What Is Live Dealer Blackjack?
Quality live casino games create a brick-and-mortar venue's vibe and provide more options. For instance, they occur in real-time and are hosted by dealers you can chat with. Simultaneously, you get to talk with other players as well. As a result, you’ll feel the atmosphere of sitting at a physical blackjack table without leaving the comfort of your home.
Namely, most virtual venues offer this not-so-new-anymore game genre. Moreover, you’ll usually have several different games to choose between - poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, etc. Simultaneously, each live game has many versions.
Simply put, most online casinos offer a variety of possibilities regarding live dealer games. Thus, it’s critical to figure out which live game works the best for you before placing real-money bets.
You'll probably love blackjack if you’re interested primarily in live card games. Overall, learning and understanding is exciting, engaging, and simple. Plus, blackjack is the casino game with the lowest house edge. As a result, professional players can earn their living by playing it.
Nonetheless, things aren’t as simple as they seem. Even though house edge in blackjack is less than 1%, it’s also not fixed. Hence, if you’re bad at it, the house gains a much higher advantage over you as time goes. So, learning basics, blackjack strategy charts, and playing it for fun is an excellent way to start.
But let’s start from the beginning and look into different live blackjack games. The question is - which one may be perfect for you?
Live Casino Dealer Blackjack Games
First and foremost, you should remember the provider of the live game you chose. Namely, the best live casino games developer is Evolution. There’s no mistake in choosing their high-quality games. However, if Evolution games aren’t available, Netent, Playtech, or Microgaming are top-of-the-line providers.
Furthermore, live blackjack tables differ regarding the bet size allowed. For example, if you go with a VIP table, you must place large bets. But classic blackjack games have a lower minimum bet size, meaning they are a much better option for beginners.
Simultaneously, you can choose the game that uses more or fewer card decks. You’ll often come across live blackjack tables that use four, six, eight, or even more decks. Generally, you should go with a table with fewer decks - because you’ll hit blackjack more often!
Lastly, the rules differ from one live game version to another. For instance, the dealer has to stand or hit at soft 17 (the card combination that contains an Ace and a has a total of 17) depending on the specific game. Typically, it’s better for players if the dealer has to stand at this point. So, always check out the rules before playing for real money.
How to Play Live Dealer Blackjack?
Luckily, blackjack rules are easy to comprehend. After placing bets, all players get two cards turned face-up. Simultaneously, the dealer receives one card turned face-down and the other one everyone can see. Moreover, the dealer plays last. Everyone at the table has several possibilities during the game:
- Stand - refuse to receive any additional cards.
- Hit - ask for one more card.
- Split - only when you get a pair, you can split them and play two hands independently.
- Double down - double your bet and receive one more card only.
- Take insurance - making a side bet when the dealer’s upper card is an Ace.
- Surrender - in some games, you can finish before the end of the round and keep half of your bet.
Blackjack Goal
As you can imagine, the goal is to beat the dealer. You should get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Getting a total of 21 is called blackjack, and whenever you hit it, you’ll most likely win (except when the dealer hits it too, no one wins).
Speaking of which, the dealer holds a slight advantage over you because they play last. For example, when you and the dealer bust or exceed 21, you gain nothing. You were the first to bust, meaning you don’t get to keep any portion of your bet.
Blackjack Strategy Chart
Furthermore, every good blackjack player is familiar with the strategy chart. Namely, this chart shows the best moves in a series of possible events. However, studying it can be a bit overwhelming. Thus, the best thing to do if you’re a newbie is to play for free while looking at a blackjack strategy chart.
Nonetheless, it’s easy to make a good move in specific situations. For example, hitting is a good idea whenever your cards total is 12 or below. Simultaneously, you should stand when at 18 or higher.
But remember that making the right decision isn’t always easy at the given moment - and that’s where the blackjack strategy chart comes in.
Free Online Live Dealer Blackjack
Some online casinos allow you to play free games like slots or online roulette. Namely, many venues offer demo game versions for registered players and visitors. That way, you can check out both the game and the casino before placing real money bets.
However, finding a free live casino game to play online is much more difficult.
Where to Play Live Dealer Blackjack Online?
It’s not impossible that some online casino out there provides a free play option for live blackjack. Nevertheless, you’ll have a hard time finding such a venue. Hence, it’s much more practical to stick with free video game versions until you start playing for real money.
How to Pick the Best Live Dealer Blackjack Casino?
Live dealer games aren’t as new to the market as you think. As a result, every up-to-date virtual casino holds an independent section dedicated to live casino games. However, it would be best if you didn’t choose the first venue you come across. Online real-money gaming isn’t always safe. So, how to choose a reputable and secure online casino where you can enjoy live blackjack games?
Namely, these are the critical things to keep in mind:
- The license
- The reputation
- The number and quality of live games
- The level of security and fairness
- The payment methods supported
- The availability of casino products and services in your residence country
Lastly, we recommend you check out the online casinos we singled out. They all enjoy a good reputation, a valid license, and a fantastic selection of live dealer games.
Live Dealer Blackjack vs. Video Games
Non-live casino games are RNG-based. Since they work automatically, they feel generic and provide a typical virtual gaming experience. On the other hand, live games happen in real-time, and you can see an actual dealer or coupler. Moreover, you can chat with them and the other players. Thus, live games offer a complete and realistic gambling experience.
Another difference that matters a lot is the speed. Namely, video games don’t have a real dealer who controls the pace of play, meaning you can easily get carried away. However, live games are played at a “typical speed” controlled by the dealer. As a result, you’re less likely to spend all of your money in a blink of an eye.