Online Casino Spotlight

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, so naturally, many new players are attracted to the online version.  For several players, the big problem is choosing from the vast selection of different variants.  Others have a tough time adjusting to the rules of the internet world.  If you have a general knowledge of blackjack but are new to playing online, this article will serve as the introduction that will help you get started.

Online vs. Offline Play

When playing blackjack in a land-based casino, the rules pretty much remain the same regardless of the venue.  Blackjack payouts at 3 to 1, a tie pushes and the dealer busts if their hand goes over 21.  However, the rules of the game often change when playing online, which is typically done to give the house a greater advantage.  For instance, in many online casinos, blackjack pays out at 1 to 1, the dealer wins on a tie, and rather than the dealer busting with 22, the hand round results in a push.

Despite the disadvantages that come along with playing blackjack online, there are still some benefits that make the game attractive to players.  One popular variant is a game known as Blackjack Switch.  In this exclusive online variation, players begin with two separate hands and can exchange the second set of cards dealt should it provide them with an advantage.  The downside is that the rules of this particular variant are in favor of the house, so the player is more susceptible to losing money than winning.  Because the dealer is allowed to hit on a soft 17 in a game of Black Switch, the return to the player is greatly reduced.

Online Blackjack Variants and The House Edge

Another thing you should know about playing blackjack online is that different variants are played with a different number of card decks.  The number of decks typically ranges from one to eight.  This has a huge impact on the player because the more decks that are used, the higher the house edge.  So while the basic rules remain the same, you can expect a lower average return when playing blackjack with more decks of cards.  The house edge is also increased as a result of the restrictions imposed on tactics such as splitting and doubling down.   A classic example are variants in which the rules state that you cannot double following a split or only double if the value of your hand is between 9 and 11.  Likewise, there are variants in which you can only split once or twice.  In these games, the dealer is usually required to stand on a soft 17, but the player’s advantage is neutralized by the restrictions placed on splits and doubling down.

Conclusion

If you are a master at playing blackjack in the real world and want to take your skills online, your previous experience is only half the battle.  There are so many variants online that it can make it feel as if you are playing an entirely new game.  For this reason, it would be wise to read up on different variants and their rules before making a wager online.

Many online casino games are merely based on chance while others actually require skill and strategy.  The chance games offer the appeal of simplicity as all you do is click a few buttons and hope that you are lucky enough to win.  Some of the most popular examples are slots and roulette.   Players who opt for these games are often intimidated by their more strategic counterparts.  If you have been hesitant to play the more skillful casino games, we are here to tell you that a little strategy could be worth your while.

Common Strategy Games

There are quite a few online games that require strategy, with blackjack and the many types of poker being among the most commonly played.  So why would you want to pick up a more difficult game when you can easily play something simple?  There are mainly two reasons.  First off, strategy games tend to be more intriguing because they offer more of a challenge.  Perhaps the most important is reason is that these games have a payout percentage that is considerably higher than many chance games.  If you gamble online with the intent of winning money, this should give you all the incentive to step your game up.

Blackjack

Blackjack is often considered to be one of the most complex casino games that involve strategy.  This is because the player is constantly forced to make decisions and those choices increase in importance with each draw of the cards.  For example, not only do you have to choose whether to hit or stand, you also have to consider more advanced options such of splitting, doubling down, surrendering, and taking up insurance on your bet.  This is just the traditional game of blackjack.  There are many variations of the game and the strategy varies and can become more complex with each version.

Poker

Most types of poker require strategy as well.  This is especially the case with the popular variant known as Pai Gow.  In a game of Pai Gow poker, the player receives seven cards.  While there are many decisions that need to be made, the major element of strategy involved is managing two hands: a two-card hand, and a five-card hand.  The conditions that apply to these hands are often what intensify the importance of having a good strategy.  A certain level of skill is also required in other commonly played variants such as Texas Hold ‘em, Let it Ride and Red Dog.  It may not sound very intricate, but it is important for players to know when to adjust their bets, when to call, and when to fold.  The good thing is that this is skill that can be learned by simply playing and understanding how to analyze probable outcomes.

Strategic Features

Some online casinos offer features that make it a bit easier for players to apply sound strategy in skilled based games.  These features even benefit the chance player as they can wager in comfort with the reassurance that they will not blow their bankroll by making a bad decision.

