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6-Deck Blackjack

Blackjack by far is one of the most popular casino games around whether you are in Las Vegas or playing online at your favorite Internet gambling site. While the rules of the game are rather simple in nature, the strategy behind winning at blackjack on a regular basis is a whole other thing.

The basis of any version of blackjack is to have a better hand than the dealer adding up to 21. Unlike some other card games such as poker, you only compete against the dealer’s hand in blackjack. Numerical cards count at face value, face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) count as 10 points and an Ace can be counted as a one or 11 depending on what works best for your overall hand. The pace of play is on a hand-by-hand basis and you can either win or lose your bet based on the highest card total equal to but not higher than 21 between the dealer’s final card total and your card total as a player. Any hand that exceeds 21 points is considered a bust.

Play begins with two cards dealt to each player as well as the dealer. Any player can stay or stick with the combined total of those two cards, but they also have the option to keep adding cards by taking a “hit” to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. The dealer has to keep taking “hits” for any card total that is 16 or lower. If a player or dealer is dealt a 10 or face card along with an Ace that is considered a natural “blackjack”  and the game is automatically won unless both the player and dealer have this same combination at the same time.

The term 6-deck blackjack refers simply to the number of card decks that are used at one time in the course of a round of blackjack. The sole purpose of using this many decks is to make it difficult for anyone to count the cards that have already been played in previous hands. This designation pertains more to the game of blackjack that you would play at a regular brick and mortar casino in Las Vegas or any other destination where casino gambling has been legalized. When it comes to playing blackjack online, the deck is automatically reshuffled after every hand to eliminate any kind of edge a player might try and create by counting cards.

There is quite a bit of strategy involved in the game of blackjack with added options to split your hand if you are dealt two cards of similar value, double down on a bet once the hand is dealt as well as call insurance if you believe the dealer has blackjack. The online version of blackjack is a bit less complicated since it is just you pitted against the computer with no other players involved, but all the same basic rules still apply.

One of the best reasons for playing blackjack online is convenience. Most of today’s online software applications offer a mobile platform so can play whenever you want and wherever you want with the use of a mobile hand-held device with Internet capability. While there is a wide spectrum of Internet gambling outlets offering easy mobile access to blackjack games, you should always do your due diligence to find an online betting outlet that best suits your personal needs.

Many of today’s highly sophisticated independent sports bookmakers also offer easy access to a full-service online casino with the help of a Pay Per Head online bookie software package. This can be the perfect all-in-one solution for anyone who loves to bet on sports but also loves to make that occasional trip to the casino. The latest advances in online gaming technology can make the whole online casino experience as life-like as going to an actual gambling hall.

Single Hand Blackjack

One of the best reasons to play blackjack at your favorite online gambling outlet as opposed to playing it at a brick and mortar casino is the wide variety of game options you can choose from given the built-in diversity of the online gaming software application that has been developed over the years for this highly popular card betting game. While the basic playing rules for each online variation of blackjack remain the same, it is the added twists to the playing rules that make it one of the most sought after online gambling activities on the Internet today.

When it comes to online sportsbooks and private bookies offering access to an online casino with the help of a Pay Per Head online bookie software package, single hand blackjack is near the top of the list in popularity. Just as the name implies, this is a one-on-one competition between a player and a dealer that is played out over the course of a single hand of blackjack. The goal remains the same in that you are trying to get as close to 21 as possible without going over while also posting a combined card total that is higher than the dealer’s hand.

One of the subtle twists with the single-hand version of blackjack is the rules for when a dealer can stand or take a hit. One version has the dealer standing on a “soft” 17 and taking a hit on any combination of 16 or lower. A soft 17 is a combination of the dealer reaching the sum of 17 while counting the Ace as an 11.

Another rules option for a single-hand version of online blackjack will make the dealer stand on a soft 18. This would apply to a scenario where the dealer has a six and an Ace in their hand which would require then to take a hit. This version makes things more beneficial to the player from an odds standpoint.

