One of the best table games around is Blackjack and it’s been played in casinos for decades – starting in land-based venues and then moving online.
Beneath the surface of the popular casino game, there are some things that many players may not know about the game.
When you play online Blackjack games at Betfair Casino, for example, these secrets may come in handy, so carry on reading to find out more…
The game origins
The exact origins of Blackjack are uncertain, but the game’s roots can be traced back several decades during the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe.
As Blackjack started out it was known as “Vingt-et-Un” which is French for 21, highlighting the game’s main goal of reaching the number 21 or as close to it as possible.
With massive French influences on the game, it’s a nod to the historical evolution of Blackjack and its cultural connections.
Hot and cold streaks
You may have heard about these streaks, as players hope to succeed when momentum is high or break away from an unsuccessful streak.
But in reality, each hand is an independent event that’s unaffected by any previous outcomes, keeping each game fun and fair.
The cards have no memory of other rounds, so any superstitions around hot and cold streaks are completely inaccurate.
It’s the same with online Blackjack, but instead, a Random Number Generator (RNG) controls the game, which is a computer algorithm ensuring all outcomes are entirely random.
So, forget about those hot and cold streaks when you next step up to a Blackjack table!
The dealer’s upcard
In a standard game of Blackjack, you’re playing against the dealer, not other players. All players within a game will first be dealt one face-up card and then the dealer will deal themselves one.
While some players understand the significance of this, others may be unaware, but it’s important to utilize it during a game.
The higher the dealer’s face-up card, the higher the chance of them reaching over 21 and going ‘bust’ with their following cards that won’t be visible to you.
It may be useful to take this into account when carrying on the game. For example, you could ‘stick’ if you have a decent hand, rather than risking being dealt another card if you think the dealer has ‘bust’, which will automatically lose them the game.
However, it’s important to remember that this is only a guide and will never determine your success, as a Blackjack game is completely random.
When to split or double down
The secret to a better game of Blackjack is understanding when to split or double down.
A split is offered when a player’s initial two-card hand has two of the same value, so you can make two separate hands. It can create better opportunities for stronger hands and it’s best to split with pairs of aces and eights.
Doubling down lets you double your initial bet after receiving your first two cards. Doing this when your hand total is nine, 10, or 11 is best.
These are just tips – remember none of these will guarantee you success!
With a few Blackjack secrets that could elevate your next game, will you be stepping up to the table physically or virtually?
