Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games among Canadian players. After all, it’s easy to learn and players have a good chance at winning. The average RTP of online blackjack is between 97% and 99%.
Luck plays a role in the outcome of blackjack, but a good strategy will get you further. That’s why this is one game where the casino has a low house edge. If you’re new to the game of blackjack, you’ve hit the right page. Below, we’re going to discuss some tips and strategies to help you master the game of blackjack.
Understanding the Basics
Blackjack is a game where it’s dealer vs player. Each will get dealt two cards. Whoever’s hand is closest to 21 is the winner. However, if either hand goes over 21, it will result in a bust, which is an automatic loss.
The suits of the cards don’t matter, but the numbers do. Cards 2 through 10 all represent their face value. The face cards are worth 10. When an Ace is revealed, players can choose whether it’s worth 1 or 11.
When you’re dealt two cards, you can decide to ‘stand’, which means no more cards will be dealt to you. The other choice is ‘hit’, which means the dealer will give you another card until you choose a stand.
There are a couple of other key terms players should know before we discuss strategies. ‘Double down’ can be chosen if players want to double their bets and receive another card. If you get two identical cards, you can choose ‘split’ to play two separate hands with them.
Essential Strategies
There are a few essential strategies that can take a novice blackjack player far. The first thing to understand is when to stand and when to hit. Take a look at your hand, and what card is facing up on the dealer’s hand before making a decision.
It’s typically a good idea to stand if your hand is at 17 or higher, no matter what’s in the dealer’s hand. If your hand is at 13, but the dealer has a bust card (a card that will likely put them over 21) it’s best to stand. Remember: the dealer always hits unless their hand reaches 17.
Now, the question of when to hit. A rule of thumb is to hit when your hand is at 12 or less. If it’s between 13 and 17, make your move based on what you see in the dealer’s hand. It’s usually a good call to hit if they are holding a 7 or lower.
Another thing to remember is that there is no foolproof strategy for winning at blackjack. For this reason, you should always set limits before you play. Stay within your limits and avoid chasing any losses.
Advanced Techniques
So, you might be wondering about advanced techniques for blackjack. This would involve card counting. Now, when it comes to card counting, it’s not necessarily illegal. It’s only illegal if you use a device. There are no laws against using strategies in your head to count the cards. But keep in mind that if a casino suspects you’re counting cards (even without a device), they can kick you out.
There are many different types of card counting techniques that players can use for blackjack. The two most popular for novice gamblers are Hi-Lo and Omega II. Let’s take a look at what each one entails.
- Hi-Lo: Assign a value to each card to keep count of the deck. Cards 2 through 6 are +1, cards 7 through 9 are 0, and face cards & aces are -1. This can help you determine how many high cards are left in the deck,
- Omega II: This method involves assigning a more specific set of numbers to cards for keeping count. Cards 2 through 7 are +1, cards 8 and 9 are 0, and face cards and aces are -2.
Leveraging Bonuses and Promotions
Canadians can use promotions, like free chips and deposit bonuses, to extend their blackjack experience. The experts at Casino RIX Canada highly recommend using bonuses for online card games because they can help you boost your bankroll. Basically, you can use the token to play for real money on the casino’s behalf.
While we love a good blackjack bonus, it’s essential to use these offers responsibly. Most casinos have a policy that only allows players to activate one bonus at a time. You must meet all of the conditions, such as wagering requirements and betting limits. If a player abuses these bonus offers, they could get banned from the casino site.
Blackjack is a thrilling casino game that relies on the decisions players make. The ultimate goal is to have the hand closest to 21 without going over. Since this game uses strategy, the casino has a lower house edge- giving players an advantage to win more often. However, it’s important to always set limits and play responsibly. There is no guaranteed way to win blackjack every time you play.