Blackjack is an exciting cards game enjoyed by many players not just in the UK, but across the world. The reason for this broad interest stems from the nature of the game itself. Blackjack may seem difficult to grasp at a first glance. But the effort made in learning blackjack is well worth it. There is so much to this game you can enjoy. This article serves to highlight some of the things you may not have known about this game. We look at some fun facts about blackjack, read on and impress your friends next time you sit down for a game.
PLAYING BLACKJACK IS NOT GAMBLING
If you look up the definition of gambling in your dictionary, you will find it expressed as “playing games of chance for money.” Now, games of chance are the type where your skill plays no part or cannot determine the outcome of the event. This means activities like drawing lots, tossing a coin, or playing slots are gambling. But you cannot apply this definition to Blackjack, in the strictest sense. Your decision in a game of blackjack, to stand, double down, or hit, affects the game. It is a game where you can learn and develop the skills necessary to be consistently profitable.
CARD COUNTING IS NOT ILLEGAL
Gambling news platforms are awash with how so and so was caught counting cards and expelled from an online casino. The most prominent of these articles is on American actor Ben Affleck. It is easy to see why one might think counting cards is a criminal offence almost punishable with death. But if you look at how the casinos word their policies on card counting, you’ll be surprised. Nowhere is it expressly stated that it is not allowed. Rather, you find them saying it is frowned upon. So you can count cards, just do not get caught. If you are discovered, the casino reserves the right to cut you off.
EVERYONE AT THE TABLE IS PLAYING THEIR OWN GAME
A common misstep is to liken poker to blackjack. While there is some element of skill in both games, they are entirely different. Poker is played against other players at the table. The winner in a poker game is whoever has the most attractive combination of cards. The card values determine the strength of each hand. In blackjack, however, the situation is not like this. Everyone at the table is playing against the dealer. You win or lose based on your play, and there is no way another player can influence or impact your game.
THE AIM OF THE GAME IS TO BEAT THE DEALER
Many players make the mistake of thinking they need 21 to win. But this is not the case at all. There are many ways you can win a game of blackjack. One is to get 21 via hitting or a natural blackjack. The other is if the dealer busts. You can also win if you get a hand that is better than the dealer. Remember, the dealer may need to stay on 17 in some variants. So getting 18, 19, or 20 in such a situation is a good hand. So the objective in all of these scenarios is to beat the dealer.
BLACKJACK HAS THE LOWEST HOUSE EDGE
The house edge is the advantage that the casino has on you. This means it determines how likely you are to win the game. The bigger the house edge, the slimmer your chances of getting earnings. Blackjack gives players the best odds of winning if we consider the house edge. It comes in first against games, likely slots, roulette, and poker. The great thing about blackjack is that learning basic blackjack strategy and card counting lowers the edge even further. But you cannot expect to just start on blackjack and instantly enjoy the best. This is why we always suggest that the best way to practice blackjack before visiting a casino is online. Looking at slots.xyzyou can easily find a selection of casinos offering live blackjack.
BLACKJACK SAVED FEDEX
Many who know FedEx today see it as a giant logistics company. This company employs thousands of people all over the world and handles millions of transactions. But if you were to ask its founder, Frederick Smith, he will tell you it wasn’t always the case. In fact, at one point the company was so down and out, Smith almost filed for bankruptcy. The FedEx story is astonishing. A company which started with $84million was left with $5,000 after only two years. Smith took that $5,000 and hit the blackjack tables. To cut the long story short, Smith returned with $27,000 which could suffice for another week. The rest is history.
YOU CAN EARN A LIVING PLAYING BLACKJACK
There are a lot of professional blackjack players plying their trade across the world. These 21 gurus are playing in tournaments, private games, and in casinos. These are trained individuals who have taken time to understand how the game works. These players make a living from playing this game. You cannot be a professional slot player. There is no such thing, well, unless you are just streaming your game play. But blackjack, being a game of skill, you can fine-tune your skills until you are getting consistent returns. This involves mastering a basic blackjack strategy in all its forms and also counting cards.
THE NUMBER OF DECKS COUNTS
Blackjack has many variants. These games are different in terms of the rules, gameplay, and also the number of card decks used. You can find a game that uses only one deck, and another with as many as six. The significance of these card decks goes beyond variation. As a basic rule, it’s good to remember that the more decks you play with, the harder the game. If you look at it, you will find it’s common sense. It is easier, even to count cards, when you have fewer decks with which to play.
Blackjack is a fantastic game for all players. There is a lot to learn in this casino game. If you understand how it works and employ the ideal strategy, it holds the best promise for getting earnings.
