They say to keep your poker face when playing poker. Is there a blackjack facial expression while playing the titular card game? For some, maybe so!
Remaining calm and collected while playing as strategically as a casino card game as online blackjack is essential for success. Understanding the game itself and its rules is important for success at the table. Played with a standard deck of 52 cards, blackjack is a game where as you are dealt more cards, your hand value cannot exceed 21.
You can try blackjack online on christchurchcasino.com when you are ready to practice. Demo modes allow you to get a feel for the game’s controls such as how to request a hit or to stand. But what do all these terms mean? Listen up, first-time players and take notes!
1. Hit
Asking the dealer for a hit means getting dealt another card into your hand. Watch your hand value before requesting another hit. For example, being at 5 to 11 before another hit could get you closer to 21 without going over. It gets risky when you ask for a hit at a current hand value of 12 and above because a face card or 10 could instantly put you over 21. This results in a bust.
2. Bust
Experiencing a bust means that your hand value has gone over 21 and you can no longer participate in the game. You lose all your bet money and have to wait until the next round to try again. Take this time to evaluate other people’s hit and stand strategies so you can learn from them to integrate them into your betting scheme next time.
3. Stand
Taking a stand means you opt out of taking any more hits to your hand with the hopes of being declared the winner. Having a hand value of 16 to 20 could warrant taking a stand. This is most valuable if other players are closer to 21 than you, but you know they might hit again because they have a higher risk tolerance.
4. Split
Let’s say you are dealt two of the same higher-value cards like two Aces or two 8s. You can split them into two separate hands. Aces (if in your opening hand) are valued as 11. You will play each hand as its own and make an additional bet.
Splitting requires careful consideration as you keep taking more hits. Ensure to analyze what possible cards are still available in the deck before requesting another hit.
5. Double Down
Doubling down is for highly confident bettors who think they will be declared the winner. You double your original bet size and receive one more card from the dealer. The condition is that you cannot hit anymore after doubling down. Having a strong starting hand of 10 to 11 may be when you want to double down to increase your chances of getting as close to 21 as possible without going over.
6. Push
A push happens somewhat rarely. This means your hand value is equivalent to the dealer’s hand value. This is considered a tie in blackjack and your bet amount gets returned to you. While a push may not be as satisfying as a win, it’s much better than losing your entire bet.
7. Blackjack
How did this card game get its name? It’s from when the first two cards dealt in your hand are an Ace and a 10-point card (a face card or 10 of any suit). This is the ideal hand as it’s mainly hard to beat unless another player is able to tie with the first player who hits 21 exactly.
