Written by admin on 11 January 2010
Blackjack tournaments popularity is increasing by the day and as a result, online casinos are becoming a lot more readily available. This means that you can take part in a blackjack tournament at almost any time of day whenever you please. Note that there are some differences between land-based casino blackjack tournament play and online casino blackjack tournament play, and it’s imperative to know about these differences before entering an online tournament.
Many people enter blackjack tournaments because they are captivated by the thrill of the interaction and pressure involved. They take pleasure in sitting at a table with their opponents, round after round, watching their facial expressions change and adapting their blackjack bets accordingly using a combination of skill and observing the reactions of their opponents. The elimination rounds exhilarate and this is where the winners’ progress and losers revert to losing. The human interaction and watching the drama unfold in front of their eyes is one of the main reasons why blackjack tournament’s popularity has risen so dramatically in recent times.
For those who love the excitement of real life gambling, land-based casinos are their favoured choice. They get a buzz from the interaction, participation and drama involved. Those who prefer online casino blackjack tournaments choose to play their game away from all the theatrics implicated with real life tourneys. Another factor is that online tournaments are available more readily, so people with a busy work schedules and hectic lives can take part when it suits them, so they can keep their skills fine tuned as well as win some serious cash.
What makes a first-class blackjack tournament player stand out is the wide range of skills used during the game. Tuning the different blackjack skills needed to be a top class player, often feels safer in an online environment, which is why blackjack tournament players who are not as willing to take risks with new techniques in their land-based play, are a lot more likely to practice them online to get a feel for the technique and brush up to the point where they feel confident enough to try them out in a land-based casino blackjack tournament play, while not risking losing face.
For some blackjack players, the chance to win some serious money is more alluring than the thrill of the blackjack tournament itself. Many players find that the noise, lights and other players, are a distraction. For these players, online blackjack tournaments are far more suited to their style of play. They can participate from the comfort of their own homes, and this also means they can participate in far more tournaments then they would be able to if they were playing in a land based casino, which is another factor in choosing online casino blackjack tournaments over their real life land based counterparts.
Casino blackjack tournaments offer more opportunity to play which obviously means the player has an increased chance of winning, which is the most important issue for many a player. Numerous players use a combination of taking part in online blackjack tournaments along with land-based tournament play to meet all of their different gaming needs.
Ready to give online tournament blackjack a try? Visit www.expertblackjack.co.uk to get an in-depth overview of the online blackjack market. The also provide detailed reviews of each of the major online casinos available for UK players, along with a wealth of related content for example; average casino payout tables, blackjack strategies, blackjack tips/trick, free blackjack, top promotions/bonuses plus much more.
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
With its luscious chocolate colored interface and delicious matching graphics, Cocoa Casino is appealing to players from the word go. This Rival powered online casino emphasizes its commitment to the player’s best interests and, from the looks of things, makes every effort to live up to this promise.
Cocoa Casino is owned and managed by Silverstone Overseas Ltd (based in the United Kingdom), while the site is fully licensed and regulated by the Government of Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles.
Cocoa Casino offers personalized service, plenty of excellent promotions and a unique look that somehow separates it from the standard, run of the mill online casinos out there.
Software and Games
Cocoa Casino works off the unrivaled Rival software platform, with 70 fantastic games on offer. While the number of games may be small in comparison to other software companies, players definitely find quality where quantity is lacking. The selection of games is very well balanced to offer every type of player something to enjoy, and there is no arguing that Rival has one of the best portfolios in the industry.
The software is among the newest around, making the graphics both refreshing and original. Pictures are crisp, the interface is smooth and games are fast. Wagering limits begin at as little as 1c per game and rise to high-roller standards, making this a site that truly caters for everyone.
There are around 15 popular card and table games, including several versions of blackjack and multi hand blackjack. In addition, players can enjoy European and American Roulette, Pai Gow Poker and Caribbean Stud.
There are seven variants of video poker in 1, 5, 10 and 25 hand versions. Cocoa Casino boasts one of the loosest versions of Deuces Wild on the entire internet!
Parlor and specialty games also make up a good portion of the games portfolio at Cocoa Casino, and these include Keno, Sudoku Box Game and Scratch and Win games.
However, the slots games on this website really shine through and players are spoilt for choice when it comes to the selection. While the three reel slots and video slot games are awesome in themselves, nothing quite beats the I-Slots series developed by Rival Gaming – an interactive game that combines the latest in slot technology and continuing story line with the classic entertainment of good old fashioned slots.
