Once you get the hang of it, live blackjack is not a difficult game to play. Start by choosing a game or table to join and click on the “Join” button. If there are open seats you will be able to sit and start playing. Otherwise, you will have the option of watching or using the Bet Behind feature and being with another player.
If they are in the middle of a game when you join the table, you will have to wait for it to finish before beginning. When the hand is completed, there will be a betting timer, which lets you know when all bets are final.
The cards are dealt, in some games, the dealer uses the US-style while other games have a European style (see below for the difference) and in any event you will have two face-up cards, and the dealer will have just one card showing. The card values are as follows; cards 2-10 are equal in value to their numbers. All picture cards are worth 10 points, and an Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, whichever works better for you.
Here is a glossary of terms that are important to know:
- Hit or Stand – Let the dealer know if you want another card, or to “hit,” or if you’re happy with your cards and “stand.” Live blackjack allows you to decide whether to hit or stand even while others are playing, helping move the game at a good pace.
- Double Down – You can double your bet on some hands before you receive a third card, but it means that you will only receive one more card. An example of a good situation to double down is when your point is at 9, 10, or 11, and the dealer is showing a card less than 8.
- Split – When you have a pair of cards, you can choose to split them and receive and receive a second face-up card for each one. These hands will now be played independently of each other and will require a second ante bet.
- Insurance – Protect yourself when the dealer is showing an Ace by insurance against them getting a blackjack.
- Surrender – If you don’t like your hand you can surrender, or fold, and receive a portion of your ante back if you decide to “hit” this option is no longer available. This feature is only available in select blackjack games.
- Multi-Seat – You can play more than one hand at a time at some of the tables. Since this is a Live Dealer game, there needs to be more than one open at seat at the table.
- Bet Behind – This feature allows you to bet on other players cards. You can set your bet, but all decisions such as doubling, splitting, hitting, and standing are up to the primary player.
- Side Bets – In addition to the main game being played, you can make additional bets and try to win extra money.
- Player’s Pair – This bet pays off if you receive a matching pair of face-up cards. The odds and payouts vary based on whether it’s a perfect pair, matching colors, suits, or just numbers.
- Dealers Pair – Similar to the players except it’s based on the dealer’s cards
- 21+3 – This bet combines the three face-up cards on the table and pays out if they create a right poker hand. To win this side bet you’ll need a Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Straight Flush, or Suited Three of a Kind.
- Card Dealing Styles – There are two different kinds of dealing styles, EU and US.
- EU – The dealer, only gets his second card after all player decisions are finished,
- US – The dealer receives both face-up cards, and then the players can decide to hit or stand.
In every game, there is a detailed help section that will break down the rules for that specific game. You can access this by clicking the “Hamburger” button. In addition to the rules you also see the paytable, odds, and a more detailed description of the side bets.