Online blackjack websites have not been around for very long, but the game of Blackjack has been around for centuries, as it was first introduced into play in the 1600’s in France. It was originally called Vingt Et Un (21) because the goal of the game was to reach 21 with the Jack and the Ace of Spades being the highest paying hand.
Few Changes in the Game of Blackjack
While there were some structural differences such as a required bet for each card received and only the dealer could double-down, the goal of the blackjack card game has basically stayed the same all these years. It continues to be one of the most popular games globally, and one of the most popular at most casinos and online poker websites.
Blackjack is Outlawed in America
In the 1800s, the game of blackjack found its way to North America and quickly became a game of leisure among private groups of individuals. There were no regulations, as the government did not oversee gambling, and the game continued to expand and eventually began to become popular throughout many American gambling parlors.
However, the government had a growing concern that gambling within these gaming industries was corrupting society and linked to the support of the Mafia. About the year of 1911, Federal Marshals and state police departments began conducting raids gambling parlors and closing them down. Blackjack was treated like illegal drugs and completely outlawed in America.
Blackjack is Reborn
Even though in the public eye the game of blackjack had seemed to disappear, it had actually gone underground and continued to stay there for twenty years. Because of the desperation of state governments to find a means to replenish the lack of revenue from the damaging effects of the depression, Nevada stepped up and legalized gambling. In 1931, blackjack was reborn!
The Game of 21 Becomes Blackjack
The small town of Las Vegas quickly boomed with casinos full of gambling, but the game of 21 was not catching on as fast as owners had hoped and this is where changes were made to the game. The name was changed to blackjack and incentives were added. The Jack and Ace of spaces were no longer a bigger payout than just 21, and other features were added including an insurance option. For the next twenty-five years the game of blackjack in Las Vegas and its rules appeared to be set in stone.
Big Changes for Blackjack
In 1956 a book was published about the basic strategy of blackjack and another book was published in 1962 on the county system of the game. Casinos soon started using anti-card counting measures and began asking card counters to leave, which brought about card counters using secretive ways of counting cards. In 1976, New Jersey legalized casinos and from there forward many states legalized gambling in casinos.
Blackjack Goes Online
In 1998 casinos found their way to the Internet and are now one of the biggest industries on the web. With laptops and handheld devices with access to the Internet, online blackjack is now available almost anywhere and at any time of the day or night. While online gaming websites offer many different types of games, blackjack is certainly one of the most played of the online betting card games.
The game of blackjack has been around for a very long time and even though it was banned and went underground for twenty years, it has survived and continued to thrive among its competition. Since the online blackjack websites have came into play, it has only become stronger in the competitive gaming Industry.
Online Blackjack Tutorials: How to Play Blackjack
Heading to the casino and looking for your best chance to leave with some of their money? Statistically speaking, blackjack is your best bet. For you beginners out there, let’s take a look at how to play blackjack.
How to Play Blackjack: When to Hit and When to Stand
Blackjack is a game of percentages. It is imperative that you play your hands efficiently and consistently. When to hit and when to stand, to a statistical advantage, is hardly a secret. Run an Internet search on the term “blackjack chart” and you will come up with a plethora of results. 98% of the advice in these charts will match, as there are a few instances that are almost 50/50, where strategists disagree. The most important thing is to make sure you play each hand the same way every time. If you flip-flop on strategy, you completely change your overall odds of coming out a winner.
Remember the dealer must hit on a total of 16 or less and will stand on 17 or better. As you only get to see one of the dealer’s cards, this is all the information you have on which to make your hit or stand decision.
How to Play Blackjack: Splitting and Doubling Down
Outside of getting paid at 3:2 for your blackjacks (although some casinos have begun a distressing practice of paying 6:5) the biggest advantages you have in playing blackjack are the ability to split cards or double down when it is to your advantage.
Doubling down can be done only on your initial first two cards. You put up a bet matching your original wager (although you are allowed to make the second bet for less) and you get one card. When you play blackjack, you have to take every statistical advantage. Do not double down unless it is to your benefit. Again, any blackjack chart will outline prime double down opportunities for you.
Because the odds are in your favor, don’t get disheartened when you lose a double down bet, you’re going to lose plenty of them. The key is that if you play blackjack with the percentages, then your successful double downs will outnumber – even if only slightly – your unsuccessful ones.
According to the website casinos-online.co.ke, splitting is the act of turning your first two dealt cards into two separate hands. For instance, let’s say you are dealt two 8s and the dealer is showing a 5. You would then put a matching wager to your original bet on the table and proceed to play each of your 8s as individual hands. The exception to this rule is when you are dealt two aces. You are still allowed to split them, but you will only be dealt one card per ace.
If I Play Blackjack with Perfect Dedication to the Odds, will I Always Win?
Um… No.
However, there is little reason to play blackjack at all if you are not going to bother to at least give yourself the best statistical chance.
Now go get ‘em!
You might also want to check out this tutorial on blackjack table manners to avoid dirty looks and snide remarks while at the table.