Before playing any version of blackjack online it is highly recommended that you thoroughly review all the posted rules at your online gambling outlet of choice. For the most part they will remain consistent from one online gaming site to another based on the particular software application being used, but there may be some additional in-house rules that are specific to a particular site. This primarily pertains to things such as minimum and maximum bets, insurance and even money options and the ability to use a “surrender” tactic to cut your bet in half on a bad hand.

The main appeal of playing single hand blackjack in a one-on-one setting against a dealer is the overall simplicity this version offers. It is blackjack in its most basic form which actually brings more luck into the equation rather than skill. There are no outside factors such as additional players and extra decks of cards that can have a big impact on the game as it does in a brick and mortar casino setting. Another attractive feature of playing online single hand blackjack is the ability to dictate the pace of play. You can take all the time you need when it comes to standing or taking a hit and with many online versions you will have the ability to pause or even store a game in case the need arises or you happen to lose your Internet connection.

The biggest appeal of playing any version of online blackjack if you also enjoy betting on sports is that the majority of today’s modernized online sportsbooks and full-service private bookies have the capability to offer both sports betting and casino gambling as part of their overall bookmaking service.

Single Deck Blackjack

Blackjack remains one of the most popular casino games for gamblers whether you are playing on the betting floor of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas or on a handheld mobile device at your favorite online casino gambling site. One of the main reasons why this card game has remained so popular over the years is the large variety of playing options it offers.

Single deck blackjack, as the name implies, only uses one deck of cards at a time which in theory should improve a player’s odds to win against the dealer. This is still a game of chance and the ability to count the cards that have already been played is diminished as opposed to a multi-deck version of blackjack since the deck is reshuffled after each hand played. The online version of single deck blackjack is the ultimate blend of skill and luck since you are only playing against the dealer in a one-on-one setting. More and more online casino sites are offering live dealer table games which may change this dynamic with multiple players at a single blackjack table.

The basic rules of single hand blackjack are pretty much the same as any of the other versions you may find online. Many sites will limit you to just one hand per round and, as mentioned, the deck is reset after every hand. The payout on a player blackjack is 3 to 2, while any other winning hand against the dealer is a 1 to 1 payout. In most online versions of single deck blackjack the dealer will take a hit on a soft 17 with an ace being counted as an 11. This can work in a player’s favor given the increased odds of a dealer bust in any one hand, but the soft 17 rule actually favors the casino from an odds standpoint in the long run. You should always consult the posted rules for playing any version of online blackjack before betting on the games.

A few other things to keep in mind when playing single hand blackjack online are the individual gambling site’s rules for using insurance on a dealer’s face card as well as the surrender rule when you believe the dealer is sitting on a blackjack. The basic rules for splitting a hand in single deck blackjack will only allow you to take one additional card on split aces and there is no re-splitting of aces. Most sites do not consider a ten-valued card and a split ace a blackjack. Once again, you should always consult the posted rules for any online casino game as there might be some slight variations from one online gambling site to the next.

Another thing that you will want to clarify before playing single hand blackjack online is the rules governing actual betting limits from a site’s minimum up to its maximum bet. Just like actual brick and mortar casinos, you will want to find an online casino that has both minimum and maximum betting limits that match your individual gambling style.

One of the best things about playing single hand blackjack online is that the computer software application powering the game is designed to allow for pauses and complete stoppages of play. If for some reason you need to pause a game or if you lose an Internet connection, the game will resume right where you left off. Another plus to playing single hand blackjack on your personal computer or a mobile handheld device is that many of the top online casinos will offer extended play bonuses credited directly to your betting account once any rollover requirements have been met. These customer loyalty incentives can go a long way towards extending your overall betting bankroll.

Blackjack Double Exposure

One of the more popular versions of blackjack at many of the online casino gambling sites is Blackjack Double Exposure. While the basic premise of getting a higher hand than the dealer up to and including 21 is still the same, both the dealer’s cards are dealt face up. The fact that you already know the dealer’s entire hand is a variation that appeals to many blackjack players looking to simplify the game.

