Posts filed under 'Blackjack'
Casino software specialists, Microgaming, released a new enhanced Blackjack variant yesterday that we predict will keep players coming back to casinos for years to come.
Each month the Microgaming team releases new casino games, adding to the already huge selection available online, but this new Blackjack is outstanding. As part of the Microgaming Gold Series of Table Games it features photo realistic images and offers some new gamble options that we think good (and lucky) Blackjack players will jump at!
New High Streak European Blackjack Gold lets you enhance your play with the High Streak side bet and progress along a generous chain of payouts – 4th High Streak wins pay at 10:1! What? Well, the more hands you win consecutively, the bigger the payouts get.
Some basics: This new Blackjack is played with 2 standard blackjack decks, the dealer must stand on all 17s. There is no peek option, and you can double down on 9, 10 and 11. You can split once to make 2 hands, but not unlike 10 value cards. A split Ace and a 10 count as 21 not BJ.
The Side bet options on this new Blackjack game really are pretty cool.
Once you win 2 hands in a row having placed side bets, the second consecutive win initiates “High Streak”. The 2nd Streak win pays 1 to 1. When your next consecutive hand is a winner, the 3rd Streak win pays 2 to 1, and your payout options progress accordingly for the next hand. If you win that hand too, your 4th streak win pays 5 to 1… and any 5th streak win pays at 10 to 1 ! The bonus bet pushes if the hands tie.
When you lose a hand, you lose all High streak side bets and have to build up the side betting lines from scratch by winning consecutive games again…
Sounds complicated? Far from it! To get into this extra betting action just place a side (high streak) bet when you bet as usual, and as you win, you’ll be promoted up the payout levels automatically. Easy – and profitable!
Here’s some help: Blackjack Basic Strategy
We suggest you check this new Microgaming Blackjack out at these top casinos: (You can play it for free as a guest or register to play for real money)
Wild Jack Casino (Players welcome from around the World including 39 US States)
Spin Palace Casino (UK owned and one of Europe’s most popular online casino venues)
January 9th, 2008
Our favourite Irish Casino DublinBet.com is running two lucky player draws in January and there is no limit to the number of entries you can have.
1. Win a Dell notebook computer, a trip to Ireland or €1500 in cash at Dublinbet in January. Just deposit and play €300 or more for an entry.
2. Players who deposit and play €100 or more are in a lucky draw for prizes of €500.
This promotion ends January 31 and the prizes will be drawn LIVE** on DublinBet, Tuesday February 5, 2008!
(**DublinBet in addition to offering great “standard” computer based online casino games – and some simply awesome early payout blackjack – is one of the top streaming video based Live Dealer casinos available on the net)
Here are the prize Details:
– DELL XPS M1530 laptop prize package ships direct from DELL. Maximum configuration value of prize is €1,500 including VAT and shipping.
– Win a trip to Ireland prize package is valued at approximately €1,500 and includes: Up to €1,000 Flight Credit –, 3 Days 2 Nights accommodation – deluxe room for 2 including high-speed internet access, Two 1-Day Tours to explore beautiful Ireland – a selection of tours will be provided for you to choose from – prize balance up to €500 in chips at the Fitzwilliam Card Club.
– Players may choose to take the equivalent prize package of €1,500 in CASH to your player account!
>>Check out Dublinbet
>>Read a detailed casino review on DublinBet
>>Compare the latest January Casino bonuses and promotional offers
Good luck from the team at CasinoLabRat.com!
January 5th, 2008
You’ve still got a chance to win a trip for two to Ireland (or a cash equivalent, your choice) courtesy of DublinBet online casino. Any deposit until midnight December 31 gives you an entry in the lucky draw. The more deposits you make, the more chances you have to win.
The draw will be held live on DublinBet.com January 2nd 2008!
That’s airfares, accomodation, €500 in free chips at Fitzwillian Card Club & Casino and 2x 1 day tours of beautiful Ireland.
There is also a count down to New Year running at DublinBet where you can claim up to €1500 in bonus casino chips…
By the way, DublinBet in our view offers one of the best Blackjack games on the net. You can play Early Payout Basic Strategy Blackjack either as a standard online casino game or against a live dealer (who is usually a dude called Sean or Mick or a cutie called Colleen… well, no we’ve actually had mostly non Irish named dealers, like Damian and Stuart).