Bonuses and Promotions
Cocoa Casino has established a name for itself in the online casino industry as a site that is more than generous with its bonuses and promotions. In fact, its welcome bonus for new players is considered one of the most lucrative around. This bonus helps players discover the games and software at this site and goes a long way in increasing their time at the casino.
Monthly reload bonuses, comp points and refer-a-friend bonuses ensure that players are always coming back to this site for more.
Payment and Payouts
While payment at Cocoa Casino is currently restricted to US Dollars, the site does offer some of the simplest and most secure banking systems available to assist players when depositing funds and withdrawing winnings. From credit cards to alternative methods, players will definitely find a method that suits them to ensure seamless transactions.
Security
Using 128 bit digital encryption, Cocoa Casino protects its players’ personal information and financial transaction to the very highest degree. The site guarantees confidentiality and will not transfer the player’s details to any third party without the player’s permission.
Support
There are a number of channels through which players can reach the very friendly and highly efficient customer service team at Cocoa Casino, including Live Chat (24 hour service live over the internet), three different email addresses or phone.
Cocoa Casino
Cocoa Casino, with its friendly attitude, personalized service and unique look makes a lasting impression on its players. Add to that one of the best software packages around and the site’s emphasis on easy payment methods, generous bonuses and rigid security, and it is clear that Cocoa Casino is a very good bet!
This information was accurate when it was written but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all information directly with the casino.
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
Online blackjack is one of the most profitable blackjack games around. It beats a blackjack casino by far. The reason being, when playing online blackjack you have the option of playing on multiple casinos at one time. That means that you can have all the blackjack bonuses that come with playing on multiple tables. You can see more blackjack hands also during that time. Winning at the blackjack table can be easy with the proper strategy. One strategy to use to start with is take advantage of all online casino bonuses. Some over 500 dollars completely free just by signing up! I have made at least $25,000 this year ALONE off of casino bonuses.
To qualify for a casino bonus you have to play a certain amount of blackjack hands depending on the amount you deposit. I usually clear every casino bonus I sign up for in the first 2 hours of play. It isn’t hard consistently beating the house with a proven blackjack strategy. At every casino you play at or any blackjack game online, the house will always have the edge if you do not use a proper strategy. The reason is the house gets to act last and you have a chance to “bust” even before the blackjack dealer gets to see another card. With the right blackjack strategy guide you can always have the upper hand against the house and put the blackjack odds in your favor. When starting out playing online blackjack for the first time, I highly recommend playing blackjack for fun. You can play at almost every single online casino that offers blackjack so you can get a feel of the game and how to consistently dominate the house. The best blackjack tips to win are to study the game as much as you can and practice on free blackjack sites.
Once you master beating the blackjack dealer consistently and start making a profit with play money chips, I then recommend nose diving right into real money situations. When playing for real money, it is easy to make a living playing blackjack online IF you have the proper tools. If you don’t have the proper tools and winning knowledge please remain at the play money used blackjack table. There is no point in jumping into a real money situation blackjack game if you simply aren’t ready. Many people make this mistake and it costs them thousands and thousands of dollars. They just give all their money to the house. That is why so many casinos are profitable because of rookie blackjack players that think they are so good just because they know the blackjack rules. It takes a WHOLE lot more than knowing the official blackjack rules to make you a successful blackjack player. Knowledge is power and without knowledge you have NOTHING. There are plenty of blackjack strategy charts you can follow to help you win, but you still need the knowledge and there is no way around that. In however you decide to play blackjack, I wish you the best of luck!
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
Blackjack is an extremely popular game and for good reasons. First of all it is extremely easy to play. Then, since it is based on skill, you are the one that influences the outcome of the game. With the aid of basic blackjack strategy you can lower the house edge to about 1%. No other casino game offers such a low house edge. Take the roulette wheel for example. It offers a house advantage of 5%.
I have taken the time to put together a few blackjack tips that you should keep in mind whenever you play blackjack online or in a land based casino. The order in which these blackjack tips are presented is of no importance. What is important is for you to read and understand them and improve your gambling skills.
Learn the rules of the game.
There are countless online gambling sites that present all the blackjack rules in a comprehensive and detailed manner. You cannot possibly expect to be a good blackjack player if you do not know the rules. At least learn the basic rules that apply to all blackjack variations. In case you were wondering, there are several types of blackjack games: blackjack switch, multi-hand blackjack, Atlantic City blackjack, double exposure blackjack, European blackjack, high limit blackjack, Spanish blackjack, and so on. If you know the basic blackjack rules you should pick up on the rule variations easily.
