Playing “21” or Blackjack for real money might seem easy, but we assure you it is not. What is certain, though, is that Blackjack for real money can trigger an adrenaline rush. This card game is among the most frequently played games in land-based casinos as well as online casinos. If you doubt your skills, we advise you to try free versions of it first. You will get the idea of how it is played after a couple of rounds. Once you obtain the knowledge and necessary practice, you will be ready to play Blackjack for real money. Unlike other casino games, besides pure luck, you need to have some skill in playing. Blackjack is also called “21,” and that number is the primary goal of this game. In your hand, you need to have a total of 21, i.e., that is the main objective of the game. Odds at online Blackjack for real money depend mostly on your luck and then a bit on your skills and knowledge. Up to seven players can play against one dealer.
Origin of Blackjack
It is unclear where this game came from, but it is believed that it originated in French casinos around 1700. Blackjack was played at the Royal Court at the time of King Louis XV. There are speculations that Romans played this game, although they didn’t use cards but wooden blocks with numbers on them.
Card Values
So, before you start playing 21, you should know the values of cards. This game is played with one to nine decks. The values of cards correspond to their printed value (2–10). Jack, Queen, and King count as 10. Ace can be either 11 or 1 — that depends on you. It is good to mention that color doesn’t have any importance.
When you have an Ace and a card with the value of 10, that is a perfect combination that wins against all others.
Basic Rules and Terms
When you play Blackjack, you don’t play against the other players, but instead, you challenge the house. There are a few moves and terms you need to know. In this game, both players and the dealer are dealt two cards.
The most basic thing you can do is “hit,” i.e., when you decide that you need one more card, the dealer will give you one. The second one is “stand,” and with that option, you skip a round of drawing. These two moves are the most important to remember.
Another term you need to remember is “bust.” When you go buts, you have more than 21 in your hand value. “Surrender” basically means that you drop out of the game and recover half of your bet. When you learn some strategies, a “split” can be of use to you. If you get a pair, you have the option of splitting them into two separate hands.
A “natural” or “blackjack” is when you can obtain a total of 21 on your first two cards. “Insurance” is when the dealer has an ace, and a player has an option to choose to place a side bet that the dealer will have blackjack. This way, a player wants to make sure that they will get some money even if the dealer wins. In case the dealer doesn’t have blackjack (21), the player loses the wager.
These terms are the most important for you at the beginning; when you start playing, you’ll delve deeper into the details of the game.
Additional Useful Information
There are some strategies you can use when playing Blackjack. If you have a sum of 17, for instance, it is wise to opt for surrender, so you don’t lose your money. It is smart not to spend more than you have, so be careful. Don’t go overboard in betting, since you might lose all your money. It is wise to determine your budget in advance.
Can you play online blackjack for real money? The answer to that question is yes; you can. But as we mentioned above, it is wise to try it for free first until you get familiar with this game. You needn’t worry about placing bets, you won’t have a problem understanding how they work, there’s no doubt. You just need to click on the chips and select the amount you wish to bet. What’s more, you can change your bet while playing and increase it if you wish. Always be aware of the amount of money on your account.
Play Carefully
We hope that after explaining the values, terms, and strategies, you have a clearer idea of how to play this game. Even though people say that it is impossible to beat the house, this is not entirely true. Maybe it will be your lucky day, and you’ll succeed.