A simple rule of Blackjack
Author: Simon Dexter
If poker is about knowing when to hold ‘em and fold ‘em then Blackjack is about knowing whether to hit or stand. Many people of a certain age (like me) may be more familiar with the game being called Pontoon from their childhood. Rather than hit and stand we used the expressions stick or twist when playing with family or among friends.
When you play Blackjack online it’s pretty similar to what you probably know with the aim of the game to get as close to 21 as possible using two or more cards. Now my older brother was always a shrewd customer and would volunteer to be dealer when we played Pontoon. I was always happy with this in the belief that my sibling was simply helping his little bro (who he loved very much) and was altruistically encouraging me to enjoy the game without the need to deal (I’ve always basically been lazy)!
I assumed I simply had continuous rotten luck as his share of the matchsticks (live ones at that - hey it was the seventies) increased and mine slowly dwindled. It was not until many years later when playing with friends (stakes now upped to copper coins or ’shrapnel as we called it) that I worked out that the dealer has a very definite advantage at Pontoon/Blackjack.
There is no denying the dealer does have the edge - when playing Blackjack online or live a Blackjack game the house should come out on top in the long run. However, if a player can minimise this advantage by making the correct decisions at the right time then you can come out on top, with a helping hand from lady luck.
There are many sites offering help with Blackjack strategy and many are worth reading closely but if I can offer one important rule, it is always to stand if you reach 19. Now this may sound obvious but many players will still be looking for that ace or two when they reach 19 purely because they see the dealer has a high card showing. Just don’t think about it! If you get 19 then sit back relax and see what happens. You have made the correct decision and although the dealer may beat you, knowing you have made the right mathematical choice should fill you with confidence.
Understanding this very basic rule means you are heading in the right direction with the game and in other entries we will discuss other Blackjack rules that are not worth breaking. Remember there is no bluffing in this casino game - only simple maths …and a bit of luck.
In the meantime, why not head on over and play Blackjack online right here at Littlewoods Casino!
Tags: Blackjack, rotten luck
This entry was posted on Thursday, August 30th, 2007 at 3:23 pm and is filed under Blackjack, Casino Blog. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