The true goal of playing online blackjack or casino blackjack is to beat the dealer.
Forget that nonsense about getting a 21. You do not have to keep hitting until you get a 21. Just hit until you have a card total that is good enough to beat the dealer. If you get a natural blackjack, congratulations. But not even that will guarantee that you will win. If the dealer also has a natural blackjack the game will be pushed. But you could very well win with a card total of 14 if the dealer busts.
Do not play with your gut – use a basic strategy card instead.
The best way to increase your chances of winning is to use basic strategy. Sometimes you will get a gut feeling that you should hit even if the basic strategy card advises you to stand. What you probably do not know is that playing by gut feeling alone gives the house an edge of 6%. But when you use basic strategy the house edge is reduced to 1%. So keep one on you at all times and consult it if necessary.
Choose your gambling environment carefully.
The main difference between casino blackjack and online blackjack is the environment. Land based casinos are noisy, crowded and extremely distracting. If you are struggling to keep focused maybe you should turn to playing online blackjack. Playing blackjack in a reputable online casino can prove to be a lot more lucrative than playing in a land based casino. Not only do you get to play from the comfort of your own home, but online casinos also offer great free blackjack games and fantastic sign-up bonuses. Now tell me what land based casino lets you play for free or lets you play with their money. Beginner blackjack players are well advised to make good use of these free casino games and improve their blackjack skills.
Proper money management.
First of all you should sit down, take a calculator and figure out how much money you can afford to spend on internet blackjack or casino blackjack. Budget your money carefully and never spend more than you can afford to lose. If you have spent all the money that you had set up for a blackjack session then walk away. Do not dip into other funds in hopes that you will win. Winning is never a guarantee, even if you lower the house edge to a minimum. Playing smart is the best option.
Always tip the dealer.
Casino dealers are not unionized and are not paid very well. They do not care if you win or lose. It’s not like they are playing with their own money. Do not annoy the dealer as they can make it harder for you to win. Always remember to tip.
Hopefully the blackjack tips presented above will improve your game. Remember that blackjack is a game if skill and that the outcome of the game is in your hands. Your skill determines if you will walk away with a profit or if you will lose. Being a bit lucky never hurts either.
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
I Won 200 Euros playing one hour free bonus in Blackjack Ballroom and they ask me to deposit at least 20 euros to redeem my winnings. is it real?
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
Online blackjack is great for new blackjack players
Many online casinos offer free blackjack games. Gamers have the chance to become happy with the table game and the rules in free online blackjack before gaming for cash.
What are the laws of free online blackjack?
Players who want the chance to play free online blackjack do not have to enter their personal details or sign up for an account at an internet casino. Free online blackjack grants players credits that they can use as bets in a game. These credits are complimentary and gamers do not have to pay for them.
Why are these free online blackjack titles beneficial?
Free online blackjack allows casino gamers the opportunity to practice their game. Gamers of table and online blackjack need to know when to stick or twist. They have to realise how the game is played and how to optimise their chances of beating the casino.These online blackjack titles give players the opportunity to enjoy blackjack without having to venture to a bricks-and-mortar casino.
Can you learn blackjack in other ways?
Asking the dealer for advice
A selection of novice players think about talking to the croupier for blackjack recommendations and counsel. A blackjack casino dealer cannot give you this counsel. In doing so, it would put into question their impartiality. Their job might be at stake. Think about the consequences for a croupier if you started winning hundreds because of their strategies.
Shadowing other blackjack players
A few gamers decide to view a game of blackjack in order to come to terms with the rules of the game. This is inadvisable. Some pro gamers do not wish to see a novice blackjack gamer standing next to them and observing their every move. If they lose this game, these players may hold you responsible interfering.
Learning blackjack by playing for prizes
The majority of new players will enter straight into a blackjack table in the desire to immediately pick up the game. But, this is the wrong way to become skilled and gamers can often sacrifice large sums if they do not understand what they are doing. Blackjack has a large learning curve and gamers should only play for money after they know what they are doing.
Online blackjack is brilliant for new casino players
Beginners will benefit from playing online blackjack. Free online blackjack allows gamers the chance to learn the game at their own pace. Land-based casinos can be overwhelming areas. Players can enjoy online blackjack in the comfort of their own bedroom without this issue.
