This “blackjack for beginners” article aims to provide a comprehensive but simple intro to the game. That’s not going to happen here. Too many gaming guides become quite confusing very soon – also try online slots at SlotsUK.
The first section explains the mechanics of the card game. After that, we’ll go through the gameplay and expert tips to boost your winning chances.
What Beginners Should Know About Blackjack
As a novice blackjack player, you can feel apprehensive or unsure of what to do next. Here are a few pointers for those just getting started in the game of Blackjack:
- When it comes to placing bets on the game, you need to think about your betting budget. If you can’t afford to spend big, stick to the lower betting tables.
- Inexperienced players may want to minimize their bets until they feel more confident.
- It is strongly discouraged to make a double decision, particularly when one is just starting.
- Double decisions should only be made by highly talented players, and even then, only when the chances are overwhelming to the player’s advantage.
- As a new player, you should avoid making a split decision.
- If your hand points value is at the upper end, you should opt to stay.
- If your hand is at the lower end of the point value, you should take a hit from the dealer.
- Make a selection based on your hand and the points value you currently have in order to avoid going over twenty-one.
Understanding Blackjack
Although the game can be played in many different ways, the basic concept is the same: each player is dealt two face-up cards, while the dealer is dealt one face-up and one face-down card.
Card values range from 2 through 10 (their face value) to 1 or 11 (depending on the suit) for the Ace of Spades. After that, it’s up to the players to select how they want to proceed, to get as near to 21 as possible without going beyond (bust)
There are several player options:
- Hit – Get another card.
- Stand – End the turn without receiving any further cards.
- Insurance: As the name suggests, this is a wager against the dealer having Blackjack.
- Split: First two cards should be split into two hands with two separate stakes.
- Double Down: If available, you can double your original stake on your first two cards and be handed one more card to terminate your turn.
- Surrender – Give up half of your bet to surrender your hand. Late surrender (after the dealer checks for Blackjack) is the most typical option, while early surrender is possible in some versions (before the dealer checks for Blackjack).
- After the player has finished their turn, the dealer will play by casino house regulations. The winnings will be distributed to the player.
Useful Tips
A game of Blackjack has a house advantage of only 0.2%; however, this can be achieved only if you play with proper technique and select a suitable blackjack variant.
- If you ignore the casino’s rules, you could lose money.
- Blackjack is a game of skill; you can refine your tactics to a fine art.
- A simple blackjack strategy chart is handy for determining the best way to play each hand.
- Once you’ve polished your strategy in the casino’s free practise mode, it’s time to play for real money.
