The Casino Lab Rat Blog

Casino Game Lowdown: Blackjack

January 21st, 2007

If you were around in the sixties you’d have been playing blackjack with a single deck, the dealer would stand on soft 17, and doubling would be allowed on any of the first 2 cards. Heaven.

Nowadays we are used to playing with 2 decks (and the house edge increases by 0.3%), four decks (increases to 0.5%) and even six decks (0.6%) or at some casinos eight decks…

If we then consider that doubling down is restricted to 9, 10 and 11, the house has gained another 0.1%. As a dealer’s blackjack beats yours, we’re now down a further 0.1%. Add no re-splitting and you’ve lost another 0.1% to the house.

Is it really worth playing?

Well, yes – and no. Whether you’re playing at an online casino or in-the-flesh if you play tight and follow a few golden rules you should be able to level up the game. But remember – quit while you are winning or you’ll plough it all back in!

HOUSE RULES
First learn the rules and proper strategy – these can vary from one casino to another. Never (and we mean ever!) play at a casino that does not disclose the basic information you need in order to make informed blackjack decisions. Read the HELP, FAQ or contact the casino  support team for details – it is  your right to know!

NUMBER OF DECKS
The more decks used, the greater the house advantage – so look out for low deck games. (Single deck games are available at Blackjack Ballroom Casino)

SOFT 17
You have an edge when the dealer stands with a soft 17 (say, for example an Ace and a 6)

DOUBLE DOWN
Limitations on what combinations a player can double-down on increases the house advantage. In some games players can only double down on a 10 or 11, and not after splitting.

SPLITTING
In some games players are not allowed to re-split cards (i.e. splitting after a split) or re-split Aces.

DEALER PEEK
In most US Casinos the blackjack dealer checks for blackjack when the up-card is an Ace or a 10 that is to your advantage.

TIP: Avoid the blackjack insurance bet like the plague as there is a house advantage of 5-8%! (This is where an Ace is showing you bet the dealer will hit a blackjack at 2/1)

WHERE TO PLAY ONLINE?
Blackjack Ballroom has 34 Blackjack games variants available – including 5 single deck games and the ultra-realistic Microgaming Gold Series Blackjack in both single-hand and multi-hand versions. Licensed in Kahnawake, Canada, this online casino is well worth a look. US based players are still welcomed from 11 States.

For UK and European blackjack enthusiasts we regard BetFred Casino as the best Playtech-based online casino. .

Click here for fact sheets on the top 8 online casinos we recommend for Blackjack.

Entry Filed under: Blackjack,Gambling News