In the game of blackjack, the dealer draws their cards based on the rules that have been defined for that particular variation.  As you probably know, the actual rules can vary greatly depending on the casino you play at.  However, there is one thing that often remains the same regardless of the variant, and that is the rule which calls for the dealer to stand on a hard 17.  This simply means that the dealer either does not have an ace, or the ace is forced to be valued as 1.  The rules are different when the dealer has a soft 17, which refers to a hand with an ace valued at 11.  Most casinos require that the dealer stand with a soft 17 while others have rules stating that the dealer must take a hit.  Let’s take a look at some strategies for both scenarios.

Playing Defense

Having the ability to hit on a soft 17 benefits the dealer because of the probability of being able to increase the value of their hand.  For example, let’s assume the dealer has a hand comprised of a six and an ace valued at 11 for a total of 17.  After taking a hit, the dealer draws a five.  Now at first, you might assume that the hand adds up to 22, but this is not the case, as that ace is able to claim the value of 1.  The brings the hand total to 12, which allows the dealer to draw another card.  While a soft 17 doesn’t necessarily mean the value of the dealer’s hand will always increase, it does however, increase the probability.  For this reason, you must pick up a more defensive-minded strategy in order to combat the advantage a soft 17 gives the dealer.

The Offensive Approach

Now we will take a look at a strategy where the dealer is forced to stand on a soft 17.  Let’s say the dealer stands with their face-up card ranging anywhere from three to six while you have a total hand value of nine.  In this scenario, you are in a strong position where you should seriously consider doubling.  In a game where the rules allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17, your position would not be as strong and simply taking the hit would be the best option opposed to doubling.

Online casinos offer a wide variety of blackjack variants.  Therefore, you should make yourself familiar with the rules and how they impact the dealer before placing a wager.  You’ve got your blackjack games based on Atlantic City rules, European rules, Spanish rules, Vegas Strip rules, Vegas Downtown rules and a host of others.  If you really want to better your chances of winning, we strongly suggest that you avoid blackjack variants that allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17.  As you learned from this article, this particular rule gives the house a considerably higher edge.  If you do elect to play these games, just keep in mind that you will need to change your strategy accordingly to overcome the dealer’s advantage.

It is the most popular casino banking game in the world. The game may seem simple but their is plenty of strategy involved. Blackjack or Twenty-one is a staple of online casino games.

What is Blackjack?

In blackjack, each player begins with an initial two card hand. From that beginning, the player tries to reach the closest value of twenty-one without going over. The player is able to add single cards to their initial hand in an attempt to reach twenty-one. The card values play a role in the basic simple rules of the game. Cards 2 through 9 are each worth their appropriate value. In addition to the 10 cards, jacks, queens and kings are also assigned a value of ten. The ace cards can be valued at 1 or 11 with the value being determined by the player. A player will play their hand before the dealer plays. The competitor finishing closest to twenty-one without going over is the winner.

History

The origins of blackjack date all the way back to the 17th century. The basic concepts of the game appear to have originated in Spain and France over 400 years ago. In France, a game called Vingt En Un was played in French casinos. Vingt En Un translates to the term “twenty-one” in French.

The game wasn’t an immediate hit when it was introduced into Las Vegas casinos in the 1930’s. So, casinos added some bonuses to certain hands to draw more players. A player could obtain a 10-1 bonus with an ace of spades and a black jack (clubs or spades). This hand became known as “blackjack” and helped to increase the popularity of the game. While the bonuses were quickly abolished from the game, twenty-one became widely known as Blackjack in the years to come.

Card counting in Blackjack

While there is plenty of chance involved in Blackjack, there are some basic strategies that can be employed to have success in the game. Some of these strategies are pretty basic. For example, the player will generally “hold” their hand once they get to a certain number to avoid going over. A player will rarely attempt to add another card once their hand is at 17 or higher.

A more complex strategy in Blackjack involves card counting. In card counting, the player keeps track of the ratio of high cards to low cards. A player can gain an advantage of up to 2% over the house through the use of proper card counting techniques.

Card counting helps the player in a couple of important ways. First, the player is able to determine which cards are left in the deck. This helps the player develop his strategy. Second, the player can make aggressive bet amounts based on the cards that are remaining in the deck.

While mental card counting is legal in casinos, the practice is frowned upon by most casino operators. If a player is viewed to be a card counter, the casino will take steps to ban the player from the property.

In the business since 1997, Random Logic is one of the oldest online casino software providers on the scene.  While the gaming platform has been refined and improved over the years, this vendor’s approach to gaming has remained the same – simple and straightforward.  Random Logic does not have the largest selection of casino games, but offers more than enough to satisfy the needs of most players.

