Millions of people around the world visit casinos to play, as it’s a brilliant way to have a good time. For centuries, casinos have remained among the most popular venues in the world.
And in this age of high technology, online casinos can offer a wide selection of games and slots, roulette, sports betting, numerous ‘crash’ games, as well as various card games, such as live dealer blackjack online, which we’ll discuss in more detail.
Blackjack is one of the most popular card games, rivalling poker and ‘Texas Hold’em’. The game combines luck, strategy and excitement. Many players from India choose blackjack precisely because of its simple rules and the game’s straightforward, relaxed nature.
The basics and rules of blackjack
This game is similar to ‘fare chasers’ — a term and a game found in Hong Kong — where the player must score as many points as possible, getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. In this game, you play against the dealer, not against other players.
A standard 52-card deck is used, but sometimes additional decks may be added to make the game more challenging and unpredictable. Familiarise yourself with the combinations and point values according to traditional blackjack rules:
- Cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value.
- What is the value of a Jack, Queen and King? Each is worth 10 points.
- An ace can be counted as either 11 or 1, depending on which value is more advantageous to you.
Now the game begins; you have placed your bet. The deal: the dealer deals the player two face-up cards, and themselves one face-up and one face-down card. The player now has the following options:
- ‘Hit’ (take an extra card) — to take another card.
- ‘Stand’ — not to take any more cards, leaving the current hand as it is.
- ‘Double down’ — the player doubles their initial bet and receives only one additional card (most players ‘double down’ when their total is close to 21).
- Split — two identical cards are split into two separate hands.
- Insurance — usually used if the dealer’s upcard is an ace; in such cases, you can take out insurance.
The dealer follows different rules: they usually draw cards until they reach 17 points, and stand on 17 or more. You win if you have more points than the dealer, provided your total does not exceed 21. Blackjack (21 points from two cards) pays out at 3:2; if the player and dealer have the same number of points, your stake is returned and you can play again.
What are the different types of blackjack?
Beginners should be aware that there are various types of blackjack, and they should try each version to work out which one they like best.
Currently, the most popular variant in India is classic blackjack — the original version from the US, where the dealer immediately looks at their second card if the first is a 10 or an ace.
European rules also differ slightly: the dealer’s face-down card remains hidden until you have played your hand.
There are also several other variants:
- ‘Spanish’ is a game played with a deck without tens, but a winning hand can yield a higher payout.
- The game uses several decks, usually between 2 and 8.
- I also like a variant that is slowly but surely gaining popularity — ‘Live Blackjack’.
Here, you play your hand on a computer against a real dealer, so you can experience the thrill of the casino even on your old mobile phone! All types of blackjack are unique, but beginners should start with the classic version and gradually move on to games with more complex rules and a faster pace.
Why it’s better to play at the best online casino: what are the benefits
As the Indian government has banned gambling in most states, the online option has become a real lifeline for millions of players.
One of the main advantages of online casinos is undoubtedly the speed of payouts in rupees via various local payment systems, such as UPI, Google Pay, Paytm and others. Access to the user interface Another advantage is the ability to play in several languages.
Players also favour online casinos because of the welcome bonuses they receive upon registration and the numerous promotions available whilst playing, which allow them to play without significant financial risk.
Many sites allow you to play with real Indian dealers, which adds a touch of realism to the games and makes them seem fairer.
Furthermore, beginners can try their hand at demo versions of the games, allowing them to familiarise themselves with the rules and understand the gameplay without any risk to themselves.
Now, with just a smartphone and a mobile internet connection, anyone can play their favourite game without leaving home. You can have fun, and as an added bonus – earn a bit of money, and even experience the glamour of Las Vegas right here and now.