Blackjack
PEEK INTO THE SOFTWARETake a look at the following images which show you exactly how our different Blackjack tables will appear.
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BLACKJACK STRATEGYIf you are a beginner or in need of a quick reminder, take the time to go over the information provided and get acquainted with the game. Once you’ve mastered the basics, read on for some top tips to help you get the most out of the game. It is important to remember that Blackjack is a game which combines both luck and skill. Your basic strategy should therefore be based partly on statistical analysis. Remember that the player is able to double down or split whilst the dealer cannot. If the dealer’s face up card is 3, 4, 5 or 6, the dealer has a more than 35% chance of busting. If your hand totals anywhere between 13 and 16, you should consider standing since there is a good chance that the dealer will bust. If the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace, there is a good chance that the dealer’s face down card might be a 10 and they will win. You should therefore consider drawing another card. Some general principles can help increase your success: |
| Stand on 17 or more | Hit on 12-16 if the dealer shows 7 or more | Hit on 8 or below |
Doubling:
Doubling gives you the chance to double your bet when your odds are more favourable than that of the dealer.
You should therefore:
| Double down on an 11. … because This is very effective when the dealer’s face up card is worth less than your total |
Double down on 10 if dealer shows 9 or less. … because Many recommend doubling down if your hand is worth 10 and the dealer's face up card is below your total. |
Double down on 9 if dealer shows 6 or less. … because Very effective when your hand is worth 9 and the dealer's face up card is below your total. |
Splits:
2 starting cards of identical value can be split and played as two different hands. Once you choose to split, you need to wager the same amount as on the initial bet.
You should:
| Split aces and 8's. … because 2 aces give you two opportunities for Blackjack even if it only pays evens on spit hands. 2 different 8s also gives you two opportunities to make 18 which is a good hand. |
Never split 10-face cards and or 5's. … because Two 5s means gives you a total of 10. You have a good chance of drawing a further 10 which will give you a strong total of 20. If you have two 10s, you already have an excellent total of 20. |
Split 3's and 2's if the dealer shows 4, 5, 6, or 7. … because This can be effective but remember that this depends on the dealer’s face-up card. |
BLACKJACK TERMINOLOGY
Players of all levels can often get confused by some of the unique Blackjack terminology. The following table has been designed to help make things clearer!
| Blackjack | A total of 21 made with an ace and a face card/ten. |
| Bust | A hand which exceeds 21 after drawing another card. Results in instant loss even if the Dealer himself subsequently busts. |
| Double Down | Double your bet and draw an additional card. |
| Draw | The same thing as Hit. |
| Hard Hand | A hand which has no Ace. Also used for a hand where an Ace can only be valued at one. (e.g. Ace, 6, 7 can only be worth 14). |
| Hit | Draw an additional card. |
| Hole Card | The dealer's face down card. |
| Insurance | If the dealer's face up card is an Ace you might have the chance for some insurance. This is a bet equal to your original that the dealer has Blackjack. Insurance pays 2 to 1. You therefore break should the dealer have blackjack. |
| Las Vegas Rules | Rules which are characteristic of downtown Las Vegas. Double is permitted on any first two cards, resplits permitted, dealer draws soft 17, insurance permitted. |
| Las Vegas Strip Rules | As above except that the dealer must hit soft 17. |
| Push | Dealer and player’s hand are equal. Stake is restored to you. |
| Shoe | Used for holding decks of cards. |
| Soft Hand | A hand consisting of an Ace where the Ace can be a 1 or 11 without going bust. (e.g. Ace,8 can be worth 9 or 19). |
| Split | Two cards of the same value can be split and played as separate hands. Also doubles your bet. |
| Stand | You do not want to draw further cards and are happy with your total. |
| Surrender | You surrender your cards and sacrifice half your stake because you do not believe you have good odds of winning. |
| Stiff Hand | A hand worth 12 - 16. |
BLACKJACK HISTORY
Blackjack originated in France at the turn of the eighteenth century. Originally named vingt et un (twenty one) it is thought to have developed from other card games such as the celebrated chemin-de-fer. By the early 18th century, Blackjack was well on the rise as it spread throughout Europe and even as far as America.
The Name and the Game Today:
The game is named after an early bonus awarded to a hand consisting of the ace of spades and the jack of clubs. To hold a Blackjack is to in fact have won. Today, Blackjack remains one of the most popular card games around and is played at both land based and online casinos across the globe.
POPULAR BLACKJACK GAMES AT 21NOVA CASINO
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