Casino types##What is Blackjack?
Blackjack is a popular casino card game played between a player and a dealer. It is believed Blackjack originated in historic France, before its popularization in America during the early 19th century. Despite its French roots, the game was able to captivate the hearts of New Zealand gamblers; hence, becoming a common game of choice at both live and online casinos across the country.
##How to Play Blackjack?
At its core, Blackjack is very straightforward to understand. All you need to do to begin playing Blackjack is to choose your chosen gaming table and stake size. Generally, a Blackjack table may consist of up to six to seven players, including the dealer. Once all the players are ready, the dealer shuffles the deck of cards and sets them in front of each player.
Next, the dealer will reveal his own cards. The dealer is obligated to continue revealing his cards until he reaches a points total of 17 or more. The value of cards is simple — Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10 points each, whereas Aces are worth either 1 or 11 points. All other cards are worth their face value, with cards marked 2-10 worth the respective numbers.
Once the dealer’s value is revealed, each player can make either a Hit or a Stand, depending upon the total sum of their cards. When a player chooses to Stand, the dealer reveals the value of his cards and begins to move in a clockwise direction. If, however, any player’s card value is higher than the dealer’s, then that player will take home a win.
##Types of Blackjack Bets
Most often, Blackjack tables have placed side bets which tend to increase the variance, or risk. These side bets are divided into two categories — Insurance and Even Money.
Insurance bets can be placed before any card is dealt. This bet does not trump the player’s initial bet, but still manages to provide some protection. This is particularly useful when the dealer’s card is an Ace. An Insurance bet guarantees a 1:1 payout.
An Even Money bet is better suited for when the user has a natural Blackjack — Ace and a card worth 10. In this case, the player simply has to inform the dealer that they opt for Even Money. This is a great way to avoid any risk and ensure a guaranteed win.
##Strategies for Winning at Blackjack
Given the luck-based nature of Blackjack, the chance to win is never absolute. But, there are many strategies available which a player can use to increase their chances of beating the dealer.
For each hand, the user should create a basic strategy card, or they can simply use a calculator to calculate the probability of receiving a Blackjack. This way, the player will know exactly when to Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split and more.
Another important factor to consider is the “house edge”. This is different in each variant of the game and, by gauging the house edge, a player can determine how much risk they should take while playing. The house edge is also integral in determining which bets offer the greatest returns.
Additionally, always remember that Blackjack is a game of skills and luck. Thus, players should always manage their bankrolls and bet only what they’re comfortable betting. It’s best to look out for tables with lower minimum wager amounts — allowing them to bet in moderation, while still having the opportunity to win big.
##Conclusion
Blackjack in New Zealand is one of the more common casino games available. With its easy rules and low house edge, it’s a great place to start for both novice and experienced gamblers. To increase the chances of winning, it’s recommended to explore strategies and utilize house edge calculators to work out when to hit and when to stand. But, the most important thing is to always remember to bet responsibly and keep in mind that winning is never a given.