Blackjack Betting

admin · Site Admin Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 860

Blackjack, also known as 21 Blackjack, is one of the most popular casino card games in history. The nickname is aptly applied to the game, whose objective is to score a card total closer to the amount 21 than the dealer's card total without going over the 21 threshold. While the game does center around the number 21, there is much more to Blackjack strategy than this simple generalization entails. In fact, a Blackjack game is quite complicated, involving many different strategic aspects and betting options that can often confuse players and lead to easy house victories.

When learning how to play Blackjack, it's important for players to understand each of the various player options that may arise during the course of a game. The more knowledge that a player has about Blackjack rules, the more likely a player is not only to beat the Blackjack odds, but also to play a more professional and successful game of Blackjack. Taking advantage of all of the opportunities, no matter how small, can make a huge difference in profit.

In a standard game of Blackjack, every player has at least three different options to take after receiving their first two cards. Players can take a Hit of an additional card, Stand with what they have, or Split a pair into two separate hands (and two separate bets). The fourth option is called Double Down, and can increase your winnings twofold. In a Double Down, players must double their original bet, accept one hit, and then stand for the remainder of the game.

If playing Blackjack in the casino, or even internet Blackjack, you may have additional Blackjack betting options. It's becoming a popular fashion in Blackjack gaming to offer exciting side bets that players can take for the chance to increase their winnings. The concept behind these side bets is often taken from other popular games like poker. The side bet "21+3," for example, includes the dealer's up card and a player's first two cards in an attempt to form a 3-card poker hand. If these three cards form either a Straight, a Flush, or Three of a Kind, the player wins.

A more common side bet in Blackjack is called insurance. Insurance is offered to players in the case where the dealer's up card is an Ace. If this occurs, the player can take a gamble that the dealer has 21. Buying insurance costs half of the original bet, but winning will typically earn players a 2:1 payout. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, players will lose the extra half bet wagered, but continue to play the standard game with their dealt cards.

No matter whether a player is playing casino Blackjack or online casino Blackjack, it's important to know each of these Blackjack betting options before cashing into a game. Thorough knowledge allows a player to have more options and to take advantage of profitable betting opportunities that a less studious player may unknowingly pass over.