Online casinos are a convenient and safe way to play all your favorite games without leaving the safety of your home (or changing out of your pajamas for that matter). You can try your hand at slots, table games and even demo games like free blackjack to get some practice in before you play with real money.
But maybe you want to stay at home and still be able to communicate with a real human dealer as you play your games. Enter live dealer casinos!
When it comes to live casinos, blackjack is one of the most popular games of chance that’s combined with a bit of skill and strategy. Basic blackjack techniques and rules are simple and easy to pick up.
Players, both experienced and newbies, are on the lookout for tips and methods to improve their odds of succeeding at live blackjack. Of course, there is no magic formula, but we have compiled a list of tried and true methods and tricks that will help you win at live blackjack online.
The First Important Thing In Live Blackjack
There are some fundamentals that need to be looked at before we discuss our tips and tricks. As you may know, with blackjack, you must get closer to 21compared to the deal without going over, which is known as a bust. Consequently, your odds of winning are solely dependent on two factors:
- What is the first card dealt by the dealer?
- How do your first two cards appear?
This is all the information you will have at the start of a live dealer blackjack game at the casino, so you’ll need to build your next plan around the answers to these questions.
Tips for Playing Live Blackjack
Choose the appropriate live blackjack game
Several game varieties, including those with customized rules and wagering restrictions, are often available in the live casino area. However, before you begin playing, examine the game’s full guidelines to determine which version best fits your budget and the way you want to play. If you’re just playing for pleasure, the VIP room is not the game to choose as it will most probably have a high minimum bet requirement.
Split your hands, if you have a pair of eights or a set of aces
If your first two cards are the same, you can always split and play with two hands in blackjack. When you have a pair of eights or Aces, this is a fun game to play.
With one new card, you can play blackjack if you divide a set of aces. In blackjack, a hand that is not beneficial to you is a pair of eights that total sixteen. Even with two 8s, you’re still a long way from 21. Not just that, but there’s a good chance you’ll go over 21 with your following card. If you divide the 8s, you have a good chance of getting closer to 21 with the next card dealt.
Choose when to take out insurance
Insurance may only be applied in blackjack if the dealer’s card that faces up is an ace. You’re betting on a 10 for the next card, culminating in blackjack.
In live dealer blackjack, insurance protects you, even if it is sometimes referred to as the worst live casino gamble. That insurance share is half your initial stake. With a 33% likelihood and 2:1 odds, the risk may not justify the hefty investment.
No tens splitting
Novice players may be enticed to always divide tens, hoping to produce a blackjack or at least two high hands. Although this may seem like a safe bet and advisable to do so, you shouldn’t.
Don’t split tens even if the dealer has a mediocre card. You already have a good hand sitting at 20, so why run the risk of losing it all should the dealer get 21?
Double Down on 11
Doubling down means you can double your wager after obtaining two cards and before taking a third.
Except if the dealer presents an ace, always double down when 11 is your starting hand. With 11, it’s more probable your following card will be a 10, giving you 21. Perfect. Even an eight or nine will result in a hand that is as close to 21 as possible.
Depending on the dealer’s upcard, you can double down with various beginning hands. You can see more of them on any blackjack strategy chart, which is readily available online.