Monthly archives: July 2014

Introduction to Online Blackjack

Playing blackjack online is becoming more popular as players realize how easy it is to learn and play the game. Once a player learns the basics of the game, play becomes easy and can provide hours of entertainment. At its advanced levels, online blackjack does require some analysis and skill. Players can gain a slight advantage by anticipating opponents’ moves and understanding what moves yield a higher percentage of wins. There is also the luck factor. Sometimes the cards are in a player’s favour and other times they are not. Regardless, playing online blackjack can be a lot of fun.

The Basics Of Play

The game of blackjack dates back to the 1700s, and caught on the in the U.S. when Old West saloons began to offer higher payouts if a winning player’s hand contained either the Jack of Spades or Jack of Clubs. This is where the name “Blackjack” evolved. Originally titled “Twenty-one,” in the game players are dealt two cards and can continue to draw cards until they reach 21. If a player’s cards total more than 21, the player loses. Players compete against the dealer, who must also try to reach the magic number, 21. If no player hits 21, the player with the highest card total closest to 21 without going over is the winner of the hand.

Playing Online

The game is no different online. The same rules apply but now players can enjoy the game right from their own home. There is no need to drive to the casino. Players can get in front of their computer and play online blackjack without having to leave home. Less experienced players can choose to play online blackjack for free to learn the game. As players progress and their skill level improves, they can sign up with an online casino and place wagers and play for money. A good place to get started playing online blackjack for free is http://freeonlineblackjackca.com/!

Online Blackjack Variations

While the game of blackjack is entertaining and fun, online casinos offer a number of variations of the game to keep things exciting. These variations are based on the original game, but with some added twists. Like the original game, players need to familiarize themselves with the rules and play several games for free before attempting to play for money.

One variation that players will find is Blackjack Switch. Players play two hands at one time and are permitted to switch their second card between the two hands. A player with a 10 and 6 in his first hand and a 5 and 9 in the second can switch the second cards and have two much better hands. The ability to switch hands gives players an advantage against the dealer. As a result, the dealer’s rules are slightly different and a true Blackjack pays out even money, not 3:2 as in most online casinos. Still, the game is an entertaining twist on the original Blackjack.

Another unique version is Pontoon. In this variation, players get a 2 to 1 on Blackjack, which is called a Pontoon. If the dealer gets a Pontoon, the dealer wins. In fact, the dealer wins all ties in Pontoon, which is one disadvantage for players in this variation. Players can win on a Five Card Charlie – five cards without going over 21 – no matter their point total. A winning Five Card Charlie hand scoring a 19, for example, pays out 2:1. The dealer wins, though, if he has a Five Card Charlie that totals the same.

Where To Start

Whether you have played online blackjack or not, if you want to start it’s advisable to play online blackjack for free first. There are several sites where you can play for free and learn the basics and some of the strategies that can help you become successful as a player. As mentioned above, freeonlineblackjackca.com is a good place to start, as it offers 14 variations of online blackjack for free and also has a few nice casino offers if you choose to move on to the real thing. Good luck!