There is still a combination of luck and skill when it comes to playing double exposure blackjack online. The basic betting strategy of when to stick and when to take a hit remain the same even though you already know what the dealer’s hand is. However, there are some significant rules changes in this version which can dictate how you bet on each hand.

First of all, most online casinos will only payout 1 to 1 odds on a player’s blackjack as opposed to the enhanced 3 to 2 odds in the standard version of the game. The insurance rule on a possible dealer blackjack when an ace or 10 card is showing is now invalid since you already know what the dealer’s two cards are. When it comes to splitting two alike cards in a player’s hand, this can only be done once. Another rule change in this version is that the dealer wins all ties unless you both have a natural blackjack. This in turn, gives the house the slight edge overall when it comes to your betting odds to win.

As always, you should first consult the posted rules for any casino game you play online since there may be some slight variations from one online casino site to the next. Every online game of chance that is offered should have a complete set of posted rules that are designed to make things clear and easy to understand before the first bet is ever made.

One of the main attractions of playing double exposure blackjack is the added simplicity of knowing what you are up against when trying to beat a dealer’s hand. This does not mean that your chances to win are necessarily any greater; it just gives you a better handle on how to play your hand. Most online versions of double exposure blackjack have the dealer taking a hit on a soft 17 which requires an ace to be played as an 11. The one twist on this rule is that the dealer cannot bust on a soft 17 so in essence this is a free card to try and improve their hand. This is another reason why this version of blackjack tends to favor the house from an overall odds standpoint.

The rules for doubling down on a bet in this version of blackjack are limited to a total of 9, 10 or 11 in the player’s dealt hand. The surrender option in this version is not offered since the dealer’s two cards are already exposed.

Despite the fact the Blackjack Double Exposure does slightly lean towards the house with its subtle rule changes as opposed to the standard online version of this game; it continues to grow in popularity each and every year. If you are the type of online recreational gambler that is looking to have fun while giving yourself a chance to win some money, then playing this version of blackjack is probably a good way to go. Best of all, most of the top online gambling sites are more than willing to make it worth your while with any number of bonus offers and incentives in place for both new online accounts as well as for loyal customers.

Blackjack Switch

One of the most popular table games when it comes to casino gambling at either a brick-and-mortar location or online at your favorite Internet casino is blackjack. The basic premise behind this card game is to get as close to 21 without going over while also having a higher total card value than the dealer. The sheer number of possible game variations with subtle changes to the actual rules is what makes blackjack one of the most heavily played gambling activities at any casino.

A unique rule twist that is rapidly catching on with a growing number of traditional blackjack players allows you to trade cards among two hands played. This game variation is commonly referred to as Blackjack Switch.

While this would normally be considered cheating in any standard blackjack game, Blackjack Switch permits the player to make two bets of equal amounts and then switch one of their second cards dealt between the two hands. One of the big catches with this version of blackjack is that a dealer’s hand of 22 points results in a PUSH against any other player hand that is 21 or lower (unless you have blackjack). The other caveat with this version is that any instant player blackjacks are paid off at even money as opposed to the normal 3/2 odds for traditional blackjack.

While playing different versions of blackjack is a great way to add diversity to this time-honored game, most of the rule changes are designed to enhance the house’s overall betting odds. Blackjack Switch is no different with those two rule changes. While they might appear to be minor as compared to the advantage of making that second-card switch among your two hands, in the overall the grand scheme of things, the casino has actually improved its edge over the player.

Some of the other rules in place for Blackjack Switch include the dealer hitting on a soft 17 with any ace counting as 11. This is basically a free play for the dealer since he cannot bust on that additional card. Another common rule calls for all cards being dealt face up. One rule change that works in the player’s favor is the ability to switch a second card to form a blackjack, but keep in mind this is now an even money payoff. Players can usually double down on any two cards and they can also double on a split. Resplits are allowed up to four hands.

The ability to switch a second card among two hands creates a whole new set of playing strategies as opposed to your preferred options with just one hand in regular blackjack. If you are fairly new to the game, you will probably want to consult a playing guide that can help you make the proper decisions based on the cards you are dealt.

