Blackjack is a popular casino game played worldwide. It requires skill and strategy, as the goal is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without going over. You can play blackjack online, offline, or through live dealer games.
Live dealer blackjack is an exciting variation of online blackjack that offers a realistic and immersive experience. In this version, a real human dealer deals the cards and runs the game via a live video stream.
You can interact with the dealer and chat with other players while enjoying the atmosphere of a real casino from your own home. If you’re interested in playing live dealer blackjack, you can find the best games and bonuses at https://www.blacklotuscasino.com/casino/live-dealer/blackjack.
However, before you start playing live dealer blackjack, it’s essential to know that this game has different variations, each with its rules, features, and strategies.
1. Classic Blackjack
Classic blackjack is the most basic and common variation of live dealer blackjack. It follows the standard rules of blackjack, which are:
- It uses one or several decks of 52 cards.
- If the dealer has a soft 17 (like an ace and 6), they won’t take another card.
- You can double your bet with any two cards.
- You can split two same cards. But if you get two aces, you can only split them once. After splitting aces, you can only get one more card.
- You can make an “insurance” bet if the dealer shows an ace.
- You can give up and save half your bet if the dealer doesn’t show an ace or 10.
- You win if your cards are closer to 21 than the dealer’s or if the dealer goes over 21.
- You lose if you go over 21 or the dealer is closer to 21.
- You earn the exact amount you bet for a win, but if you get an ace and a 10, you make 1.5 times your bet.
Playing Tips
- Get another card if your total is 11 or less.
- Don’t get more cards if you have 17 or more. But if you have an ace and a 6, take one more.
- Double your bet if your cards total 10 or 11 unless the dealer has an ace or 10.
- Always split if you have two eights or two aces. If the dealer has an ace, don’t.
- Don’t split if you have two fours, fives, or tens.
- Avoid insurance and give up.
2. European Blackjack
European blackjack is a variation of live dealer blackjack popular in Europe. It has some differences from classic blackjack, such as:
- Uses two decks of 52 cards.
- The dealer gets their second card (usually face-down) only after you decide your moves.
- You can double your bet only if you have 9, 10, or 11 without an ace or with an ace counted as 1.
- You can split cards just once.
- You can’t make an “insurance” bet or give up.
Playing Tips
- If your total is 11 or less, take another card.
- Don’t take more cards if you have 17 or more. But, if you have an ace and a 6, get one more card.
- Double your bet with 9, 10, or 11, but not if the dealer shows an ace or 10.
- Always split if you have two eights or aces.
- Don’t split with two fours, fives, or tens.
3. Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas Strip blackjack is a variation of live dealer blackjack popular in Las Vegas, Nevada. It has some differences from classic blackjack, such as:
- Uses four decks of 52 cards.
- The dealer doesn’t take another card on a soft 17 (like an ace and a 6).
- You can double your bet with any two cards.
- You can split cards up to four times, but you can only split aces once.
- You can make an insurance bet if the dealer shows an ace.
- You can’t give up.
Playing Tips
- Get another card if your total is 11 or less.
- Stop getting cards if you have 17 or more, except with an ace and a 6, then get one more card.
- Double your bet with 10 or 11, but not against a dealer’s ace or 10.
- Always split eights or aces.
- Don’t split fours, fives, or tens.
- Avoid insurance bets.
4. Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City blackjack is a variation of live dealer blackjack popular in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It has some differences from classic blackjack, such as:
- Uses eight decks of 52 cards.
- The dealer doesn’t take more cards on a soft 17 (like an ace and a 6).
- You can double your bet with any two cards.
- Split cards up to three times, but split aces only once.
- Make an “insurance” bet if the dealer shows an ace.
- You can give up late (after the dealer checks for blackjack), but not if the dealer has an ace or a 10.
Playing Tips
- If your total is 11 or less, take another card.
- If you have 17 or more, don’t take more cards. But with an ace and a 6, get one more card.
- Double your bet with 10 or 11, but not against a dealer’s ace or 10.
- Always split eights or aces.
- Don’t split fours, fives, or tens.
- Take the insurance bet if the dealer shows an ace and you have blackjack.
- Give up late if you have 15 or 16 without an ace (or an ace counted as 1) and the dealer has a 10.
Conclusion
Live dealer blackjack allows players to experience a genuine casino atmosphere without leaving their screens. Players can greatly improve their chances of beating the dealer and winning big by learning different game variations and using strategic gameplay techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, an exciting live dealer blackjack game awaits you, offering a thrilling challenge. With its irresistible appeal and the possibility of lucrative victories, this game is ready to be conquered by those brave enough to test their skills.