About Blackjack
Conventional wisdom dictates that a proficient player of black jack or any other game is one who is intimately familiar with that specific game and strategies. However, most players believe that the goal of reaching 21 in blackjack, before the dealer and without busting is a fairly easy proposition. They are thus unprepared for the uncertainties posed by the game and often end up turning a simple game into a profitable deal for the house. Further, most casinos whether they are land based or online, offer variants of the game that affect the probable returns. These may be in the form of number of decks used, the dealer's chances of hitting a soft 17 varying with the casino thereby shifting the game's edge etc. Thus there are different versions of blackjack like some listed below.
Here you can learn how to play Go.
| Version | Decks | Soft 17 | Double | Split | Surrender | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game I | One | Dealer hits | Any two cards | Up to 2 hands | Late surrender | 0.18% |
| Game II | Two | Dealer hits | Any two cards | Up to 4 hands | Late surrender | .0.48% |
| Game III | Four | Dealestands | Any two cards | Up to 4 hands | Late surrender | 0.43% |
| Game IV | Four | Dealer hits | 10 or 11 | Up to 2 hands; no double | No surrender | 0.93% |
| Game V | Four | Dealestands | Any two cards; after split | Up to 4 hands | Late surrender | 0.29% |
| Game VI | Six | Dealer hits | Any two cards | Up to 4 hands | Late surrender | 0.53% |
| Game VII | Six | Dealestands | Any two cards; after split | Up to 2 hands | No surrender | 0.46% |
You will see how some of the fine changes in rules alter the house's edge. In Game IV, the casino uses four decks, has the dealer hit soft 17s, limits doubling and fails to offer a surrender option. This results in an edge that is considerably higher than casinos with more "player friendly" rules, such as in Game I.
In the case of land based casinos, one simply can't just leave a game to look for a better one. But online blackjack is more flexible with no boundaries to restrict their movements. All players can benefit from studying the website thoroughly before selecting casino site and downloading the game. Online blackjack consists of all kinds of variants, both conventional as well as with new and innovative features. Some popular variations are described below.
Blackjack Switch - Blackjack Switch is played with six decks and allows trading cards between two hands. Play begins when a player makes two bets of equal size. The cards are then dealt face up, after which the player may opt to "switch" the second card dealt to each hand. The following additional rules apply:
- Dealer hits a soft 17.
- Players may double on any two cards, double after a split or decide not to re-split.
- Winning player blackjacks pay even money.
- Player loses total wager against a dealer blackjack.
- A dealer total of 22 will push against any player total of 21 or less. However, a player blackjack will still beat a dealer's 22.
Pontoon
It is a British version of blackjack and has become quite popular in recent times. It is now offered by a variety of software providers including Real Time Gaming and WagerLogic. Pontoon is played with eight standard 52-card decks, and all card values are the same as in traditional blackjack and so is the aim of getting as close to 21. Each player is dealt two cards face up, while both of the dealer's cards are dealt face down.
Hands are ranked as follows:
- Pontoon-An ace and any 10-point card, including after splitting.
- Five-Card Trick-Any five-card hand that does not bust, regardless of total point value.
- 21 points or less-Non-busted hands that value 21 points or less with four cards or less. Hand strength is equal to the total number of points.
After all players have received cards, the dealer will check his cards for a pontoon. If he has a pontoon he will show his cards and collect the bets. If not, play continues according to the following rules: Players may stand on any five-card hand or on a total that is greater or equal to 15. Players may hit at any time even after doubling. Doubling is allowed on two to four cards but only once per hand. Players may split two cards of equal rank and may re-split once up to a total of three hands. When the player splits, the first card dealt to each hand shall be automatic. If a hand busts, the player loses. After players have played, the dealer shows his two cards and will draw until their value totals 17 or more or results in a five card hand. The dealer hits a soft 17. The dealer then compares his hand to each player's hand and pays winning pontoons and five card hands 2-1 while all other winning hands pay 1-1.
Caribbean 21 is an eight -deck game that offers its fair share of deviations from conventional blackjack. The game is played according to the following rules: An ace is only valued as one point, all others are same as conventional blackjack. Players receive two cards face up while the dealer receives only one. There is no hole card. Players may hit, stand, surrender, double or split. Splitting is allowed on any two cards. Surrender is available at any time. If a player surrenders, half of the total bet is forfeit. The dealer wins all ties. If a player is dealt an ace and two 10-value cards, the hand is called a "Caribbean 21" and is ranked higher than all other 21 point hands. A Caribbean 21 pays 3-2. All other winning hands pay 1-1.