Blackjack

Random Logic’s blackjack tables gives off a similar look and feel of what you would find in Las Vegas’ more upscale casino establishments.  The table highlights your bets and neatly stacks all of your chips to the side.  The overall presentation and mechanics of gameplay are pleasant but there are also some other features that deserve mentioning.  For instance, if you want to make an overly risky move such as hitting on 19, the system will step in and recommend that you rethink your options.  Of course you are free to play as you wish, but it is nice to see that the gaming platform has your best interests at heart.  In addition to this, Random Logic offers a comprehensive tutorial available that provides basic rules and how to play the game as well a few blackjack strategies that might come in handy.

Slots

Random Logic slots are quite basic and conservative from a presentation aspect when compared to other offerings in the market.  Its classic slots will remind you of the machines found in a downtown casino, featuring sevens, bars and other common symbols.  There is also a nice selection of progressive slots, including the Millionaire Genie game that paid out more than $1.3 million to a single winner in April 2006.  Other fun progressive slots include Mega Gold, Treasure Twirl and Super Thundering 888.  Whether it is of the classic, progressive or video variety, Random Logic has more than enough slots to keep you busy for a long time.

Video Poker

You will find a nice selection of video poker games at Random Logic casinos.  Its software offers single hand, multi-hand and progressive games in variants such as Aces and Faces, Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better.  If you prefer multi-hand games, you can try your luck with the aforementioned games in 5, 10, 25 or 50 hand varieties.  The pay tables and game themselves are laid out well and comprehensive enough for the novice player to understand.  While Random Logic video poker will notify you of winning hands, they do not offer any strategy so you need to be on your Ps and Qs.

Random Logic casino games are not flashy, but offer sophistication and a quality presentation that mimics the luxurious rooms in Monte Carlo and Atlantic City.  Customers all over the world appreciate the gaming platform’s elegance and most importantly, the enjoyable gameplay.  If you love to play casino favorites like blackjack, craps, video poker and others, a Random Logic casino could be in the cards for you.

Any avid online casino gamer will tell you that one of the most disappointing experiences is downloading a game or signing up with a casino that simply doesn’t satisfy your needs.  A perfect example would be choosing a game of blackjack where the dealer wins on ties.  While some players will be fond of such a version because of the advantages, several others might want to steer clear of this variant for all the disadvantages it offers.   Indeed, it can be very frustrating when you take the time to research casinos only to download a gaming platform that just doesn’t work out.  For some, this is enough to deter them from playing at that particular casino or indulging in online play entirely.

The good thing is that many of the reputable online casino software vendors have taken note and acted by trying to deliver more user-friendly products that allow you to preview games before investing your time into them.  These previews typically offer screenshots as well as a brief summary of the games.  By viewing a comprehensive preview, you can learn more about that particular gaming platform and better determine if it meets your expectations.

Below we have provided details on some of the most popular online casino software providers offering previews of their games.

Microgaming

It is no surprise that Microgaming, an industry leading online casino software provider, would be one of the first working to accommodate the growing needs of players.  With casinos powered by Microgaming, you can visit the main lobby and then the games section to choose a specific category and obtain a listing of the selections it contains.  From here, you generally have two options.  You can either view all the listed games in text form, or view them in a matrix-style graphical presentation featuring logos of the available games.  With either option, the preview is basically the same as it is displayed in a box to the right of the screen with the cursor set on the name of the game or logo.  After accessing the preview, you can view a screenshot of the game along with a short list of features or rules.

Vegas Technology

With games powered by Vegas Technology, categories are presented on the main lobby page while individual games can be accessed through the drop-down menus.  After selecting a game, the preview is displayed in a small box in the lower-left corner of the screen.  The information you get with VT games is usually the jackpot ticker and betting limits when applicable.  Other details are provided to you via the screenshot.

Wizard Gaming

Although Wizard Gaming doesn’t offer nearly as many games as Microgaming and Vegas Technology, it does provide you the option to preview before you play.  All of its games can be found in the main lobby and when making your selection, the preview can be viewed in the upper right of the screen.  With Wizard Gaming previews you get a nice screenshot and brief summary of the game. The information it provides is often helpful with details on features, free spins and bonus rounds.  Wizard Gaming has some of the most comprehensive previews of all online casino software providers.

