Rules to Follow When Playing Blackjack Online

Blackjack, also called 21, is one of the most popular online table games in India. It requires a bit of luck and lots of skill, which makes it a huge hit among many online gamers. There are several variants on the market, but all have the same aim: beat the dealer but ensure that you do not burst (go beyond 21 in the total value of your cards). 

It is easy to learn and understand the rules. Besides, most casinos will allow you to play the games for free before you decide to deposit real money. This article looks at the rules of blackjack online for Indian players and provides some insights into how it works to help beginners get started at their favourite Indian online casino.

Blackjack Rules

When a hand goes over 21, it is said to have “busted” and you lose the game. You can bet the dealer in one of two ways: by ensuring that you do not burst when the dealer does, or by having a higher hand than the dealer. You will apply the rules below to help you reach this objective.

Card Values

All the cards between one and ten have the same face value. Aces can either be 1 or 11, depending on the value of the other cards in your hand. Face cards get the value of ten. For example, if you have a six and a seven, you have a total value of 12. On the other hand, if you have a 10-value card and an ace, your hand gets to 21. The combination of these two cards is called a “natural 21” or a “blackjack.”

A hard hand is any hand that does not have an ace or where the ace counts as 1. On the other hand, the soft hand is the one where the hand counts as 11. Here is an example: If you have a 10 and a 7, you have a hard 17. On the other hand, if you have an Ace and a 6, it is a soft 17.

Playing Options

During a blackjack game, you have to make decisions about your hands before the dealer makes a move. It is always a good idea to consider your options before making a move. The order starts with surrender, split, double down and then stand. Here is a look at the options.

Surrender

The surrender option is not available in all blackjack variants. Where the option is available and you believe you have a small chance of winning, you may surrender the cards. Here, you lose half of the initial bet. Make an informed decision on the chances of winning.

Split

If you get two cards of the same rank, you can split. This divides the cards into two separate hands. You will be required to place an additional bet if you split.

Double Down

If you believe you stand a chance to win with the next card after you are dealt the initial cards, you may double your bet. If you’re lucky, this increases your chances of winning.

Stand

If you are satisfied that your cards can win without making any other decisions described by the options above, you may decide to stand. This means that the dealer or RNG software will not deal you a card for the round.

Hit

Hitting is the option of taking another card from the deck to add to the existing hand. You keep on hitting until you decide to stand.

Insurance

Insurance applies in the case where the dealer gets an ace as their up card and you believe that their next card is likely to be a 10. If they do get the card, you will win insurance. It pays 2:1, unlike most other options that pay 3:2.

Blackjack Rule Variations

The blackjack rules may differ depending on the table or casino that you choose. Each option either helps the house or the player. Here are the common rule variations:

Payouts of 6:5 Versus the Normal 3:2

The amount that your casino pays you when you get a natural blackjack affects the house edge. While many tables will pay you 3:2, some casinos pay 6:5. This earns the house an advantage of 1.5%. Where there are options, avoid the 6:5 for 3:2 tables.

Dealer Hits or Stands on Soft 17

There are cases where the dealer must stand or hit when they have a 17. In this case, the ace counts as 11. The rule changes from one table to another.

Surrender is not Always an Option

Not all blackjack tables offer you the option to surrender. Check the rules. Where the option is available, it is advantageous as you can recoup some of your losses if you forfeit the losing hand in good time.

Push on 22

This option is only available in some variants. Here, if the dealer busts with a 22 and the player has 21 or less, the result is considered a push and goes to the next round. This gives the house an advantage as it does not lose to you even after busting.

Hit on 16 and Below

This rule states that the dealer must hit on a 16 or below. It increases the chance of busting but also edges them closer to a 21.

Most tables have betting limits that dictate the minimum and maximum amounts available. Check these limits when planning your bets. If you are a high roller, you may want to try a variant that has high maximum betting limits.

Blackjack is indeed an interesting game that players around India can try for fun and to make cash. Learn the basics before trying any blackjack game. You may use the demo or free games to practice the above rules.

Nakoa Davis
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