While blackjack can be traced back to a 17th century Spanish game called Ventiuna, its real origins are unknown. That, of course, has not stopped millions upon millions of players from playing against the dealer in land-based casinos and informally for centuries.
Popular the world over, the game continues to attract new players, but not necessarily through the traditional channels. With the rise of the Internet, it is possible to play blackjack online.
Many software developers have released different editions, versions, and variations of the game, and the majority of online casinos seem to offer one or more blackjack games, which can be played for free, or with real money.
Introduction to Blackjack Online Gameplay
Blackjack online follows the same rules and basic gameplay as blackjack in land-based casinos. The only difference is that, instead of facing another person at a games table in a casino, players are facing their computer, smartphone, or tablet screens, wherever they happen to be at the time.
A game is generally played between two; the player, and the dealer. The player is obviously the person playing the game, while the dealer is usually a certified random number generator.
The player’s goal is to get the value of their hand of cards as close to 21 as possible, without exceeding it, and while beating the dealer’s hand.
The start of a game of blackjack online would see the player place a bet, using the appropriate controls on the interface. Once the bet has been placed, the player would select the Deal button.
Each would receive two cards. Both of the player’s cards would be face up, while one of the dealer’s cards would be face down.
Several options would now lie open to the player. They could Stand, and play the hand they were dealt; they could Hit, and take another card; they could split the hand into two hands and play each separately; or they could Double Down, which would see them receive another card after doubling their bet.
The blackjack online winner would be declared once the player has made a move, and the two hands have been compared.
The card rankings used in many versions of the game value aces at one or 11 points at the player’s discretion, the numeric cards at their face values, and the jack, queen, and king court cards at 10 points. A winning combination of an ace and a jack, for example, is known as a Blackjack.
Online Blackjack Look and Feel
Like in the case of Bingo Australia, the look and feel of blackjack online would really depend on the software developer behind that specific game. Some developers have a shoddy reputation for graphics or playing action, while others are known for releasing quality games.
Titles that have been created by award-winning companies generally feature excellent graphics, sound, animation, and playing action. A traditional blackjack table, as well as standard playing cards, are often replicated in HD graphics, with ambient sounds to accompany gameplay.
Download and Instant-Play Blackjack Online
Internet blackjack can be found in download and instant-play formats for PCs and mobile devices.
The download format for PC is usually free software. As few online casinos make games available for individual download, players would need to download the full casino software.
The download format for smartphones and tablets usually takes the form of apps for Android and iOS devices.
The instant-play formats for PC and mobile are the same, and are Flash games that can be played in browser.