If you truly want to be successful at online gambling , then you need to make it a habit to learn more about the odds out in cyberspace.  While it seems like everyone would naturally seek out the more favorable options, research has shown that the average player consistently chooses casino games in which the odds lean more in favor of the house.  This indicates that players are either strictly in it for the fun, or simply don’t know the importance of, or to effectively calculate the odds.  The best way to get to the bottom of this issue is to take a look at a few games that have different levels of odds that work in your favor.

The Friendly Dice

Most gamblers have a clear understanding that craps is one of the best games you can play when it comes to favorable odds.  Being that it is essentially a skill game, craps is one that has proven to reward the player who has taken the time to make themselves familiar with all the intricacies involved.  In addition to blackjack, pai gow, poker and other casino games that typically rely more on smarts than blind chance, craps enables you to lower the house edge in a manner where it does not turn out to be an overwhelming hindrance against your success.

While craps is one of the better games to play, there are an alarming number of unfavorable odds to be found, mainly when proposition bets are involved.  If at all possible, prop bets are something you want to stay away from.  These type of bets are appealing to the proverbial risk taker who loves the thrill of knowing that a huge sum of money can either be won or loss on a single roll of the dice.  However, the more knowledgeable players should never be confused with the adrenaline junkies who come out broke more often not.  Any craps player who really understands the game will leave the tempting prompt bets to those who don’t know any better and simply can’t help themselves.

Picking the Right Wheel

If you are looking to play roulette online but still want to maintain reasonable odds, the type of variant you decide on will have a substantial impact on where you stand in this regard.   Anyone familiar with the game knows the European style of roulette comes with much better odds than the American version.  This is because there is only one “double zero” slot to worry about.  The result of this factor is that there are far less European roulette games to be found at the internet casinos.  On a good note, these versions do exist and can be found if you do a little research.

Once you have all of this information at your disposal, there may be a chance that you still prefer games that do not offer very good odds.  When this is the case, at least you will know and be able to make an informed decision instead of just going with the flow like so many other players.

When turning to the internet, you will discover that there are many different types of blackjack for you to play.  Knowing this is important because all of these games have different rules and the odds can vary depending on the casino you play at.  To help you prepare, we will take a look at some of the variations of blackjack you may run into online.

Classic Blackjack

Classic blackjack is the most common type of blackjack there is.  This one has all the basic rules.  There is a standard 52-card deck and you are allowed to double-down on any of your first two cards.  The dealers can stand on any soft 17.  When doubling down, you only get one additional card.  You have the freedom to split any pair but when splitting aces, you only receive one additional card.  If you receive a 10-value card on one of those aces, you do not get blackjack.

Double Exposure Blackjack

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could see both of dealer’s card instead of one?  Well, that can be done when playing double exposure blackjack.  However, there are a few drawbacks to this luxury.  The rules of this game make up for the advantage of having this extra foresight.  Double exposure blackjack utilizes eight standard decks, allowing you to double down on 9, 10, and 11.  Similar to classic blackjack, you can also split pairs.  There are also some other rules that swing the edge in the dealer’ favor.  Here are some to keep in mind:

- The dealer wins on all ties except if you blackjack

- The dealer hits on soft 17

- There is no option to late surrender

Spanish Blackjack

Spanish Blackjack is another intriguing variation that strays away from the norm.  With this variation there are eight decks, but each deck is missing all the 10’s, leaving them with a total of 48 cards each.  This may seem like a large disadvantage, but the rules of Spanish Blackjack can actually work in your favor.  While there are no 10’s, there are a number of special payouts to be obtained with certain hands.  For instance, 7-7-7 of the same suit facing the dealer’s 7 payouts 50 to 1.  Any combination of 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 receives a special payout as well as 21 with 5,6, or 7 cards respectively.  Other advantages allow you to double-down twice, spit and re-split your hands.

Blackjack Switch

A popular favorite offered by software developer PlayTech, Blackjack Switch is an innovative variation of blackjack that gives you very good odds.  Hence the name, this game allows you to play two hands at the same time and switch cards between them. You are required to make two bets of the same size and receive two different hands from a shoe of six decks.  It is the top card in each deck that can be switched freely between both hands.  The major disadvantage is that a dealer blackjack beats your blackjack, and blackjack only pays out 1 to 1.  Despite the drawbacks, this is a good game for anyone looking for a new outlook on blackjack.

