If you’re rooting around to learn how to play blackjack in the UK, you’ve landed in the right spot. Sometimes called the game of 21, blackjack is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino table games out there. Described by most as a game of both luck and skill, the aim of the game is to beat the dealer by having a hand that’s as close to 21 points as possible without ever going over.
Whether you’re into virtual table games, or prefer the high excitement of live casino, Platincasino has several blackjack games available for you to test the waters. Perhaps you’re not even in the mood for a round of blackjack at all – in any case, we’ve got hundreds of games racked up and ready for play on any device including mobiles and tablets, as well as computer and laptop devices. Take a look at our full collection of slots right here.
How To Play Blackjack: The Basics
While there’s an opportunity for high strategy, learning the basics is definitely your first step in learning how to play blackjack, whether it’s online or in a land-based casino. Even though experts might argue that this is a game that’s all about complex mathematical details, casual players would probably also agree that this is one of the most entertaining casino table games out there – so let’s get right into it.
The first thing you’re going to want to know when playing blackjack is each card values. As a general rule, all cards hold their equivalent numeric value irrespective of suit, whereas face cards and tens are all worth 10 points. The Ace is either worth one or 11 points, depending on the hand it finds itself in at the time.
Blackjack is generally played around a semi-circular table. In virtual games, then you’ll be playing alone against the dealer, however in the live casino scenario, many times you’ll be playing amongst several other players who are sat at the same table. Different variations of the game will call for a different number of packs, with some games making use of a single deck of 52 cards while others may require up to eight decks, which are kept in a specialised box called the shoe.
At the start of each game, players will place their wager by moving chips to a designated area, and are then dealt a single card face up. The dealer will also assign a first card to him/herself but this time it will be facing down. Once that’s done, the dealer will go ahead and deal a second face up card to both him/herself as well as to each player at the table. Now at this point, whether you’re a seasoned player, or whether you’re just learning how to play blackjack, it’s your time to make some decisions. Here you’re able to:
- Hit – request a third card in order to increase the value of your current hand.
- Stand – hold onto your current cards and wait to see what happens next once the dealer uncovers his/her card.
- Double Down – you’ve already got a great hand but would like to improve it with a third card while doubling your wager.
- Split – this is possible whenever you’re dealt to identical cards by chance.
- Fold – this round isn’t for you and you’d rather surrender then venture further.
Blackjack Game Actions
How To Play Blackjack At Home Vs A Land-Based Casino
Even if you’ve never actually set foot into a land-based casino, thanks to online casinos you’re now able to learn how to play blackjack card games at home with utmost convenience. Apart from the obvious advantage of not having to commute or having to get casino opening times right, there are several other advantages to playing blackjack at home in the UK.
For starters, online casinos have significantly reduced overheads, which implies that the house edge is generally lower for this reason. Apart from that, being online also means that you’re spoiled for choice in terms of variety. Platincasino offers a number of different variations and table buy-ins for this massively popular game, which you’re able to check out right away on a 24/7 basis.
How To Play Blackjack And Win: A Handy Guide
Whether you’re only just starting to learn how to play blackjack, or whether you’ve been doing this for years, we could all do with a mini refresher course every now and then – here’s ours:
- Look up basic strategy and get familiar with the hands there
- Scale your stakes up or down depending on whether you’re currently winning or otherwise
- Have moderate expectations when it comes to winning
- Never count cards, even though you think you might be able to
- Know when it’s your time to pack it up and leave
A Variety of Blackjack Games To Play at Platincasino
Different Types Of Blackjack
It’s never one size fits all when it comes to casino table games, and blackjack is definitely not the exception – if you’re interested in learning how to play different blackjack games, then Platincasino is probably a good place to start. Let’s take a look at some of our most popular games:
- Vegas Strip Blackjack
- Atlantic City Blackjack
- Live Blackjack Lobby
- Live Blackjack VIP
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas Strip Blackjack is played with four standard card decks, as with other variations of the game, the objective here is to beat the dealer with a hand that’s worth more points than his/hers without ever busting – or going over 21 in value. In this variation, the dealer will stand on a soft 17, Aces may only be split one time, and a 21-point hand on split aces does not count as a natural Blackjack.
Atlantic City Blackjack
Now here’s a variation that gained increased popularity thanks to its significantly reduced house edge. This time, standard blackjack rules apply however the game is played with eight regular decks of cards this time. The dealer must stand on a 17, players are able to double down after a split, and late folding or surrendering is allowed.
Live Blackjack Lobby
By means of extensive filming and streaming technology, live casino is probably the closest to a land-based casino experience you’re able to enjoy from the comfort of home. In this case, the whole live experience, with a live dealer, definitely takes the entertainment factor up a notch, with players being able to take a seat at a real-life table while being given the opportunity of interacting with both the dealer and other players throughout each round.
Live Blackjack VIP
If you’ve already mastered how to play black-jack, you might like to dive right into the deep end. For this reason, specialised VIP tables are available to accommodate advanced players and high rollers. Once again, the live casino experience definitely creates a heightened atmosphere for players to enjoy.
How To Play Blackjack UK FAQ’s
Can anyone learn how to play blackjack?
Just like everything else, practice makes perfect. As long as your gameplay is responsible, learning how to play blackjack UK can prove to be a lot of fun. Start small, take it easy, and learn from your mistakes – ultimately, like every other casino game, as long as you’re having fun then that’s all that matters.
How can I be best prepared for a game of blackjack?
As mentioned earlier on, familiarising yourself with a basic strategy guide is a good place to start. There are also several resources available online which can help you solidify your game skills further and allow you to learn how to play blackjack at home in no time.
Do I need a good memory to play blackjack?
Yes and no. First off, apart from being hugely unethical, counting cards is illegal so there are definitely no memory skills required there. What you might need to remember however is your basic strategy, which will become more apparent to you as you figure out how to play the game along the way.
Are there many blackjack options at Platincasino?
There sure are. Filter your favourite games by category either in the table games section for virtual sessions, or in our live casino lobby for a more realistic game experience.
Can I play blackjack online if I’ve imposed any limits?
Your game, your rules. As long as you haven’t exceeded the limits you’ve set for yourself using one of the tools available on our responsible gaming page, you’re able to play any game you like best as long as you remain within your limits.
