Question 1

Why do they call it blackjack?

Accepted Answer

The game of blackjack actually got its name after it was introduced to US casinos. Before that, it was known as ‘21’. 
In the past, many casinos offered a bonus if your hand had an ace of spades and a ‘black jack’, meaning a jack of clubs or spades. This winning combo was nicknamed ‘blackjack’ – and the name has stuck ever since.

Question 2

How do you play blackjack online with friends?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way play with your friends is to join a live table. Get all your friends to sign up to the same site, such as 888casino. Then you can all look to join the same live table.
On 888casino, you can see the number of seats available underneath each live table, as well as the minimum and maximum betting limits.

Question 3

What does a soft 17 mean in blackjack?

Accepted Answer

Any hand with an ace worth 11 can be considered ‘soft’. So, if you had a six and ace, you would have a ‘soft 17’. 
This matters, as it helps inform your next move. With a normal hand, you may be tempted to stand on 17 – but with a ‘soft 17’ it’s recommended to hit. This is because aces can be high or low, so you have more chance of staying within the 21 limit than going bust.

Question 4

What happens if you tie in blackjack?

Accepted Answer

If you and the dealer tie, your original bet is handed back to you and neither party wins or loses any money. This is often called a ‘push’.
If you and another player successfully beat the dealer, both parties win – regardless of whose hand is higher.

Question 5

What is Pair Splitting in blackjack?

Accepted Answer

In most versions of online blackjack, you have the chance to ‘split’ your hand if you are dealt a matching pair. This means you’ll have a second hand equal to your starting wager, giving you an extra chance to beat the dealer.

Question 6

Should I hit on a 12 in blackjack?

Accepted Answer

Hitting on 12 is of course a risk, unless you have a ‘soft’ hand with an ace, because if you are dealt a 10, Jack, Queen or King you will go bust. However, there may actually be a higher probability of being dealt a lower card, and getting closer to 21. It all depends on your personal preference, and strategy.

Question 7

Is blackjack a game of luck?

Accepted Answer

As with any other classic casino card game, there is always an element of chance to blackjack. However, it is also a game of strategy too – as outcomes depend on the decisions you make based on your hand, and those held by other players.

Question 8

How do I increase my chances of winning blackjack?

Accepted Answer

There will always be an element of luck to the game. But by learning the rules, studying the probabilities and reading up on some popular strategies, you can start to make more informed choices at the gaming tables.