Blackjack

Both online casinos and land-based casinos offer a good assortment of games you can play. Blackjack is one such game that can be played both offline and online. Remember that winning blackjack is not because you were lucky but because you played the right strategy.

Objective of the game

Blackjack's objective is quite simple; just reaching the number 21. Since it is a next to impossible chance to reach there the casinos shall offer you prize money even if the total of your cards adds up to near about 21, and not more than 21.

Here you are pitted against the dealer. The rules stay the same irrespective of whether you are playing in a land-based casino or an online one. You are out of the reckoning if the dealer manages to get to near 21 prior to you. Even if your total comes to 17 then you are out of the game. This is referred to as "both hands tied" and the dealer gets to win the bet made by you.

House advantage

The set-up has a house advantage of mainly about 5%. What it implies is that if you are unable to play the game well be rest assured that 5% of your bet goes to the dealer. So other than trying to get a total of approximately 21 you also need to focus on lowering the house advantage as much as you can. Preferably target it to 1% to tilt the scales in your favor.

Reducing the house advantage

Now you would understand why it was mentioned that blackjack is not about luck but about strategy. Remember that the higher cards are more prone to take your total higher than 21 and have you out of the game compared to lower cards. The basic trick in blackjack is "card counting". It is not as simple as it sounds and can be a little tricky for a beginner. Also note that not all casinos let you use the card counting method to the extent if you are found doing so you are banned from stepping into the premises again.

If you thought it was simpler doing it online then think again as in case of online blackjack the dealing is done from a complete virtual deck in every deal and a thorough reshuffling mid shoe is also done to make all your counting techniques go haywire.

Disappointed? Don't be you still can lower the house advantage by trying to get those cards that are lower than 8. Stay away to the ace as it may carry the value of 11 too. Stand when you know you are about to hit 17 or are somewhere near 21, but not beyond it. With more 10's in the deck you may wish to double down as it would improve your scope of getting a stronger hand.