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
The basic premise of the game is that you want to have a hand value that is closer to 21 than that of the dealer, without going over 21. Other players at the table are of no concern. Your hand is strictly played out against the hand of the dealer. The rules of play for the dealer are strictly dictated, leaving no decisions up to the dealer. Therefore, there is not a problem with the dealer or any of the other players at the table seeing the cards in your hand. Indeed, if you’re playing at a shoe game, the player cards are all dealt face up. In any event, when you’re just learning to play, don’t hesitate to show the dealer or other players your cards and ask questions.
Values of the cards
In blackjack, the cards are valued as follows:
An Ace can count as either 1 or 11, as demonstrated below.
The cards from 2 through 9 are valued as indicated.
The 10, Jack, Queen, and King are all valued at 10.
The suits of the cards do not have any meaning in the game. The value of a hand is simply the sum of the point counts of each card in the hand. For example, a hand containing (5,7,9) has the value of 21. The Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11. You need not specify which value the Ace has. It’s assumed to always have the value that makes the best hand. An example will illustrate: Suppose that you have the beginning hand (Ace, 6). This hand can be either 7 or 17. If you stop there, it will be 17. Let’s assume that you draw another card to the hand and now have (Ace, 6, 3). Your total hand is now 20, counting the Ace as 11. Let’s backtrack and assume that you had instead drawn a third card which was an 8. The hand is now (Ace, 6, 
which totals 15. Notice that now the Ace must be counted as only 1 to avoid going over 21.
A hand that contains an Ace is called a “soft” total if the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 without the total going over 21. For example (Ace, 6) is a soft 17. The description stems from the fact that the player can always draw another card to a soft total with no danger of “busting” by going over 21. The hand (Ace,6,10) on the other hand is a “hard” 17, since now the Ace must be counted as only 1, again because counting it as 11 would make the hand go over 21.
The deal of the cards
Once all the bets are made, the dealer will deal the cards to the players. He’ll make two passes around the table starting at his left (your right) so that the players and the dealer have two cards each. (European and Australian players: See exception at the bottom of this section.) The dealer will flip one of his cards over, exposing its value.
In the shoe games, the players cards will be dealt face-up, and the players are not allowed to touch the cards. If you’re just beginning, you’ll probably want to start at the shoe game where you don’t have to worry about handling the cards.
In the hand-held games, the player’s cards are dealt face down, and the players pick up the cards. When handling the cards in a hand-held game, here are a few important things to remember.
You are only allowed to touch the cards with one hand. If you’re a poker player, this can take some effort to break old habits!
You must keep the cards over the table.
Any cards that the dealer subsequently deals to your hand must be left on the table, not added to the cards in your hand.
Once the cards are dealt, play proceeds around the table, starting at the first seat to the dealer’s left, also called first base. Each player in turn indicates to the dealer how he wishes to play the hand. The various player decisions are covered in their own section below. After each player has finished his hand, the dealer will complete his hand, and then pay or collect the player bets.
Now, the exception I mentioned: Some casinos, mostly in Europe, give the dealer only one card face up until all the players have finished their hands. The dealer then deals his second card, and finishes his hand. This is called the European No Hole Card rule. This can change a player’s strategy if, and only if, the dealer collects all player bets in the event of a dealer blackjack. Some casinos that deal only one card at first to the dealer will refund any double-down or split bets if the dealer turns out to have a blackjack. This type of no hole card rule does not have any effect on the player’s optimal strategy, and should not be described as European No Hole Card rules.
How the dealer plays his hand
The dealer must play his hand in a specific way, with no choices allowed. There are two popular rule variations that determine what totals the dealer must draw to. In any given casino, you can tell which rule is in effect by looking at the blackjack tabletop. It should be clearly labeled with one of these rules:
“Dealer stands on all 17s”: This is the most common rule. In this case, the dealer must continue to take cards (“hit”) until his total is 17 or greater. An Ace in the dealer’s hand is always counted as 11 if possible without the dealer going over 21. For example, (Ace,8) would be 19 and the dealer would stop drawing cards (“stand”). Also, (Ace,6) is 17 and again the dealer will stand. (Ace,5) is only 16, so the dealer would hit. He will continue to draw cards until the hand’s value is 17 or more. For example, (Ace,5,7) is only 13 so he hits again. (Ace,5,7,5) makes 18 so he would stop (“stand”) at that point.
“Dealer hits soft 17″: Some casinos use this rule variation instead. This rule is identical except for what happens when the dealer has a soft total of 17. Hands such as (Ace,6), (Ace,5,Ace), and (Ace, 2, 4) are all examples of soft 17. The dealer hits these hands, and stands on soft 18 or higher, or hard 17 or higher. When this rule is used, the house advantage against the players is slightly increased.