There are an entire set of playing options to follow that would be considered a “simple” switching strategy for winning at Blackjack Switch as well as an additional set of “advanced” switching strategies. The advanced strategies break things down into a complex chart that specifically tells you how to play both of your hands to come up with the hand that has the greater number of points. If the assigned point value for both of your hands from this chart happens to be the same, then you would revert back to the simple strategy to play things out.
This brief description of playing options is designed to illustrate the complexity that playing Blackjack Switch can bring to the table. If you are still up to the challenge of trying to ‘beat the house’ then this might just be the perfect version of blackjack for you.

Pai Gow Poker

Poker is a universal card game that has gained a tremendous amount of popularity over the years at both brick-and-mortar casinos as well as online gambling outlets. This is easy to see given the wide array of betting options that exist across any number of different versions of how the game is played. No matter which version of poker you decide to play the basic premise to winning remains the same; having the best hand amongst all the other players or against the dealer’s hand.

Pai Gow Poker is an old Chinese version of poker that has been adapted for today’s casino table game offerings. There are also slot machine versions of this game that have become extremely popular with many online casino’s offering mobile gaming options. No matter where or how you decide to play Pai Gow Poker, the basic rules of the game remain the same.

The American version of this game is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. In the online version of this game, a single player is pitted against the dealer in an attempt to split seven dealt cards into one five-card hand and one two-card hand. If both of your two hands are higher than the dealer’s two hands you win your bet.

One of the basic rules involved with this game is that any five-card hand must rank higher than the two-card hand. Standard poker ranking rules apply according to posted house rules. The lone joker in the deck can only be used to complete straights and flushes; otherwise it will be counted as an ace. If the player only wins one of the two hands, that round is considered a PUSH. In the case of any ties, the dealer wins the hand.

While those are some of the basic rules surrounding Pai Gow Poker, fully understanding the proper strategy of how to consistently win is a whole other story. This game is all about strategy and not really designed for someone with a limited amount of knowledge when it comes to actual betting odds as they pertain to the game of poker. That being said, for anyone who considers themselves to be avid poker player in general, this version of the game can offer an exciting challenge to match wits head-to-head against the dealer.

A few other things to keep in mind when playing Pai Gow Poker online is that winnings are paid out at even money minus a five percent commission. For example, if you bet $100 and both hands beat the dealer, your winnings would be $95. If you lose the hand, you lose the full $100. With most online versions of Pai Gow Poker, you have the option to split your first two cards dealt into two separate hands. Play resumes from there with the dealer issuing you six additional cards for each hand.

One of the attractions of Pai Gow Poker is the slow rate of play and since there are quite a few PUSHES during the course of play as well you are able to extend your overall betting bankroll a bit further than in other casino table games if the cards are not falling your way.

As mentioned, there is some definite strategy involved in playing Pai Gow Poker and while many of the hands you are dealt may appear to be rather obvious in how they should be played, it can be very helpful and profitable to study up on some of the ways in which you can enhance your winning percentage. As is the case with every casino table game, the odds will always favor the house, but there are some definitive ways you can turn those odds in your favor with the proper strategy for actually playing the cards.

Baccarat

When it comes to playing table games at a casino, baccarat is usually thought of as a game designed exclusively for high rollers. Granted, the table limits and the betting limits at your typical Las Vegas casino might be higher for baccarat as opposed to other table games such as blackjack or craps. However, if you enjoy Internet gambling at your favorite online casino then playing the game of baccarat is well within your means.

The basic gambling premise behind the game of baccarat is rather simple. In this card game, you either bet on the player to win, the banker to win or on a draw. Play starts with both the player and the banker receiving two cards. The object or the game is to get as close as possible to a total of nine. Unlike the game of blackjack there is no such thing as a “bust”. Any hand adding up to more than nine points simply subtracts 10 from the total score. For example, if the two cards dealt were a nine and an eight, the total score would be seven (17-10=7).

