Best Live Blackjack Strategies
You must know the best ways to win at blackjack if you want to be a successful gambler. Luckily, live blackjack games are easy to play even when playing for the first time at online casinos. The first step is to understand the blackjack rules we have explained in the following section. Note that some variants have additional rules, so you should know them before playing. When you know how to play live blackjack, you can use a strategy to help you win more often.
Most players use the blackjack basic strategy to play live dealer blackjack. With it, you will know when to hit, stand, split, or double down when you are advantaged. Since the live blackjack dealer can’t see you, feel free to keep a copy of the basic strategy chart by your side. Also, you should master the perfect blackjack strategy to play better than everyone else at the table. You can also check out and learn about the most popular betting systems that players use on live dealer blackjack, such as Martingale and the D’Alembert Strategy.
Live Blackjack Rules
How does live dealer blackjack work? Well, the rules are generally the same as those found in land-based casinos. You “WIN” if your hand total is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21. If you get 22 or more, you’ll “BUST” and lose. And you’ll lose if the dealer’s hand total is greater than yours but not more than 21. All numbered cards maintain their face values, while J, K, and Q count as 10s. An ace can be counted as 1 or 11.
Once you buy chips and place a bet, the dealer will shuffle and deal the cards. Usually, players receive two face-up cards, but the dealer gets one face-up card and another face-down card (hole card). You can choose to proceed with one of the following actions after getting your first two cards:
- Hit: Request another card.
- Stand: Accept your hand total.
- Double Down: Take another card and double your bet if your hand is advantageous.
- Split: Split two equal cards to play two separate hands.
- Surrender: Give up and get half of your bet back.
- Insurance: Place a side bet if the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace and get paid 2:1 if the dealer’s hole card is a 10.