Again, the dealer has no choices to make in the play of his hand. He cannot split pairs, but must instead simply hit until he reaches at least 17 or busts by going over 21.
What is a Blackjack, or a natural?
A blackjack, or natural, is a total of 21 in your first two cards. A blackjack is therefore an Ace and any ten-valued card, with the additional requirement that these be your first two cards. If you split a pair of Aces for example, and then draw a ten-valued card on one of the Aces, this is not a blackjack, but rather a total of 21. The distinction is important, because a winning blackjack pays the player odds of 3 to 2. A bet of $10 wins $15 if the player makes a blackjack. A player blackjack beats any dealer total other than a dealer’s blackjack, including a dealer’s regular 21. If both a player and the dealer make blackjack, the hand is a tie or push.
The dealer will usually pay your winning blackjack bet immediately when it is your turn to play. In the face down games, this means that you should show the blackjack to the dealer at that time. Some casinos may postpone paying the blackjack until after the hand is over if the dealer has a 10 card up and has not checked for a dealer blackjack. Other casinos check under both 10 and Ace dealer upcards, and would therefore pay the blackjack immediately. Regardless, when you are dealt a blackjack, turn the cards face up, and smile. It only happens about once every 21 hands, but it accounts for a lot of the fun of the game.
The Player’s Choices
Surrender
We start with one of the least common decisions, but it is appropriate to begin with surrender, because this decision must be made before any other choice about playing your hand. Not every game offers surrender, and those that do fall into two categories which bear expanation: Early vs Late.
Surrender offers you as a player the choice to fold your hand, at the cost of half of the original bet. You must make that decision prior to taking any other action on the hand. For example, once you draw a third card, or split, or double down, surrender is no longer an option.
The two varieties of surrender, early and late, differ only in the way a dealer blackjack is handled. In an early surrender game, a player may choose to surrender before the dealer checks his cards for a blackjack, offering a cheap way out even if the dealer turns out to have a blackjack. Because this offers a healthy advantage to the player, this version (early surrender) is rarely offered. The much more common variation is late surrender, where the dealer checks for blackjack first, and then only if he does not have blackjack will allow players to surrender their hands.
Surrender is a nice rule to have available for players who use it wisely. Unfortunately, many players surrender far too many hands. If you play in a game with surrender, use the Strategy Engine to determine when surrender is the appropriate play. To see how bad a hand must be to properly be surrendered, consider the following: To lose less with surrender, you must be only 25% likely to win the hand (ignoring pushes). That is, if you lose 75% of the time, and win only 25% of the time, your net loss is about 50% of your bets, equal to the amount you’ll lose guaranteed by surrendering. So, learn to use the surrender option, but make sure you know when it is appropriate.
It’s worth mentioning again that the vast majority of surrender is LATE surrender, after the dealer checks for BJ. Make sure you choose the right option over on the Strategy Engine. And if you do find a game that offers early surrender, drop me a note. Good opportunities like that are rare.
Hitting/Standing
The most common decision a player must make during the game is whether to draw another card to the hand (“hit”), or stop at the current total (“stand”). The method you use to indicate your decisions to the dealer depend on which kind of game you are playing.
In the face-up shoe game, you indicate that you want another card by tapping the table behind your cards with a finger. You’ll be required to make the hand signals, rather than just announcing “hit” or “stand” to the dealer. This is to eliminate any confusion or ambiguity in what you choose, and also for the benefit of the ever-present surveillance cameras. If you go over 21, or “bust”, the dealer will collect your bet, and remove your cards from the table immediately. When you decide to stand, just wave your hand in a horizontal motion over your cards.
In the face-down game, things are a little different. You’ll hold the first two cards with one hand. To draw another card to your hand, simply scrape your cards across the table felt lightly. Watch another player at first to see how this works. The dealer will deal your additional cards on the table in front of your bet. Add them to your total hand value, but leave the actual cards on the table. If you go over 21, just toss the two cards in your hand face up on the table. The dealer will collect your bet, and discard your hand. When you decide to stand, you should tuck the two cards you are holding face-down under the chips that you have bet. This can be a bit tricky the first few times. Don’t pick up the bet to place the cards underneath. Remember, once the cards are dealt, you can’t touch the chips in the circle. Simply slide the corner of the cards under the chips.
The descriptions are a lot tougher than the actual play. Just pay attention to what other players are doing and you’ll fit right in.
