Playing Online Blackjack at Stake: A Winning Hand

So, what is the appeal? Some will cite the fast-paced nature of each round. Others will instead mention relatively simple rules when compared to card games such as poker, or baccarat. A handful likewise enjoy the opportunity to bet against the house in the hopes of a big win. Regardless of the reason, the fact of the matter is that blackjack has truly taken on a life of its own thanks to the digital age.

The good news is that there are plenty of virtual portals which offer blackjack as an option. The bad news is that not all of these sites have been created equally. Thankfully, Stake is one of the few brands to have developed a solid reputation over the years, and players keep coming back for more. Before examining the reasons why online blackjack is an extremely popular category at Stake, it is equally wise to take a look at the game itself. You can then know what awaits, and prepare yourself for a white-knuckle experience.

The Origins of Blackjack

Similar to other contemporary card games, the exact roots of blackjack are still somewhat shrouded in mystery; providing an additional sense of allure. However, most experts agree that its modern form can be traced back to a French game played in the 19th century. This game was known as "Vingt-et-Un"; the French word for "21". As you may have guessed, this number also signifies the total number of points that a player can score during any given round without going bust.

The French version was further refined in the 19th century, and it had become known as "Chemin de Fer". Translated as "The Way of the Iron", this title referred to the iron box that was used to store the cards before being dealt. This version eventually made its way to the United States, where it became known as blackjack.

So, where did the title "blackjack" come from? Blackjack referred to a rare instance when the first two cards a player was dealt were the ace of spades, and the jack of spades. This equalled a total of 21, and payouts were as high as 10 to 1. In other words, all players were desperately hoping to be given a "black jack" during the first hand. The name stuck, and it continues to be used into the present day. Blackjack was also a massive hit in Las Vegas when gambling was legalised during the 1930s. This caused its popularity to spread even further, and it has since become a staple of the online gaming community alongside poker, slots, baccarat, and roulette.

The Basic Rules of Blackjack

Now that we have concluded a deep dive into the history of blackjack, it is wise to examine the fundamental principles during gameplay. The main goal is to create a hand that has a higher value than the dealer's without exceeding a total score of 21. Here is a quick breakdown of the points associated with each type of card:

• Number cards: face value

• Royals (jacks, queens, and kings): 10

• Aces: Either 1 or 11 (depending on the number of points already accrued

The player has two primary choices once the cards are dealt. He or she can either request a hit (ask for another card), or stand (maintain the current total value). Things are slightly different for the dealer. Dealers will normally hit when values are at or below 16. He or she will stand if the value exceeds 17.

The player wins if the associated hand is higher than the dealer's, but does not rise above 21 (known as a "bust"). Note that the dealer can also bust; resulting in a forfeit, and the winnings are then passed on to the player.

How to Play: A Look at Player Actions

As seen in the previous section, the basic principles of blackjack are straightforward. We still need to remember that there are plenty of fine points that should be ironed out. Let's take a look at a handful of other possibilities immediately below.

One other possibility includes a concept known as "doubling down". In this scenario, a player can choose to double the initial bet, and ask for one more card. Many players will choose to double-down if the value of their first two cards is between 10 and 11. The logic here is that the subsequent card is less likely to cause a bust.

Splitting is another common strategy. Players may choose to split their cards (dividing two cards of equal values into a separate hand that will require another wager) if they are dealt aces and eights (hence the rather popular casino-related expression). Why might this be a good idea? The theory behind splitting is that it may be possible to create two relatively strong hands; especially when given an ace. If you are instead dealt an ace and an eight, a split will decrease the chances of scoring nothing higher than a 16 on the subsequent deal (considered to be a rather weak hand). All splits tend to work well when the dealer card (known as the "upcard") is valued at or below eight.

There can still be times when the only winning move is not to play. This is known as a surrender in blackjack. A surrender is normally warranted when the player is dealt two initial cards with a total value of 15, and the dealer is displaying a face card (valued at 10). In this case, the chances are high that the next card produced by the dealer will trump the hand of the player. Some will also state that a player hand of 16 against a dealer hand of a nine, ten, or ace is another scenario that is better to forfeit. In either case, it is only possible to surrender after the dealer has checked to see if they may hold a blackjack after the second card is dealt. If a player chooses to forfeit, or he she will lose 50% of their initial wager. So, this action should be used with caution.

