Play Live Blackjack

If you think you’ve got what it takes to tackle a fun table game involving skill and strategy, have a go at live blackjack and try to beat the dealer to 21. This classic card game is one of the most widely played live casino games. Not only is it easy to understand, but it’s also good fun to play and can be lucrative if you’re lucky enough.

It’s not just about luck, though, as you have to make some decisions that can affect the game’s outcome. When it comes to playing blackjack at online casinos, you can play two main versions of the game: computer-generated games, which are the most common, and live dealer games.

With live blackjack, you get an exciting, interactive gaming experience that bridges the gap between playing online and participating in a real-life casino game.

What is Live Blackjack?

So what exactly is live blackjack? It’s a real-world blackjack game overseen by a real dealer that you can take part in so long as you’re logged into your casino account. Most computers and mobile devices should be able to run live blackjack games and other live dealer games, so long as the device has a steady internet connection and can live stream.

Live blackjack games are played out just like blackjack games in a typical land-based casino. The only significant difference is that the players aren’t physically present at the gaming table. Instead, they’re watching the action from wherever they’re based.

How Do You Play Live Blackjack?

Like other casino games, blackjack has lots of different variants. For example, different types of games get played with varying numbers of decks. However, these many versions have one thing in common: a core set of rules specific to blackjack games. For example, with blackjack, you’re playing against the dealer and aim to have a hand closer to 21 than the dealer. However, if your hand goes over 21, you’re busted & out of the game.

When you play blackjack, you’re playing against the dealer, not the other players. Once you’ve placed your bet, the game will soon start, and you’ll receive two cards. According to standard blackjack rules, all number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.

Therefore, face cards (jack, queen and king) are worth 10. Then there’s the ace, which is usually worth 11. However, its value can change to 1 to prevent you from going bust. For example, if you have a six and an ace, the value of your hand will be 17. Then, you receive a third card, which is an 8. It puts the value of your hand at 25. However, you switch the value of your ace to 1, giving your hand a new value of 15.

The dealer also receives two cards; one of these is face-up, so you can see what it is. If either you or the dealer has blackjack (a hand that equals 21) and the other doesn’t, whoever has blackjack will win. If neither you nor the dealer has blackjack, it’s your turn to act. You have several options available:

– Hit: If you hit, you’ll receive an extra card. You can do this as often as you like, so long as the value of your hand doesn’t go over 21; if it does, you’re out.

– Stand: Should you decide to stand, keep your hand as it is and accept no additional cards.

– Split: If you have a pair of cards, e.g. two 3s, you can double your bet and split your hand into two separate hands. You’ll receive an extra card for each hand, giving you two chances of winning.

– Double down: With the double down option, you agree to double your bet, receive one more card then stand.

– Insurance: Insurance is only available in some live blackjack games. You can place an insurance bet if the dealer’s upturned card is an ace. This bet pays out if the dealer’s second card is worth 10, giving them a blackjack.

You keep deciding what to do with your hand until you bust (go over 21), or you choose to stand and hold your hand as it is. Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer turns their face-down card over to reveal what it is. The dealer isn’t free to decide what to do with their hand; instead, they must stick to specific rules. Most of the time, the dealer must keep hitting until their hand is worth 17 or more. If the dealer doesn’t bust, you win if your hand is worth more. Of course, you’ll win if you don’t bust and the dealer does.

Live Dealer Chat

One of the aspects of live blackjack that sets it apart from computer-generated blackjack games is sociability. Live dealer games have a live chat feature that lets you use a text-based messaging system to communicate with the other players and the dealer themselves. Interacting with others gives the game much more of an atmosphere; some dealers are very good at encouraging players to get excited about the game and ensuring everyone taking part has an enjoyable gaming experience, whether they win or lose.

Mobile Compatibility for Live Games

If you like the sound of live blackjack, you’ll be pleased to know that you can play the game on your smartphone or tablet. Most online casinos offer live blackjack, many of which will also provide mobile-friendly live blackjack. In addition, many of the best live blackjack online casinos will provide you with plenty of other great live games.