Doubling Down
Among the more profitable player options available is the choice to “double down”. This can only be done with a two card hand, before another card has been drawn. Doubling down allows you to double your bet and receive one, and only one, additional card to the hand. A good example of a doubling opportunity is when you hold a total of 11, say a (6,5) against a dealer’s upcard of 5. In this case, you have a good chance of winning the hand by drawing one additional card, so you might as well increase your bet in this advantageous situation. If you are playing in a face-down game, just toss the two cards face-up on the table in front of your bet. In either type of game, add an additional bet to the betting circle. Place the additional bet adjacent to the original bet, not on top of it. The dealer will deal one additional card to the hand. In the face-down game, he’ll probably tuck it face-down under your bet, to be revealed later.
Players are allowed to double down for any amount up to the original bet amount, so you could double down “for less” if you wanted. Just remember that you do give up something for being allowed to increase your bet: the ability to draw more than one additional card. If the correct play is to double down, you should always double for the full amount if possible.
Splitting Pairs
When you are dealt a matching pair of cards (remember, ignore the suits), you have the ability to split the hand into two separate hands, and play them independently. Let’s say you are dealt a pair of eights for a total of sixteen. Sixteen is the worst possible player hand, since it is unlikely to win as is, but is very likely to bust if you draw to it. Here’s a great chance to improve a bad situation.
If you are playing a hand-held game, toss the cards face-up in front of your bet just like a double down. Then, in either type of game, place a matching bet beside the original bet in the circle. Note that you must bet the same amount on a split, unlike a double-down, where you are allowed to double for less. The dealer will separate the two cards, and treat them as two independent hands. Let’s say you draw a 3 on the first 8, for a total of 11. Many casinos will allow you to double down on that hand total of 11 at this point. When this is allowed, the rule is called “Double after Split”, predictably enough. Regardless, you can play the first hand to completion, at which point the dealer will deal a second card to the second hand, and you can begin making play decisions on it.
If you get additional pairs (in the first two cards of a hand), most casinos will allow you to resplit, making yet another hand. The most common rule allows a player to split up to 3 times, making 4 separate hands, with 4 separate bets. If double after split is allowed, you could have up to 8 times your initial bet on the table if you chose! Some casinos restrict resplitting, and some allow unlimited splitting. Another fine point is that you are allowed to split any 10-valued cards, so you could split a (Jack, Queen) hand. However, this is usually a bad play: Keep the 20.
The other complication for pair splits concerns splitting Aces. Splitting Aces is a very strong player move, so the casino restricts you to drawing only one additional card on each Ace. Also, if you draw a ten-valued card on one of your split Aces, the hand is not considered a Blackjack, but is instead treated as a normal 21, and therefore does not collect 3:2 odds. Some casinos allow resplitting Aces if you draw another, while many do not allow resplitting Aces although they often do allow resplitting of any other pairs. With all these restrictions, you may wonder whether it makes sense to split Aces. The answer is a resounding YES. Always split pairs of Aces.
Insurance and Even Money
Insurance is perhaps the least understood of all the commonly available rules for Blackjack. This is not necessarily a bad thing because the insurance bet is normally a poor bet for the player, with a high house advantage. However, that’s not always the case. So, here we go:
If the dealer turns an up-card of an Ace, he will offer “Insurance” to the players. Insurance bets can be made by betting up to half your original bet amount in the insurance betting stripe in front of your bet. The dealer will check to see if he has a 10-value card underneath his Ace, and if he does have Blackjack, your winning Insurance bet will be paid at odds of 2:1. You’ll lose your original bet of course (unless you also have a Blackjack), so the net effect is that you break even (assuming you bet the full half bet for insurance.) This is why the bet is described as “insurance”, since it seems to protect your original bet against a dealer blackjack. Of course, if the dealer does not have blackjack, you’ll lose the insurance bet, and still have to play the original bet out.
In the simplest description, Insurance is a side-bet, where you are offered 2:1 odds that the dealer has a 10-valued card underneath (“in the hole”). A quick check of the odds yields this: In a single deck game, there are 16 ten-valued cards. Assuming that you don’t see any other cards, including your own, the tens compose 16 out of 51 remaining cards after the dealer’s Ace was removed. For the insurance bet to be a break-even bet, the hole card would have to be a ten 1 out of 3 times, but 16/51 is only 1 in 3.1875.
The situation is often thought to be different when you have a Blackjack. The dealer is likely to offer you “even money” instead of the insurance bet. This is just the same old insurance bet with a simplification thrown in. Let’s ignore the “even money” name, and look at what happens when you insure a Blackjack. Let’s say you bet $10, and have a Blackjack. You would normally collect $15 for this, unless the dealer also has a blackjack, in which case you push or tie.