Additional Blackjack Strategies: Tools of the Trade

One of the most common mistakes is to examine the fundamentals of blackjack, and to assume that these summarise all that players should expect. However, there are plenty of other nuances to appreciate, and some of these could have a profound impact on your chances of winning a hand. Let's examine five additional variables and the importance of each.

The Dealer Upcard

The card that the dealer is given is actually just as important as your initial hand (the first two cards). The value of the upcard will ultimately dictate whether he or she draws another card from the deck. Most games of blackjack dictate that the dealer will stand once a total of 17 has been achieved. This benefits the player, as you still have the chance to score over 17 without going bust.

The Power of the Soft Total

Otherwise known as a "soft hand", this occurs when a player draws and ace, and card other than 10. Remember that an ace and a 10 will equate to blackjack. On the contrary, an ace and another card (such as 9) enables the player to use the ace as an 11. Therefore, the total will be 20; a very difficult hand for the dealer to beat. Most experts agree that players should stand (not request anther card) if the value of their existing hand is 18 or higher.

Playing with Fewer Decks

When possible, try to choose a casino that allows players to adjust the number of decks during a round of blackjack. The primary intention is to increase the odds of hitting a blackjack (roughly 4.83% in a single-deck game as opposed to 4.75% when playing with multiple decks). Fewer total cards also signifies that you are more likely to obtain high-value cards such as 10, jack, king, queen, and ace. However, keep in mind that most online casinos will use between six and eight decks. It is nonetheless wise to examine your options, as these can vary between franchises.

Always Look for 3:2 Odds

Similar to other casino games, the odds are crucial if you hope to make the most out of blackjack. Some casinos offer 6:5 odds, and while these may seem favourable, your winnings will actually be significantly lower when compared to 3:2 odds. Consider the following fictional example:

• A €10 wager with 6:5 odds will pay out €12

• The same wager with 3:2 odds will result in a win of €15

Furthermore, smaller victories are likely to occur more often. This keeps things interesting, and also ensures that you do not deplete your bankroll.

What About Counting Cards?

This is a final strategy that many players are eager to exploit. Is it possible to count cards when playing online blackjack? The short answer is no. Firstly, we need to remember that multiple decks (up to six) are often used. This makes it nearly impossible to determine what card comes next. Additionally, all outcomes are determined by RNG (random number generator) technology. While this ensures provably fair games, it also virtually eliminates the possibility of counting cards.

Digital Blackjack Opportunities

There are literally thousands of portals that offer blackjack as a gaming option. Still, some are better than others. Brands such as Stake provide players with plenty of additional opportunities to enhance the overall experience.

For example, Stake.com offers weekly raffles, daily races, high-stakes tournaments, virtual treasure hunts, and even VIP tickets to real-world events. Not only can these promotions be used to increase your bankroll, but they highlight how the concept of gamification has taken the iGaming industry by storm.

Another useful trick involves playing different variants of blackjack. Each software developer puts a unique spin on the associated gameplay, and you might find that you prefer a specific interface over the others. Other variables include payouts, auto-bet features, and multipliers may also vary between providers. In other words, never be afraid to test the waters!

You should also make it a point to take full advantage of any how-to guides that may be available. Most reputable online casinos offer these resources at no charge, and they are excellent ways to wrap your head around the finer points of blackjack (as well as countless other games). If you have a specific query, you can also take the time to contact a customer support assistant.

A final recommendation involves the payment options themselves. Stake is one example of an online portal that offers cryptocurrency-friendly solutions. Why is this important? Not only can you access a host of well-known tokens, but it may even be possible to use cryptocurrency exchange rates in your favour; not a bad way to boost your bankroll (even if only by a few percentage points).

A Game for the Ages

Individuals have been playing blackjack for hundreds of years, and this trend is just as profound when discussing digital alternatives. Not only is blackjack a great deal of fun, but relatively straightforward rules make it ideal for those who are looking to take a break from more convoluted alternatives (such as the psychological nuances attributed to multiplayer poker). Whether you are "in it to win it", or you are simply looking to pass the time with the help of a demo version, who knows what the cards may have in store?