We’ve had feedback that several readers who joined DublinBet having read about them in CasinoLabRat.com have had a STUNNING month payout wise in December… Fancy YOUR luck in January?
Check out DublinBet.com (Sorry, no US players due to America’s stoopid gambling laws)
Read more about DublinBet in the latest casino review on site at CasinoLabRat.com.
December 28th, 2007
If you’re cruising the net looking for the best Live Dealer Casino** – check out this new 1-page comparison of Live Dealer casino games at GoonersGuide.com.
** you know, where you can play Blackjack and other casino games online via web cam/streaming video & audio direct from a land-based casino
In Live Dealer games there are no computer “random number generators” or casino software in between you and your big win – or whatever fate has in store for you! These games are multiplayer, so the dealer deals to up to seven other live players at your table and through the video link you watch all the action as it falls.
Great live dealer chat too – quite fun to while away the wee small hours (check out DublinBet.com for a touch of the Irish Blarney and some truly excellent Early Payout Blackjack or for more sophisticated Eastern European flair, try Eurobet Live Casino)
Anyway – if you like it live – check out where the top action is (click on the image of the page, left).
(Sorry, due to US gambling legislation, no Live Dealer Casinos we recommend can currently accept US bettors)
November 16th, 2007
Following a couple of recent blogs I’ve posted on Basic Blackjack Strategy we’ve had a lot of requests from people wanting to know where they can practice Blackjack online for free – (no download, no registration, no obligation to play for real) and where you can find several different Blackjack game variants to try. (e.g. Single deck, Blackjack surrender, Vegas Strip and Atlantic Blackjack)
The team at GoonersGuide.com** has published an excellent page of free links to casino games on Microgaming, Playtech and Real Time Gaming Platforms so you can compare the different virtual blackjack tables!
Check out this page by clicking on the image (left) or use this link Free Blackjack no download, no registration.
Remember – try the Basic Strategy to improve your blackjack play – it WILL improve your profits!
Kishan Nielsen
(**A “Gooner” is an Arsenal supporter, and the GoonersGuide web site is a long standing source for all sorts of betting tips and advice – not just English Football tips and opinion!)
October 31st, 2007
Okay, building on the last 2 blog posts I made (the 3 approaches to blackjack and basic blackjack strategy) here are two tables that should help you make smarter decisions on what to do when you hold specific cards – and the dealer up-card is a certain card. They should be used in conjunction with the earlier table (The “Easiest Options” posted 24 October, 2007).
Playing pairs in blackjack basic strategy.
How to play the soft hands under basic blackjack strategy. (For example where an A-3 hand can be totalled as a “soft 14” or a “4”)
Remember, the basic rules that make up these tables are tested (not just by me – but through billions of hands by computer software). Quite simply, if you apply these rules on when to Stand, Hit, Split or Double down you will considerably improve your chances of making money playing Blackjack!
Play blackjack at Blackjack Ballroom Casino (play for free as a guest to practice your basic strategy!) Europeans, Canadians, Australians, UK residents… and Americans from 39 States are very welcome.
The best Live Dealer blackjack on the net can be found at Ireland’s DublinBet.com. DublinBet’s Distance Gaming® is a ‘must-try’ even if you’re not fussed for live dealer games – we rate the unique and patented Early Payout Blackjack. (Sorry, no US players)
October 25th, 2007
This blog posting and the one a couple of days ago are all about “How to Become a Winning Blackjack Player” – you really can improve your play and potentially make more money at the Blackjack table.
In my last blog posting I discussed the 3 playing strategies for Blackjack (ie be a loser and just back yourself, your lucky stars, or whatever; play “basic strategy”; or card count). I also covered some key info you should find out before you start to play a blackjack game for real money…like the table rules! These can make a significant difference to your chances of winning.
There’s no one perfect basic strategy for every Blackjack game, as the rules do vary between casinos and between individual game variants. But, for a typical set of rules, some of the key decisions you take are set out in the table below. This covers “the easy options” – what you should do when you have specific cards in your hand and when the dealer’s up-card is a specific card.
Note: The dealer’s hand is considered the most important card at the blackjack table – and many players still don’t even bother to even look at it! 