Anyone who plays casino games, especially the land-based variety, has probably noticed that these games have a certain lingo that goes along with them.  This is also the case with online game play and even some of the books you may read about casino games.  Each game has its own specific lingo and if you’re a newbie, it can make for a rather frustrating experience.  Blackjack is a big hit in both real-world and online casinos, so if this is your game, you will want to check out this short glossary on some of the most common terminology.

Blackjack – First and foremost, blackjack equates to 21 and represents the object of the game.  If your cards add up to 21, a blackjack normally pays out 3 to 2 unless the dealer also hits.

Bust - In the game of blackjack, a bust means that your cards total over 21.  For some players, it could also refer the complete loss of your bankroll.  Hopefully you won’t have to use the term in this regard too many times.

Break - This is often used interchangeably with the term bust.

Counting – This describes the process of keeping up with the number of 10 point cards remaining in the desk.  The main purpose of counting is for a player to raise their bet when the deck is rich with 10 point cards, a strategy that works in your favor.

Double – Often referred to as double-down, a double is when you couple an additional bet with your original bet.  Because it is like playing an additional hand, a double can greatly improve your chances of winning.

Double for Less – If you don’t have enough in your bankroll to go a full double, you can take the next best option and double for less.  This means you put up a wager in between a half bet and a full bet to get an additional card.

Five Card Charlie – This describes a situation when you draw five cards without busting.  In some variations of blackjack, a five card Charlie qualifies as an automatic win and bigger payout as well.

Hard Hand – This refers to a hand that can result in a bust if hit.  It generally describes any hand worth 12 points or more that does not include an Ace.

Insurance - If the dealer is showing an ace, insurance gives you the option to put up an additional half wager that the dealer has 21.  If the dealer indeed has blackjack, you break even on the hand.  If not, you lose half the bet and play proceeds normally.

Soft Hand - This refers to a hand that can’t be busted with an extra card; more specifically, any hand with a total of 11 or lower, or any two-card combo that contains an Ace.

Spanish 21 – This a version blackjack with the 10 cards removed.  As you have probably guessed, Spanish 21 is a rule that favors the house but usually has a higher payout.

Wonging – Named after pro blackjack player Stanford Wong, Wonging describes the act of watching a blackjack game and then entering the game when the point count is in your favor.  This is something you want to be very cautious with when playing in a real-world casino.

The game of blackjack is one that can be found in virtually ever casino on and offline throughout the world.  Despite its popularity, many players are often intimidated, believing that it is a difficult game to play.  In actuality, the main focus of blackjack is simple.

The Deal

Blackjack starts with each player putting up their wager and then being dealt two cards.  The dealer, perhaps the most critical player, also receives two cards.  All of your cards are dealt face up while the dealer only exposes one of their cards.  Unlike other games, it doesn’t really matter if other players can view your cards as you are essentially playing against the dealer and the house.

The Goal

With blackjack, the ultimate goal is to get as close to 21 before the dealer does.  The most important factor is that you can’t go over or you’ll be busted.  Cards go by face value with all picture cards being worth 10 and the Ace being 1 or 11.  If your initial two cards do not up add up to 21, or a number that is relatively close wherein you feel that you can beat the dealer, you can ask the dealer to “hit” you to get an additional card.  You are free to receive a hit until striking 21 and winning, or going over 21 and losing your bet.

Stand or Hit

Once you are satisfied with your point total, you can choose to “stand” and give the next player an opportunity.  When the dealer gets his or her turn, they get a chance to turn over their other card.  If the dealer has a total of 16 or less, they must take a hit.  They must stand with 17 or more.  If the dealer comes up with a soft 17, which is an Ace and 6 where a hit can’t cause a bust because they can use it as a one-point card, the rules vary among casinos on whether or not the dealer must take a hit.

If the dealer gets busted, everyone still alive in the game wins.  If the dealer does not bust, money is evenly distributed to players who have a higher point total.  When there is a tie in blackjack, no one wins any money.  Casinos make their money on the concept of if both the player and dealer busts, the house wins.  Although you don’t aim to bust, causing the dealer to bust is very important and a key strategy in the game of blackjack.

Additional Blackjack Rules

In blackjack, you also have the option to double down, which means you take an additional card for double your bet.  Another option is the spit, which is a situation where you use two cards of the same value that act as the as the initial cards for two new hands, which gives you double the bet as well.  You can also take what is known as an insurance if the dealer shows an Ace.  If so, you break even when the dealer hits blackjack and lose the bet if they don’t, in addition to what is won or lost in regard to the outcome of the hand.