Bet: Placing the same bets consistently on each hand without any variations.

Draw a Card: You draw an additional card over and above your initial hand.

Late Surrender: You surrender your hand and don't make further betting decisions.

Multi-deck: Games using 6-8 decks instead of a single deck of cards.

Up-Card: The one face-up card of the dealer you get to see while playing your hand.

Blackjack isn't one of the popular Ladbrokes games by chance. It's one of the easiest card games you can play. The rules of the game and different strategies are simple to master. And it generally has a low house edge, making it favourable to players. The house edge is approximately 0.5% if using the optimal strategy to play the game.

Blackjack is pretty entertaining and provides plenty of action, especially when playing online. That’s because you don't have to wait for other players to make their decisions. You'll enjoy hand after hand dealt by the computer's RNG or live dealer. Test your luck playing blackjack at Ladbrokes!