Win Big with Bitcoin Blackjack: Strategies and Tips
Oluwatomiyosi BabatundeEditor
Updated:18/09/2024
Contents
Last updated by Oluwatomiyosi Babatunde
at 18.09.2024
Popularly known as “21,” blackjack is undeniably one of the most exciting games in the cryptocurrency casino gambling scene today. It’s a fun to play game with one of the lowest house edges. Unlike most of the other luck-based casino games, this game leaves room for applying skills and strategies. Players’ knowledge, skills, and techniques can directly impact their winning potential in blackjack.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at the world of Bitcoin blackjack, exploring how the game works and practical tips and strategies to potentially win big.
How to Play Crypto Blackjack
Before diving into the basic and advanced betting strategies of the blackjack game, it’s essential to understand how it works. As a card game, crypto blackjack is played with one or more decks of cards.
At the start of the game, the player receives two cards face-up while the dealer (i.e., the house) also gets one face-up card and one face-down card. The goal is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value of 21 (natural blackjack) or as close to it as possible while being higher than the house’s. You will win the round if you get the natural 21 on the initial cards. The same goes for the dealer’s hand. However, if there is no natural win, the game opens up the floor for playing decisions (i.e., stand, hit, split, or surrender). You should note that a hand value that exceeds 21 (i.e., bust) will lose the round.
Blackjack Card Rules
Like most card games, this one has its unique scoring system for determining the worth of each card. All cards from 2 to 10 have their exact face value, while picture cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are worth 10 points. On the other hand, the Ace card can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on the value of the second card.You determine the value of each hand in the blackjack game by adding up the two cards. For example, if you have the Jack and Ace cards, you get a hand value of 21 (i.e., 10 + 11).
Blackjack Playing Options
One of the most exciting things about the game of blackjack is that it offers players some unique playing options that influence the outcome of any round. You can choose what action to play based on your hand cards.
Stand – Keeping the value of the current hand total and play as is
Hit – Receiving an extra card to add to the current hand value
Double down: Drawing a third card while doubling the current bet size
Split – Involves splitting a pair of the same value cards to create two different hands (Note: Will require a second bet, usually of the same size).
Surrender – A player forfeits the current hand and gets back half the initial stake
Insurance – This is a common side bet in some blackjack variations that involve players putting up half their stake to insure their wager for when the house has a natural 21 win.
How to Bet
Now, how do you bet in the online blackjack game? While the gameplay and blackjack rules differ slightly across different game variants, the process remains similar. The first step to play online is to place the desired bet. Once the game starts, the dealer and player will each receive two cards. The game ends if a natural blackjack shows for either the player or dealer and the winning hand receives a corresponding payout.
Winning Strategies for Bitcoin Blackjack
Perhaps the most exciting thing about casino blackjack is that the gameplay opens room for applying skills and betting strategies, as mentioned. In fact, the right strategy can lower the house edge of the game to as less as 0.5%, giving blackjack players a significantly higher chance of winning. However, you should note that while these strategies in blackjack can help improve your winning chances, there’s no guaranteed way to win. Now, let’s explore the basic strategies you can apply to win at blackjack.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
The most basic blackjack strategy involves making the right decisions regarding the playing options. After all, your choices directly influence whether or not you win any round in the game. This is why it’s essential to know when to stand, hit, split, double down, or surrender based on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card.
When to Hit or Stand
Typically, in the blackjack game, you stand if you believe your total hand value is enough to beat the house. This option is recommended whenever you have a high hand value but the dealer’s face-up card is low.
When to Double
Doubling is another exciting action in the basic online crypto blackjack technique that’s recommended when it’s likely that the additional card drawn will result in a win.
When to Split
Knowing when to split is another essential consideration in basic blackjack strategy. It’s best only to split your hand when you have a pair of high-value cards, usually from 6, 6 to Ace, Ace.
When to Surrender
Surrendering is a good playing decision that helps Bitcoin blackjack players recover half their stake and is recommended when a player’s hand is weak.