Let’s assume that the dealer has an Ace up, and you decide to take insurance for the full amount, or $5. Now, two things can happen:
1) The dealer has a Blackjack. I tie with the $10, but collect 2:1 on the $5 insurance bet for a total profit of $10.
2) The dealer does not have Blackjack. I lose the $5, but collect $15 for my BJ. Total profit, again $10.
In either case, once I make the insurance bet, I’m guaranteed a profit of $10, or even money for my original bet.
So, casinos allow me to eliminate the insurance bet altogether, and simply declare that I want even money for my blackjack when the dealer has an Ace showing.
You’re probably thinking that sounds like a pretty good deal. You’re guaranteed a profit even if the dealer does have Blackjack. Just remember that the guaranteed profit comes at a price. You’ll win more money in the long run by holding out for the $15, even though you’ll sometimes end up empty-handed. Nonetheless, many players are adamant that they prefer to take even money when offered. Just be aware that you’re costing yourself money when you make that choice.
The basic strategy player should simply never take the insurance bet, even the “even money” variety. Card counters on the other hand can often detect situations where more than one-third of the remaining cards are ten-valued, and the bet is then a profitable one. So, unless you know the bet is favorable, just ignore it.
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
How To Play Blackjack Online. The first and main tip on playing online blackjack is to learn the rules. If you don’t know the rules of blackjack the game may become boring pretty fast. But if you know what’s behind it, online blackjack will be a great way to spend time and have some fun on the web. The cards in online blackjack have different suits and faces values. Picture cards such as King, Queen, and Jack have a ten count. Ace can be either one or eleven, depending on the player’s choice. An Ace with the value of 11 is called «soft hand» and the Ace with the value of one – «hard hand». The total sum of card values in a hand is the hand total. The main objective of online blackjack is to have a hand total higher than that of the dealer’s but without exceeding the twenty-one count. The dealer’s object is to make you exceed the twenty-one count, that will make you lose your whole bet amount to the casino. Every online blackjack game starts when players place their bets. After that the dealer deals two cards to each player and himself. Each player has his cards face up, while the dealer has one face up and the other — face down. The face down card is called a «hole card». At this point a players should decide whether he hits, stands, splits, surrenders or doubles. Hit is when you ask the dealer for an additional card. By standing you remain with the cards you’ve been dealt initially. By splitting you break two cards of the same kind. When you split it is required that you place the exact amount of your bet on the new hand created by the split. Surrender is not available on all online blackjack sites. When you double, your bet is increased twofold and you can take another card. Blackjack Bonuses When playing online blackjack or enjoying the game at a real casino table, don’t forget about using comps and bonuses offered by the casino. These casino offers will make it much more pleasurable and in some cases profitable to play blackjack both online and offline. What are Blackjack Bonuses and Comps? When you play blackjack at a casino for some time, you are likely to be offered with certain rewards, called bonuses and comps. In land-based casinos such bonuses come in form of free meals, drinks, shows or rooms. The casino «rates» all the players at the table and decides who can get a bonus. Bonuses and comps don’t have anything to do with your playing skills, and are based only at the time you’re plating at this particular casino and the amount you’ve spent. When playing online blackjack you can earn bonuses too. They may vary from additional amount to spend at a particular online casino for playing or real merchandise you can get when playing regularly at a casino site. What Blackjack Bonuses are Used For? Blackjack bonuses and comps are free items given by the casino to stimulate the player for more gambling. It is also a way to gain loyal players that will be willing to play more at a particular casino. By providing free items, casinos in a way return a portion of the amount the player has spent at the table, making him feel important and welcome. In case your aim at playing blackjack is to win big, you have to follow your strategy and stay focused. For good players casinos also offer discounts and free items. Online blackjack can also offer some bonuses if you play really good and are a consistent player at a particular casino.
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
Oh yeah, it’s throw down time at your favorite online casino. I love playing Blackjack online and apparently so do millions of other people around the world. Sure, you can spend hundreds or thousands flying to Las Vegas for some hands of Blackjack, but why not just login to an online casino?
In some ways, online casinos have brought back the old days of true gambling. You get a pure gambling environment. There are no side shows and other nonsense. If you don’t like the payouts, you leave. It’s that simple. Online casinos know this and that’s why they work constantly to offer the best gaming around. I bet if Las Vegas went to a pure gaming atmosphere, it would disappear, because online casinos have better payouts and action-no travel time too.