I’ll give you a quick summary table of what to do with pairs and also how to handle “soft hands” (ie like A-7 or A-2) under basic blackjack strategy in my next blog post.
Remember, this stuff is tried and true and tested (not by me – but through billions of hands by computer software). If you follow it, these decisions on when to Stand, Hit, Split or Double down will considerably improve your chances of making money playing Blackjack!
Kishan Neilsen
As I said in my previous blog, my favourite online casino for Blackjack is Blackjack Ballroom – their 38 Microgaming Blackjack game variants offer excellent game play. (US players from 39 States accepted, but a favourite with Canadians and Europeans too)
Carbon Poker is the other site I enjoy – and lots of CasinoLabRat.com readers frequently pull fairly large wins at the Blackjack side games on offer at this US-friendly online poker room! (players from all US States welcome)
October 24th, 2007
Yes! You can beat casino odds and win at Blackjack.
There are 3 ways to play Blackjack:
1. Rely on your gut instincts on whether to take another card, have no understanding of splitting or doubling-down and, above all, never look at the dealer’s up-card. You’re essentially giving the casino a needless 30% advantage, you’ll be dead meat! A huge number of Blackjack players “try their luck” in this manner!
2. Learn Basic strategy. This is the most sensible option. Thanks to computer programs that have tested how to play every possible hand billions of times, players needn’t take decisions based on gut reactions or ignorance. Basic strategy has transformed the pot-luck approach of the game – and you’ll win more often (although you’ll sometimes still get burned). And remember that the odds are still against you, so managing your stakes and having a clear financial strategy for winning or losing is essential.
At CasinoLabRat.com it’s amazing how often we see big winners – and we mean big – at the blackjack tables of many of the top rated online casinos!
Note: there is no one perfect basic strategy for every Blackjack game, as the rules are variable. But, for a typical set of casino rules, a table of the decisions you take will be set out in the next blog I’ll post.
3. Use a card counting technique. Ah, yes, this is the best way to win. It isn’t difficult to understand, but takes time to perfect. Operated well, card counting reverses the odds. Instead of the odds favouring the casino by about 2% even for a good basic strategy player, a card counter turns the odds to perhaps 2% in his favour. However, be warned: the better chance of card counting comes with a severe risk of being banned and facing a scary session with the gorillas below the stairs! (And it’s really only achievable at in-the-flesh casino Blackjack rather than online blackjack play).
Some Tips for Winning Blackjack
Top Tip 1: Big wins usually result from successful splits and double-downs. Always be ready to grab the chance when presented!
Top Tip 2: If the dealer’s up-card is an Ace, the dealer offers the chance of buying insurance. Basic strategy dictates that you don’t!
Top Tip 3: Blackjack rules vary, so check ‘em out before playing! Here’s some examples of things to look out for:
- Does the dealer have to stand on soft 17 (e.g. A-6?) This is a good rule for the player.
- How many decks are used? (It varies from one to eight or so usually) One is good.
- Can you surrender a bad hand, losing half the stake against a good dealer up card?
- Can you double down on any hand or just on certain totals?
- How often can you double down? (More is better)
- Can you only split pairs?
- Can you split more often than once? (This is good for players but seldom allowed)
- Can you double down after a split? (If you can this is a big advantage)
- If splitting Aces, then can just one more card be taken on each hand? (This is a bad rule for the player)
- Does the casino pay 3/2 if you get a Blackjack (and Ace plus a 10, Jack Queen or King?) Or are they into the new trend of paying only 6/5? (ie bad!)
…Continued in the next blog post,
Kishan
If you’re looking for the best site for Blackjack , we like and play at Blackjack Ballroom Casino. There are 38 different Blackjack variants available at Blackjack Ballroom – including several single deck blackjack options and a range of the popular Microgaming Gold series game format with ultra realistic card turns, chips and table layouts. Players from most countries are welcome, including US players from 39 States.
We’ve seen some big wins come through on Blackjack tables from players at CarbonPoker.com too – all US players are welcome at this top Australian-run online poker and gaming room.
October 23rd, 2007
So you’re looking for somewhere safe to play Blackjack or Roulette – where the casino doesn’t always win?