How to Read the Blackjack Chart
Knowing whether to hit, stand, split, or surrender when playing online blackjack can be daunting for players, especially newbies. The blackjack chart is a valuable tool that players can use to make these decisions easily.
It outlines and recommends the best move in every possible situation on the blackjack table based on the player’s total hand and the dealer’s upcard.
Your Hand
Dealer’s Hand
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Ace
8
H
9
H
D/H
H
10
D/H
H
11
D/H
12
H
S
H
13
S
H
14
15
H
H
H
R/H
H
16
H
R/H
17
S
A,2
H
D/H
H
A,3
A,4
H
D/H
A,5
A,6
H
D/H
A,7
S
D/S
S
H
A,8
S
2,2
P/H
P
H
3,3
4,4
H
P/H
H
5,5
D/H
H
6,6
P/H
P
H
7,7
P
H
8,8
P
9,9
P
S
P
S
10,10
S
A,A
P
Key
H – Hit
S – Stand
P – Split
D/H – Double down if possible; otherwise, Hit
D/S – Double down if possible; otherwise, Stand
R/H – Surrender if possible; otherwise, Hit
While this blackjack basic strategy chart can be overwhelming at first glance, it’s pretty easy to read and understand. On the leftmost column lies the player’s hand, which shows either a total value or a combo of two cards. On the other hand, the topmost row shows the house’s upward card. To determine what move to make, you just need to go to the corresponding position for your card’s hand and the dealer’s upward card.
Bankroll Management
An often underrated strategy experienced players utilize when playing this game is proper bankroll management. The exciting nature of the game makes it easy to get carried away. So, before sitting at a blackjack table, it's crucial to decide on a budget for the session and stick with it no matter what happens along the way.
Game Selection
The game selection is also essential for a perfect blackjack strategy. After all, a wide range of different regular and live Bitcoin blackjack variants are available online, and the gameplay, rules, and payouts differ from game to game. So, you must look for a game with favorable conditions for you as a player.
Advanced Strategies
Beyond the basic crypto blackjack techniques, many experienced gamblers typically utilize advanced strategies like card counting, shuffle tracking, and back-counting, among others. Let’s get into the top advanced blackjack strategies you can utilize.
Card Counting
Card counting is undoubtedly the best blackjack strategy in the gambling scene. This advanced technique involves tracking the number of cards dealt and the ones left in the deck. The goal is to keep track of the low and high-value cards to find favorable betting positions.
However, you should note that blackjack card counting is not helpful on online casino sites as the game is backed by a random number generator (RNG). This ensures randomness in results.
Shuffle Tracking
Shuffle tracking is a more complex strategy that also involves counting cards. This advanced tactic involves monitoring cards as the dealer picks them back from the blackjack table and shuffles them.
Back-Counting
Back counting is another land-based traditional blackjack technique experienced players utilize when playing the game. This strategy involves players sitting back and watching the game’s table to look for patterns in the deck.
Ace Sequencing
Due to its flexibility to be a 1 or 11, the Ace is undeniably one of the best cards to have in your hands in blackjack. Ace sequencing is a strategy that essentially involves counting and tracking aces. This means the player will monitor the deck to predict when the dealer will likely deal an Ace card. A player who knows when the Ace will show up can increase their bet accordingly to gain an edge.
Hole Carding
Another effective strategy is hole carding. This technique involves predicting the dealer’s facedown card – the hole card.
