Blackjack is the most widely played casino card game around the world. The object of the game is to land your card value as close as possible to 21 without busting as it is more commonly known. Blackjack variations are numerous in both online and land-based casinos.

The popularity of blackjack is credited to the fact that one can lower the house edge with skill. This is done with a card counting technique whereby you adapt your wager and strategy based upon which cards have yet to be dealt. Unfortunately most casinos frown upon card counters, deeming that it is unfair to the casino. Do not despair, there are a few other tricks one can use to increase the chances of winning at blackjack.

In this section we have compiled articles such as how to play blackjack, blackjack strategy and many other articles. 

What is live blackjack?

Live blackjack is played from a webcam casino, a real live dealer deals the cards and not a software program. You get to see the dealer while you’re playing thanks to real time streaming from a live studio to your pc. Live casinos have taken the online gambling industry by storm.

Driven by technology and trust, the live dealer sector of the online casino industry is here to stay. Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (GBGC) stated that in 2008 $18.7 billion was wagered on live dealer games. GBGC said that this figure has gone up to a whopping $40 billion in 2012. Therefore a growth rate of more than 118% over a period of four years.

Live Blackjack is popular for two reasons. Players can see the cards being dealt and they can interact with the dealers via chat. Player retention and value is so much higher at live dealer casinos as opposed to traditional RNG (Random Number Generator) play that most online casinos offer. According to Live Casino Partners, the affiliate program for the Lucky Live Casino, roulette is their most popular live dealer game, generating 70% of their revenue. baccarat generates 20% and approximately 10% comes from blackjack.

The difference between live dealer and traditional RNG (Random Number Generator) play that most online casinos offer is that live dealer play is significantly slower. Like a brick-and-mortar casino, you have to wait for the dealer, whether it is dealing the cards or spinning the roulette wheel. Player retention and player value is high with live dealer casinos, many online casinos are more than happy to offer this product.

Blackjack Switch

This variant of blackjack is very similar to conventional blackjack in some aspects. Blackjack Switch enables players to do what is regarded as cheating under normal circumstances: such as trading cards between two hands.

Play begins in Blackjack Switch when a player makes two bets of the same size. The cards are dealt face up, after which the player may opt to “switch” the second card dealt to each hand. For example, if dealt an 8, 2 for the first hand and a 9, 3 for the second hand, the player could switch the 2 and 3 to create two new hands of 11 and 11.

The Following Rules Apply

  • Blackjack Switch is played with six decks.
  • The dealer must hit a soft 17.
  • Players must double on any two cards.
  • Players must double after a split. Players may not re-split.
  • Winning player blackjacks pay even money.
  • Player loses total wager against a dealer blackjack.
  • A dealer total of 22 will push (tie) against any player total of 21 or less. But a player blackjack will still beat a dealer’s 22.

Note: All the other rules are based on traditional blackjack, making it one of the more popular blackjack versions.

Caribbean 21

This variant of blackjack popular at most online casinos. Caribbean 21 is an eight-deck game that presents player its fair share of deviations from conventional blackjack, of which some are good and some bad.

Rules of the Game

  • An Ace is only valued as one point. All the other card values are identical to traditional blackjack.
  • Players receive two cards face up, while the dealer only receives one card face up. There is no hole card.
  • Players may hit, stand, split, surrender or double.
  • Players may double at any time. This includes redoubling and doubling after splitting cards.
  • Surrender is available at any time. In the event the player surrenders, half of the total bet is forfeited.
  • Splitting is permitted on any two ties.
  • The dealer wins all ties.
  • If a player is dealt an Ace and two 10-point cards, the hand is called a “Caribbean 21” and is ranked higher than all the other 21-point hands. A Caribbean 21 pays 3 to 2. All other winning hands pay 1 to 1.

This game has its disadvantages though, such as the dealer winning all ties. However, when played to optimal strategy it offers a surprisingly low house edge of about 0.19 percent.

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