Important Blackjack Rules Every Amateur Should Know

Blackjack seems like a fun game. If you want to give it a try and tip the odds in your favour, here are rules that you need to keep in mind. They won't automatically help you win, but they can point you in the right direction and get you in the best possible mindset. More importantly, these can tell you what you need to create the conditions that will let you win.

Rules? What Rules?

Before you play, you need to know the rules. Master every one of the blackjack rules before you even try your hand at a real money game. Don't try to wing it since you'll only be at a disadvantage. Before you hope to win, you need to play by the rules. And to do that, you need to master them before you get started. Once you understand the rules, you'll know how to use them to your advantage.

Get the Free Plays:

The next thing you need to learn is blackjack strategies. One way to put those strategies to use is to get free plays. Many sites offer free plays or bonus options. That's how you can hone your skills. Look for free offers and keep playing until you're confident that you've learned enough to go up against other players. The free plays provide you with a safe environment until you're good and ready. You can keep playing without worrying that your account will run out of funds.

Dealer Stands or Hits:

You're not the only one who needs to play by the rules. The dealers also need to comply with those rules. Dealers for blackjack have rules they follow on how to play their hand. Understanding these rules can improve your playing decisions. Aside from the dealer's rules, though, there's one thing you need to understand and remember: that when the dealer hits a hand with a soft 17 or stands on a good hand with a soft 17. If these are not the cards, though, you can expect the dealers to always stand on a 17 or hit a 16 and below.

Don't Get the Insurance:

The dealer might try to convince you to take insurance on your hand. A dealer with an ace can do this. However, there are ramifications that you need to understand before you go with this move. If the dealer gets a blackjack, you'll lose the insurance bet. If you want the numbers, this usually happens nine times out of 13. When it does, and you lose the insurance bet, you'll have to play the original hand. Taking insurance will cost you long-term. It doesn't really save you money, so don't take that insurance. Leave that offer alone.

Split Pairs

You'll need to know when to split your pairs if you want to get good at blackjack online game. If you get a pair of the same rank, you can split them. The rules of the game allow you to play with two hands. However, you need to time this right. It's not always a good idea to split pairs. Sometimes, though, it's the best move you can make. Learning how to tell which situation it is will be a huge help, especially when a pair has turned up on your hand.

Should You Double Down?

You'll improve the odds even more if you develop a talent for learning when it's best to double down. You can turn even more profit when that happens. That means doubling your bet and receiving one card. When you know you have the advantage, doubling down will help you get twice as much of the prize. However, that's where skill comes in. It's not always easy to tell. And you could end up doubling down only for another player to swoop in and best you. Learn the right strategy, so you'll know when the time is right for this move.

Consider the Number of Decks

How many decks are in play? That's an important question to ask. The number of decks determines the return to player percentage. While it doesn't make a huge difference, if you want to win, taking advantage of everything—even the smallest details that could tip the odds in your favour—is smart. So, before you play the next time, count the decks. The fewer decks, the higher the return to player percentage.