Blackjack Terms
Like most casino games, blackjack has unique lingo and terms that many beginners are often unfamiliar with. Here are a few common terms you should know about:
Natural blackjack: When the hand value is exactly 21
Bust: When the hand value exceeds 21
Push: When the player and dealer’s hand value are the same
Pair: A hand with two cards of equal value
Face cards: The Queen, Jack, and King cards
Hole card: Refers to the dealer’s facedown card
Upcard: The dealer’s face-up card
Insurance: A side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer lands a natural 21
Soft Hand: A hand that contains an Ace card
Hard hand: This is a hand that does not contain an Ace, or the Ace counts as 1
Hit 17: A special rule in some blackjack variations where the dealer has to hit if they have a hand value of 17 or more
Stand 17: Another special rule where the dealer must stand at 17 or more
House edge: The in-built advantage the casino has over the player in the game
How to Choose Blackjack Games
Another important detail that every gaming enthusiast must know about crypto blackjack is that there are several different versions of the game online. From classic blackjack to European variants, Spanish 21, and even live dealer blackjack, there’s plenty to enjoy. And while these games generally share similar gameplay concepts, they all differ slightly in different aspects. As a result, choosing which blackjack variant to play can be quite daunting for players, especially newbies.
Thankfully, there are some key factors that Bitcoin blackjack players can consider to narrow down their choices. Let’s check a few of these factors.
1. Check the Betting Limits
The minimum and maximum betting limits available on online and live blackjack typically vary from one game variant to another. So, whether you are a casual player or a high roller, you should ensure that your chosen variant’s betting limit perfectly suits your bankroll budget and playing style.
2. Confirm the Number of Decks
Each version of this game has a standard number of decks used in its gameplay. And since the number of decks available in a game is said to influence its house edge, you must consider them when choosing. You should only choose games with single or double decks to get a lower house edge.
3. Compare the Payout Ratio
Another aspect of the blackjack card game that varies by version is the payout offered to players. How much you will receive from winning blackjack will depend on which variant you play. For example, while some offer 3:2, others pay out 3:5, 6:5, etc. So, when choosing where to play, you should look for tables with a high payout ratio.
4. Review the House Rules
As mentioned, blackjack rules also slightly differ across different versions. As such, it's essential to carefully review the gameplay requirements and house rules of any blackjack table before playing.
Common Mistakes in Playing Blackjack
Mistakes are commonplace in online crypto gambling, and this game is no exception. These mistakes can put any player at a disadvantage, even when applying advanced or basic strategies. Some of the most common mistakes to avoid when playing online crypto blackjack:
Doubling down all the time
Ignoring the dealer’s upcard when making playing decisions
Counting cards online – it’s pointless as a Random Number Generator (RNG) generates the outcome
Playing game variants with low payout ratios
Ignoring basic blackjack strategies when you gamble
Chasing losses
The State of Bitcoin Online Gambling
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the online gaming scene in recent years, with many casinos adopting its usage. This is due to the high level of security, transaction speed, privacy, and many other benefits they offer. However, it’s important to note that the legality of cryptocurrency gambling remains a hot issue. This is why it’s crucial to only consider reputable licensed Bitcoin blackjack sites when you gamble.
Conclusion
Blackjack is an exciting card and table game that offers players an exciting and rewarding gaming experience on Bitcoin casinos. As a skill-based game, it leaves room for applying knowledge and betting strategies in its gameplay. By employing the right basic or advanced approach, you can easily enhance your chances of winning big with Bitcoin blackjack.
Yes, many online crypto casino sites provide their players live dealer blackjack game options that they can play with Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies in real-time.
🎁Can I get a bonus by playing blackjack with crypto?
Yes. Many of the best crypto blackjack casino sites offer a wide range of bonuses and promotions that players can use to play the game.
➕Is counting even worth it?
Card counting is an effective technique that can be profitable when gamblers play blackjack game options in land-based casinos. However, it doesn’t work on online blackjack sites as it utilizes the Random Number Generator (RNG) mechanism, which randomizes outcomes.
🤔Do you stay or hit on 16?
It's best to stand if the dealer's upcard shows 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, otherwise you stand. However, if the surrender option is available, you should use it if the dealer’s hand is a 9, 10, or Ace.
❓Should I double down on 11?
Yes, it’s often best to double down on 11 as you have a higher chance of hitting the 21 threshold or as close as possible without going bust.
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