The popularity of online Blackjack explained
Blackjack is often known as a card game for intellectuals, celebrities and the wealthy. Smart people love the game because they can count cards and beat the house. In turn, famous and wealthy people love it because it provides the privilege to play against the casinos through their dealers.
But do you really need to be smart, rich and famous to win at blackjack? If the game’s popularity proves anything, it’s that anyone can be a blackjack player. All you need is to understand how it works and learn a few strategies to give you an edge.
In this article, we’ll talk about how blackjack works and the reasons behind its growth over the years.
What is Blackjack and How does it Work?
Blackjack is a card game based on pure chance. It’s played between a player and a casino employee called a dealer. Some game types also allow different players around the same table. But the objective is always to beat a dealer in producing a hand whose value is closest to or equal to twenty-one.
At the start of every blackjack game, a dealer hands you two cards. She then deals herself two cards—one exposed and one facing down. After that, you have to make a decision. Ask for another card, stand or double down.
Logically, you make a decision based on your two cards and the dealer’s exposed card. If your cards make up a hand of 17 to 21 and the dealer has a card of 2-7, the smartest decision is to stand. That’s because there’s a chance you’ll beat her. Hitting for another card will usually take your hand past 21, in which case you bust—a loss.
Why is Blackjack so Popular?
For a long time, blackjack was the most popular card game in the world. It has since been toppled by baccarat thanks to an influx of high rollers in Macau. All the same, blackjack is still immensely popular at land-based and online casinos. Here’s why.
Straightforward Rules
As mentioned above, blackjack is a pretty simple game. You pick a blackjack table and place a bet. The dealer gives you two cards and shows you one of his. After that, you can double down to increase your profits, hit or stand.
If you get a hand close or equal to 21 and better than the dealer’s, you win. If your card exceeds 21, you lose. If you tie the dealer with a perfect hand (21), it’s called a push—a draw. These rules are simple to understand, which is why so many people choose blackjack over baccarat or craps.
Blackjack Variants
Blackjack comes in many forms. There’s the classic version and there are variants like Spanish 21, Atlantic City and Vegas strip blackjack types. Each game comes with different rules, house edge and payout rates. The online blackjack guide from online-gambling.com explains more about blackjack in general. It also lists the ten most popular variations of the games, their return to player rates and their software providers.
In case you’re wondering, most blackjack variants have a 99% RTP, from classic and pontoon to Perfect blackjack and blackjack surrender. Still, to be clear, these games vary in their rules, number of decks and payout rates.
Strategies and Systems
Although blackjack is a game of chance, you can use strategies and systems to improve your chances of winning. The most popular strategy is called the Basic Blackjack strategy. It’s such a popular system that nearly all experts use it.
It’s not the only strategy out there, though. There are at least five strategies you can use to lower the house advantage and increase your chances of winning. For example, you can use card counting—the famous system that help a group of MIT students make millions at Las Vegas casinos.
Another strategy is a progressive system in which you increase or reduce your stakes when you win or lose. Some experts say these systems are flawed for one reason—you must have a lot of money to use them. You could also cheat with the help of the dealer but this seldom works.
Bonuses and Promotions
The best blackjack websites show appreciation to new and loyal customers through bonuses. You can receive $20 to play a few rounds of classic 21 immediately you create an account. Or you could get a 100% match on your first deposit.
Either way, bonuses from real money blackjack casinos can help you win real money. In fact, some sites let you withdraw as much money as you win playing games with their bonuses. Beware, though—most bonuses come with terms you must fulfill, from your banking choice to withdrawal policies.
For example, you have to rollover your bonus 10x to 40 to turn your bonus into cash. Others place betting limits so that you can’t play more than $5 or $20 per game. Another vital rule affects how fast you fulfill rollover terms. For example, a casino could decide that only 5% of money spent on blackjack helps you fulfill wagering requirements.
Success in Popular Culture
Blackjack is one of the few casino games that won the hearts of popular culture. It’s loved by Hollywood producers, actors, singers and mainstream media. If you need prove, take a look at the number of blackjack movies out there: 21, the Hangover, and blackjack to name a few.
When it comes to celebrities, at least a dozen famous people have been spotted playing blackjack in Las Vegas. They include Jay-Z, P Diddy, 50 Cent, Paris Hilton, Prince Harry and Ben Affleck.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, blackjack is still one of the most popular card games out there. It might have lost its top position to baccarat. But it’s pretty popular in the western world. Players love blackjack for all sorts of reasons.
Some like blackjack because it’s simple to play. Others fancy the chance to play a casino game with an employee. On the flip side, professional blackjack players choose this game because it provides them with a chance to win money consistently.
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