Tag: Blackjack

3 Blackjack Tips for New Players

Blackjack is one of the easiest and most popular games played by players on online casinos.  If we compare the data related with the players opting for other casinos games, Blackjack is certainly on the top of the pyramid.  The major reason for the popularity of this game can be contributed to the fact that a player does not have to make too many mathematical calculations or opt for complex strategies generally required in other games.

It is quite easy for a player to learn and play online blackjack.  One just needs to go through the basic rules of the game and you are ready to rock and roll.  The standard game play of all the online versions of blackjack includes reaching the highest score of 21 or to beat the dealer’s hand.

Even though playing online version of the blackjack is quite same as that of regular blackjack, but there are some variants of this game which comes with different set of rules.  In order to avoid any surprises it is always better that you should go through the rules related to that particular variant.  Albeit being a fast paced game and with a very low house edge, Blackjack still requires full attention of the player.  There are some tips which can be followed by new players to better their chances of scoring more wins.

Follow the Basic Strategy

If you can memorize when to hit, split, stand or double down during the game of Blackjack then the house edge can be substantially decreased. You can follow these basic strategies to be more successful.

  • Opt for “Stand” if you have a hand in the range of 12-16 and the dealer’s hand is in the range of 2-6.
  • Opt for “Hit” if you have a hand in the range of 12-16 and the dealer’s hand is in the range of 7-Ace.
  • Always opt for splitting 8s and Aces.
  • Opt for Double 11 vs. dealer’s 2-10

It is always better to write down these basic strategies on a card for reference so that you don’t get confused during the game.

Do Not Opt For Insurance

Unless you are an expert in counting cards, do not opt for buying an insurance.  Buying insurance means that you have made an additional bet with extra money based on an inkling that the dealer will hit a Blackjack.  According to the experts, buying insurance can increase the house edge up to six percent.  It is always better to check the dealer’s card as what he gets can make a lot of difference for the player.

Always Start with Small Bets

As common with any unknown situation, it is always better to gauge it first rather than to go in on full throttle.  When you start always go with the small bets in order to take in account the direction or flow of the game.  By doing so you can perceive whether the dealer is in a hot or cold streak.  If you feel that the dealer is on fire then you can get out of the game and try your luck at a later time.

You should also put a cap on the amount of money for each round of Blackjack.  Just set a limit on the amount of money you are ready to lose and never go beyond that limit.  Do not burn your bankroll in order to score some freebies provided by the online casinos.  If you think that negative variance is hitting you, then move on and get out of the game.

Blackjack vs. Roulette: Which is the best game?

 

If we consider characteristics of both Blackjack and Roulette, they don’t have anything in common.  While the first one is a card game which involves competing with the dealer to hit a blackjack, the other one is played by using a spinning wheel to bet upon certain numbers, colors and other choices provided on the game board.

If we ask this question to the aficionados of both games each one might have their own reasons to favor their favorite game.  Some people who like to play roulette online have certain reasons favoring the online version as compared to the one played in land based casinos.  Same goes for the people who like to play Blackjack.

In this article we will go through some of the major differences between these two games so that you can select the right one as your favorite.  While going through the characteristics of blackjack in this article, you should keep in mind that there are many variants of Blackjack currently available at casinos and we are only discussing classic Blackjack here.

Difference of Odds

The odds provided in the game of Roulette never change.  They do not depend upon the course of the game nor on the results of previous bets.  For example the odds of betting on black are always in the range of 18/38 to 18/37 in the favor of a player to win the bet.  This happens because each spin is totally independent.  So when you are playing roulette, try to acknowledge this simple fact and do not try to find an edge in this game by taking into consideration the previous spins.  

In the game of Blackjack the results are totally dependent upon the previous results and the quality of the remaining cards in the deck.  Just consider a situation where all the aces have been already dealt, then analyse your chances to hit a blackjack.  In this game, once a card is dealt it is gone out of the game.  This totally changes the composition of the deck as well as the outcomes along with increasing the house edge.

Concept of Strategy vs. Chance

If the game of Roulette is based on pure chance and luck, Blackjack requires game strategy and ability to count cards.  A smart player can easily change the house edge of Blackjack in his favor while in the case of Roulette it is not possible.  The house edge in Roulette never changes whatever the circumstances may be, it will remain the same.  For example in American Roulette the house edge stands at 5.26 percent.  It will remain same through the whole course of the game without getting affected by the outcomes of previous spins.

The game of Blackjack provides its players with a chance to make certain decisions through course of the game which can make house edge to go in any of the two ways between the dealer or the player.  It is quite common for experienced players to use some basic strategies which involve mathematically correct decision for a particular situation.  They use their memory to make that decision.     

Conclusion

If we consider the pace of both the games, Blackjack is bit faster as compared to roulette in wagers being made per hour.  You can play up to 60 hands if there are other five players on the table.  On contrary, if you are playing roulette with five players then chances are that you will have 30 to 35 spins per hour.

Does this favor Blackjack over Roulette? Certainly it does not.  Selecting between these two games depends upon your gaming style and personality.  If you want a slow paced, elegant game based on chance and luck then Roulette is certainly the best choice.  While a penchant for card games and ability to enjoy a challenge of making a strategy and correct decisions makes  Blackjack your preferred choice.