Gaming software at all casinos rated and reviewed by the team at CasinoLabRat.com is independently tested and certified for fair play – and the number of decks, card shuffling and casino edge are in general clearly laid out on each casino’s site so you can make the right decisions about where to play.
That said, we’ve had some great feedback from players at Bodog Casino recently – this US-player-friendly casino has suffered a good run of sizeable Blackjack and table game payouts since late September.
Check out the following Blackjack and Table Game wins reported over the last week at Bodog Casino:
October 5th, 2007 – Charles B. was getting hot cards at the tables. He made $37, 499 on blackjack. Ralph Z. made money off the tables too. He made $4,183 off of blackjack while James N. made $5,775.
October 2nd, 2007 – Robert E. rode the roulette wheel to big money making $43,362! James N. was money at the tables, he made $13,371 while Paul B. dominated blackjack with a $8,450 payout.
October 1st, 2007 – Kevin B. of NJ took down the biggest casino win last weekend in Bodog’s online casino when he walked away from the virtual blackjack table with $29,012. Congratulations Kevin, you are The Man! Other Blackjack winners included Aaron S. of TX and Frank L. of CA who made $11,916 and $10,850 respectively. Jim P. of CA added to his previous days Blackjack winnings by taking home another $9,850. And Glen K. of MD was yet another big Blackjack winner as he took home $9,030. Dennis P. of AL won $9,368 playing Tri-Card Poker.
September 27th, 2007 – Jim P. of CA who was the Bodog online casino’s big winner yesterday with a $45,450 payday proving the Jim definitely knows how to play Blackjack.
Jeffrey D. of NY who must have heard the buzz about Bodog’s Let Em’ Ride game and how much it has been paying out because he got in on the action and won himself $24,717!
Ryan L. of NM turned out to be another big Blackjack winner with $7,920.
And Tom A. continued his winning streak on Double Double Bonus Poker with another $5,245 payout.
September 26th, 2007 – Tom A. of PA must’ve of got the bonus playing Double Double Bonus Poker. He made $23,520! Mattew M. was solid on the blackjack tables, he made $23,457. Nice.
September 24th, 2007 – Blackjack was hot as usual in the Bodog Casino! Brenda A. cleaned out the blackjack table last night with a $11,969 win. There were some other winners on the tables as well. Nathlie C., Stephen P., and Lisa B. made $9,338,$7,488, and $6,512 respectively.
>> Visit Bodog Casino to start your winning blackjack streak today!
>> Compare the best casinos online for Blackjack play
October 7th, 2007
OK, so it’s got a stupid name, but it actually plays quite well… and is an interesting alternative to Blackjack.
A couple of the top Playtech online casinos have recently added a new card game called Stravaganza (as well as an excellent new Baccarat game with a Progressive Jackpot…)
So what’s Stravaganza all about?
Stravaganza is played with 5 decks of cards. The object of the game is to have a point total higher than the dealer. Card values are similar to Blackjack: number cards count at face value, picture cards are worth 10, and the Ace is worth 1. However, unlike Blackjack, you can’t bust: the higher your hand value, the better.
Depending on your card total, you can choose to:
- Play on – place a second bet (same size as the first), get a third card, and keep playing. You can always do this.
- Sit – keep playing with two cards and your original bet. You can do this if your point total is 10 or more.
- Money back – get your full bet back, and end the round. You can do this if your point total is 5 or less.
- Rescue bet – get half of your bet back, and end the round. You can do this if your point total is between 6 and 9.
There are also Bonus payouts: 3 of a kind, 5s – Ks pays at 3 to 1 and 3 Face cards pays out at 1.5 to 1.
In Stravaganza you also have the option of a Progressive Jackpot Side Bet. If you place a jackpot bet you’re in to win a jackpot that is the minimum 10000 x your jackpot bet size (it’s currently sitting at around $25K at Centrebet Casino for example).
Did we enjoy it? Yes, surprisingly so. I’d personally recommend it to any player looking for a change from their usual Blackjack variant or even 3-card poker players may like this one.
So where can I play Stravaganza?
BetFred Casino (UK owned and operated) – play Stravaganza in red
Centrebet Casino (Australian owned and operated) – play Stravaganza in blue
June 6th, 2007
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