American Blackjack Table 3

The game of blackjack is as simple as it is exciting, whether you choose to play it online or live in the casino. Both forms have their pros and cons. Online play is extremely convenient, betting limits are usually lower and you’ll never have a problem finding an open table. In brick-and-mortar casinos, on the other hand, you can interact with friends or other players at the table and have a blast enjoying the social atmosphere surrounding the game. But with Betfair’s Live Dealer Blackjack you can get the best of both worlds! At Live Dealer tables, real life Atlantic City dealers run the games over a live stream, dealing your hands while interacting with you directly as you send messages through the chat feature. The Live Dealer system turns what can sometimes be a solitary game into an engaging and lively affair which we’re sure you’ll love!

How to Play

Your goal in blackjack (Live Dealer or otherwise) is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. Face cards are valued at 10 points and aces are worth either 1 or 11, whichever best suits your current hand. Playing cards 2-10 keep their own face value.

At the start of a hand, your live blackjack dealer will deal you two cards faceup and deal himself one faceup and one face down. You’ll then measure the value of your hand against the one card of your opponent’s that you can see and try to make the best decision using that incomplete information.

Generally speaking, you should always assume that the dealer has a 10-value card as his facedown card, and make your decisions accordingly. If you have no chance of busting, you should continue to take cards, trying to creep ever closer to 21. If you hold a 15 or 16 and are looking at a queen, for example, your decision will require a bit more thought.

When you are finished taking cards, the Live Dealer will turn over his undercard and hit or stand in accordance with a predetermined set of rules. Most of the time, dealers are forced to stop taking cards when their hands total a “hard” 17, a 17 that does not include an ace. If the Live Dealer busts, or your hand outranks his without going over 21, you’ll be paid according to the table’s pay schedule.

You can also win immediately by being dealt a 10 value card and an ace, known as “blackjack.”

Placing Your Bet

To get started playing at a Betfair Live Dealer Blackjack table, first choose an available seat. Next, select a chip value from the slider, then click on the table in front of you to lay that chip out as part of your bet. When you are finished, the game will begin and your Live Dealer will deal you your two cards. When it’s your turn to act, you’ll have the choice of standing pat, hitting and taking another card, doubling down, or splitting your two cards into two hands. You also have the choice of surrendering your hand and receiving half of your bet back or taking insurance when the Live Dealer is showing an ace.