A 5-Minute Guide to Live Blackjack

Blackjack Rules

To play live blackjack, you must first understand the basic rules of the game. Both live and standard blackjack follow the same regulations in regards to how a hand is played.

You are up against the dealer and the aim of the game is to build a hand that is closer in value to 21 than the dealer’s is. Both of you receive two cards each. The dealer’s second card is face down whilst the first is face up. Both of your cards are face up. If you get 21 from two cards, that is called blackjack and it is the best possible hand. If you go over 21, your hand will lose. The same applies to the dealer.

The value of your cards is added together. Each card has a number that gives the value of the card. The only exceptions are Jack, Queen, King and Ace. The regal cards are all worth 10 whilst the Ace can be either 1 or 11.

After receiving your two cards, you can hit or stand. Hitting means to take an additional card whilst standing means not taking any more cards. If you have two identical cards, you can split them into individual hands and take more cards to each hand.

Using these basic rules, you can start your journey to playing live blackjack. Blackjack has many different variables that can alter the gameplay of a table. These variables include the number of decks used, the pay-outs, rules on splitting, and so on. Thus, you should carefully check the rules for table you are playing at. As a friendly tip, we advise you to stick to the standard pay-out format as seen below.

Payouts

Each variant of live blackjack may have its own payout structure. The majority of games will use the same basic format that is found widely around the online world of blackjack. The standard payouts see tables pay 3:2 for blackjack, 1:1 for a standard win and 2:1 for an insurance bet. Blackjack is formed by landing an Ace with a 10-value card as your first two dealt cards. Insurance betting is placing a wager on the dealer’s first card (if it is an Ace), so that if they land a blackjack, you can recoup your losses from the hand.

Why Play Live Blackjack?

Live Blackjack is rapidly becoming more popular than RNG blackjack as it gives the player a true casino-like experience. The game uses state-of-the-art HD streaming services with high quality resolution. Moreover, you are playing with a professional dealer who is working on the casino floor. The only major difference between live dealer blackjack and playing in a casino is that you do not have to leave your home. In addition, there are many exciting live blackjack game variants, which will appeal to different types of players.

One reason why people love blackjack is that it is not based on sheer luck. Players are able to make their own decisions and have some control over the outcome of each round. There are certain strategies one could use to better their game and improve the chances of winning.

Play Responsibly

To ensure a quality gaming experience, it is advised to gamble responsibly and never risk money you can’t afford to lose. By setting aside a bankroll, you will avoid foolish mistakes such as chasing losses or gambling to deal with emotional problems. You will find that there are many tools to help you achieve this, such as the ability to set deposit limits or a time limit on your gaming session.

Live Blackjack Variants

As mentioned earlier, there are many different live blackjack variants. Games may differ in certain rules, such as how many decks are used, rules on splitting, doubling down and so on. The basics though will always remain the same – the aim is build a hand as close to 21 as possible without going over it, known as going bust.

We have chosen three live blackjack games that are popular among our players at Plaza Royal. Each of which has its own features, making it a distinct and exciting game.

Live Infinite Blackjack

As the name suggests, Live Infinite Blackjack, invites an unlimited number of players to join the game rather than using a classic seven-seat table.

The interesting concept about Infinite Blackjack is that every player receives the same cards yet it is up to the individual player how to proceed with the cards and play out the hand. The live blackjack game is certainly fun and is a prime example of how you can affect the course of your game against the dealer. Once again, it is not down to sheer luck.

Live Blackjack Party

If you want a laid-back gaming experience, there’s no better place to be than Live Blackjack Party. For this specific game, you can join a seven-seat table that has two live dealers who talk about news, gossip and generally entertain you while the game is taking place.

It is super interactive so you can enjoy contributing to the conversation through live chat. The topics can really go just about anywhere. Last time we checked, the hosts were discussing food and travel.

VIP Live Blackjack

The third game that will always attract players is VIP Live Blackjack. As the name suggests, the live casino game displays luxury and elegance. The gameplay at the VIP Live Blackjack tables is standard, but the main difference here is the scenery and the betting limits. Standard live blackjack tables usually have a red or blue basic background. VIP Blackjack can take place in the lobby of a beautiful art nouveau reception.

Live Blackjack Strategies

To win at live blackjack, it would do you well to use some blackjack strategies. These may sound extremely difficult to learn but they are not. Ultimately, these strategies depend on the cards that you are holding and the dealer’s face up card. Basic blackjack strategy gives you a clear indication of what to do in every single circumstance.

To paint a picture for you, basic blackjack strategy can be used – legally – at any blackjack table. If you are dealt a 3 and a 5, whilst the dealer has a 9, simply look to the blackjack strategy chart. It will tell you whether to hit, stand, double down and so on. The chart takes into consideration your hand and the dealer’s face up card. By following the blackjack strategy chart, in the long run, you will boost your chances of winning.

The strategy chart is not cheating and can be used both online and in land-based casinos. You need to ensure that you are using the correct strategy chart for the version of the game that you are playing. All the chart shows you is the statistically optimal decision based upon the cards you can see. While it can’t guarantee that you will win, it will go a long way to reducing the house edge.

Closing Remarks

At the end of this 5-minute guide, we hope that you have an insight into what live blackjack is all about. Live Blackjack is a combination of land-based casinos and computer-generated blackjack games. You get to experience the game with a professional dealer (rather than a random number generator), you can play from your comfort zone, all while enjoying the atmosphere of a top land casino.