Blackjack is a beloved, world-renowned, classic casino game.
For a long time, those interested in playing blackjack would have to go to a gaming venue.
Now, it is accessible at an online casino as well as in land-based venues.
Thanks to online casinos, more players can try out this iconic game from anywhere in the world. So, how do you get started?
In this article, new players will learn everything they need to know about blackjack before experiencing the game for themselves.
The following paragraphs will provide more information on the game, its rules, as well as a list of key tips that you should know before playing. These will help you have an enjoyable and memorable first blackjack gaming experience.
Where did blackjack come from?
Blackjack remains a mysterious game. Historians and researchers are not entirely sure of its origins.
The majority of historians and researchers support the hypothesis that the game was created in France somewhere during the 17th or 18th century.
This hypothesis is based on texts and written sources of the time that refer to a French game called ‘vingt-et-un’ (‘twenty-one’) which has similar rules to modern-day blackjack.
Basic rules of blackjack
Here are some of the basic rules of blackjack. Readers should note that there are different variations of blackjack and that these rules may vary slightly depending on the version they are playing.
Traditionally, the game is played with a 52-card deck. The number of players usually ranges from 2 to 7.
Simply put, to win at blackjack, a player needs to finish with a higher number of points than the dealer. However, they cannot go over 21 points in total, or they lose the game.
The King, Queen and Jack cards are worth 10 points each. The Ace is worth 1 or 11 points depending on the blackjack variation.
The points of the other cards are very straightforward.
They are worth the number that is written on them. For example, an 8 will be worth 8 points.
Things to consider before playing blackjack
Here are some key tips for new players who are about to embark on their first blackjack gaming journey.
Pick the right gaming venue
Are you more of an online casino player? Or do you prefer playing in a land-based venue?
Before playing blackjack and betting real sums of money, you should make sure you have found a trustworthy and adequate venue.
You want to make sure that your deposits are securely kept and that your sensitive information such as name, address and bank account details, are safely stored by the gaming provider.
Choosing the right online casino or land-based casino is a very important step. It can positively or egatively impact your gaming experience depending on which provider you pick.
Check which blackjack variation you will be playing
As mentioned before, there are different types of blackjack variations. Make sure you know which one you will be playing before starting the game.
Different variations can slightly change the rules of blackjack. They might also mean that you need to develop a different gaming strategy.
Either way, checking which variation you will be playing is a must and it will ensure that your gaming experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Bear in mind that some casinos may only offer one type of blackjack variation.
Check to see if the variation they offer suits your gaming needs. If you don’t enjoy playing it, feel free to change venues and to try out a different variation.
You might not enjoy one variation but might find that a slightly different one suits you perfectly.
Start by betting small amounts
Don’t get carried away when you first start gaming. Start by betting small amounts of money and budgeting your deposits.
Make sure you take a small break after every few games to give yourself time to relax, count your winnings and/or losses, and check your budget.
By betting small amounts, you will get a chance to play more games which will help you learn and improve at blackjack.
If you bet large amounts, you will most likely end up losing it very quickly and will find yourself unable to play more rounds.
In other words, bet less, play more.
As soon as you start to find your feet and feel your game improve, you can start to bet larger amounts.
Look into blackjack strategies and use probability
Don’t be intimidated by blackjack gaming strategies and probability. There are some very easy strategies that any beginner can learn and can start using straight away.
Here are some of the key strategies that you can look into as a beginner:
- Soft hand basic strategy
- Hard hand basic strategy
Learning these before your first game will be one of the best things that you will do. They will prevent you from learning and reinforcing bad playing habits.
With these strategies, you will increase your chances of winning and have a more authentic blackjack gaming experience.
You now know everything that you need to in order to start playing blackjack. We hope these were useful. Now go and have fun!