It’s true that all different types of Blackjack can be found in the world, but who the heck wants to spend valuable money and time getting to it all? Not I. Online casinos offer the perfect solution. Any type of Blackjack you want is at your fingertips.
So, how can we profit from online Blackjack? Aside from the obvious answer, winning, there are a couple primers to profiting. First, we need to understand how the game actually works. Early in this article I alluded to the fact that you can find single-deck Blackjack online. But, I didn’t talk about how it works, which is a major item of information to know.
Unlike real-world Blackjack where hands are dealt until most of the deck or shoe is gone, online casinos shuffle the deck after every single hand. This is to prevent players from counting cards. It’s a slight handicap for the players, because the hands are extremely random and there’s no way to “work into” better hands, such as getting all the smaller stuff out and loading up for possible Blackjacks.
Another thing you must do is abandon silly strategies. And one of those is card counting. Sorry, card counting helps in the real world only. If you try to count cards with online Blackjack, you’ll just be screwing yourself. It doesn’t work (again, reshuffling kills it). So, don’t waste your valuable time trying to learn how to count cards and what card counting system is best. It’s not needed.
Since the hands are more than extremely random, don’t utilize any progression system. You could easily lose 20 hands in a row and you could easily win 20 hands in a row. It’s that random (thanks to the reshuffling after every hand).
Learn the game, learn how it works online and play smarter to win more often.
Written by admin on 11 January 2010
Blackjack is one of the famous games featured in most of the online casinos available today. Since the traditional blackjack became a hit to many avid casino players, the game became one of the priorities for some of the biggest software providers which include Real Time Gaming (RTG), Microgaming, Playtech and Boss Media.
Discover the Game of Blackjack Powered by RTG
Although online blackjack is somehow the typical game players used to experience in the traditional setting, with Real-Time Gaming, there is a big difference. Real-Time Gaming has the ability to make a big difference in the game of blackjack. If you are planning to play blackjack powered by Real-Time Gaming, you must consider some of the important rules provided by the supplier. Real-Time Gaming uses a configurable number of decks. Most likely, RTG uses four decks for the game of blackjack, but according to some of the players who have tried the game offered by RTG, they only use two decks for each game.
The other rule that players should consider is the moves used by the house in every game. Keep in mind that the dealer goes soft when it hits 17. It also doubles after the split and on the first two cards. The only way to win blackjack is if the player wins 21 ahead of the house. Today, RTG developed several variations for the game of blackjack. RTG offers different types of variations which include Caribbean 21, Super Fun 21, Match Play 21 and the basic blackjack. Another good thing about playing blackjack powered by RTG is that you can play blackjack for free, especially if it is your first time to play the game.
Playing Blackjack with Microgaming
Microgaming is one of the leading software providers which offer a wide variety of blackjack games. Microgaming blackjack has a distinct feature which will definitely provide players with excitement and satisfaction. Blackjacks powered by Microgaming uses a single deck even up to eight decks in every game, so Microgaming surely offers the different variations of blackjack games you would often see in land-based casinos. Many experts would recommend Microgaming blackjack because not only is it thrilling but Microgaming also offers bonuses and promotions which will cater to the needs of blackjack players. Players will enjoy the basic blackjack game or even the European High Streak Blackjack, which is their most popular variation.
Playing Blackjack with Playtech
Playtech System makes sure that all the games they offer are realistic, and their blackjack games are no exception. Playtech sees to it that players will definitely be satisfied with the games they play. Even though Playtech only offers a limited number of blackjack games, they ensure that their games are of high quality. Playtech is the first software provider which implemented the live dealer feature on their game lineup. The first live dealer blackjack game ever played was powered by Playtech. Playtech offers the best games when it comes to online blackjacks. Some of their famous blackjack variations include the Blackjack Surrender, which includes six decks of 52 cards each. You can also try the Blackjack Live Dealer and the Blackjack Switch.
Playing Blackjack with Boss Media
Boss Media is a Swedish company which provides high-quality games and excellent graphic designs. Boss Media makes sure that they can accommodate all types of players, may they be novices or experts. The company also provides great bonuses and promotions, so many players will be encouraged to play the games they provide. One of the best games they provide is the blackjack game. If you wish to play blackjack, you can either choose multiplayer blackjack where you can converse with other players in different locations or you can play in a private table. If you play with Boss Media, you can ensure that you are somehow playing the actual game of blackjack. Boss Media makes sure that you will experience 100% satisfaction.
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