Everything You Need to Know About Blackjack: Rules and Variants

For card games, blackjack is the ideal place for beginners to start. No need to outlast and bluff other members, because winning at blackjack means having a higher hand than the dealer, giving multiple players a chance at winning. If you're new to 21, this guide is a great starting point to learn about the rules and the most popular variants.

Blackjack Basics: How Do You Play?

Most online blackjack games follow the same six to eight decks. This gives players multiple chances to get to 21, which leads to 3:2 payouts. The game begins with each player getting two cards, face up. Remember, you're not competing against other players, just the dealer. The dealer, in most blackjack variants, gets two cards before players make their moves.

The upcard is essential for players to know when to hit, stand, double down, or more. The dealer's second card is dealt face down. In most games, the dealer stands if the first two cards are worth 16. Otherwise, they must hit to get to 17 or better.

To hit is when the dealer or the player draws an additional card. There is no limit to the number of hits, but each hit carries the risk of busting. Busting means having a playing hand greater than 21, which is an automatic loss. If the dealer busts, the players still in the game automatically win.

To stand means not drawing an additional card and finishing the playing round with what you have. The danger for players standing too early means that the dealer can finish with a higher-playing hand, and ultimately win.

Going back to the dealer's upcard. If it is an Ace, most blackjack games support taking an "insurance bet." This means that for half your original bet, you can try to protect against losing the entire original bet, because it is likely that the dealer has a natural 21, thanks to the down card. For more info on blackjack games and further details about insurance bets, you can read popular online casino reviews like Bettingtop10.co.nz, for more specifics.

More Blackjack Moves

Players also have the option to double down. To double down is to hit one final time during the playing round. However, it calls for matching your original bet. Doubling down runs the risk of busting, so the rule of thumb is to double down on eleven because you don't have to worry about busting.

Players can also split pairs in most blackjack variants. The most common pair to split is Aces, because the odds of finishing with two blackjack hands are incredibly high, and you don't have to worry about busting. Most blackjack games only support one-pair splits.

Side Bets

For such a basic card game, blackjack has its share of side bets. The 21+3, Perfect Pairs, and Blazing 7's. Please note that side bets are 100% optional and come with a higher house edge, so be careful about using them.

Blazing 7's call for how many sevens a player has with their first three cards. The 21+3 is a challenging, yet rewarding side bet that's based on the player's first two cards and the dealer's upcard. If the first three cards add up to a poker flush or straight, players can win an additional 9:1 payout. With Perfect Pairs, receive an additional payout if the first two cards are a pair.

Counting in Blackjack

Counting in blackjack is a straightforward process. Aces count for eleven or a single point. For an Ace, and a non-Ace, it counts for eleven points. In playing hands of three or more, the Ace counts for a point. With a pair of Aces, they both count as a point.

Tens, Kings, Queens, and Jacks all count for ten points. The other numbered cards count for their straight-up value. Jokers are not used.

Popular Blackjack Variants

The rise of online blackjack continues to lead to more exciting variants that you won't find in person. However, playing online also gives you a great experience with classic blackjack games. Classic Blackjack, also known as American Blackjack or simply 21, is the most popular variant. It follows the basic rules.

European Blackjack is similar to Classic Blackjack. However, the dealer can peek at their hole card to see if they have blackjack. Spanish 21 doesn't have tens in the deck, and it offers players more rewarding payouts for five, six, and even seven-card blackjack hands.

Conclusion

Blackjack remains the top card game for players because of its simplicity. Also, the average RTP is 99.50%, which makes it a super attractive game as well with a 50% chance of beating the dealer. New variants keep coming online with advanced technology. Live blackjack continues to be the centerpiece with exciting and professional encounters with games like Quantum and All Bets Blackjack.