For certain two-card card combinations for the player, there will be a third card dealt to an existing hand. This takes place when both of the first two cards dealt add up to a total of zero through five. In the game of baccarat, 10’s and all face cards have a value of zero. An ace always counts as one and the rest of the cards count as their actual numerical value. If the banker’s first two cards add up to six or less, they will receive a third card. When it comes to all the rules concerning when a third card is actually dealt, it is best to consult the posted rules at the online casino site where you are playing the game. Often times there will be an easy to read chart detailing when a third card will be added to the banker’s hand.

The actual game of baccarat is rather simple by nature and when you are playing online it is just you as the player going against the banker as opposed to the 12-player tables you will find at a brick-and-mortar casino. There is no real decision making or complicated playing strategy involved in how you play your cards since that is already dictated by the rules of the game. This is one of the main reasons why baccarat is such a popular table game. Anyone can quickly understand all the rules in a matter of minutes.

The real challenge to winning at online baccarat is how you actually bet on the game. You have the option to bet on yourself as the player or you can bet on the banker, who actually has a slight house edge in the overall odds. However, if you do bet on the banker to have the winning hand, you double your bet minus a five percent commission to the house. This added commission is another reason why the overall payout odds slightly favor the house. You also have the option to bet on a draw, which pays nine times your original bet without the additional five percent commission if the hand does end in a tie.

When you break down the actual betting odds for the game of baccarat, the house has a 1.24 percent edge when betting on a player and that edge drops to 1.06 percent when betting on the banker (this takes into consideration the five percent commission).Of all the most popular card games, baccarat actually has the smallest house edge, making it one of the best gambling values when playing table games at an online casino.

Craps

Craps is the quintessential gambling game involving dice and it remains one of the most popular table games at both brick-and-mortar casinos as well as all the online casino gambling outlets that can be easily found on the Internet. While the basic premise of how to play craps is fairly simple to understand, it can be one of the most complex gambling games given the wide variety of actual bets that can be placed during the course of play.

The whole concept behind the game of craps is based on the person throwing the dice ‘making their number’. Everyone else playing along will either bet with the dice thrower or against the dice thrower accomplishing that goal.

The first thing you need to know about craps is what all the different numbers have to do with betting on the game. It is played with two standard dice numbered from one to six, which results in throwing combinations of two up to an including 12. Play starts with the initial throw of the dice. All the other players will place their bets on the “Pass Line” or the “Don’t Pass Line”. An initial throw of 7 or 11 is an automatic winner for everyone betting the pass line. If the initial throw is a 2, 3 or 12 this is considered to be “craps” and all pass line bettors lose their bet.

Actual play in a series begins when the initial throw adds up to any other number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10). This is referred to as the shooter’s “point”. They will continue to throw the dice in an effort to repeat that number. For example, is the initial throw adds up to eight, the goal of the shooter is to roll another eight. If they do roll their point, the pass line bet wins and that series ends. If they roll a 7 before rolling their point number, that is considered craps and the series ends with all pass line bets losing. As long as the current shooter does not throw their point or a seven, play continues in a series until one of those two results takes place.

Where things get tricky is all the other side bets that take place during the course of play. The traditional craps table at a Las Vegas-style land based casino is broken down into a number of different segments to designate all the different ways you can bet on the game. The following is a quick look at a few of the most popular side bets.

One section of the table is labeled as the “Field” containing the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Once a shooter’s point has been established, you have the option to place a side bet in the field along with your pass line bet. If any of those field numbers is rolled on the shooter’s next turn you win that extra bet. You can also bet on individual numbers being rolled regardless if they are the shooter’s point. One very popular side bet in craps is on 6 and 8 since they have the best odds to be rolled other than a seven. There are six different ways the dice can add up to seven and there are five different ways a roll can add up to six or an eight.

When it comes to playing craps on the Internet at your favorite online casino it is pretty close to the real thing you would find at a standard  craps table in Las Vegas. The best way to make the most of online craps is to take the time to make yourself completely familiar will all of your betting options as well as all the in-house rules and regulations for the game of craps posted on your casino website.