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Blackjack is one of those casino games that need no introduction. What started as Vingt-en-un in ancient France has now turned into one of the most popular casino games ever. The translation of Vingt-en-un is “twenty one” in English. As it happens to be, the game is still known as 21.
The topic of our discussion today is live blackjack which is the live version of the game you see commonly at online casinos. Different countries around the world or different online casinos in the same country may impose a few exclusive rules but the primary concept of the game is the same all across the world.
So, without any further ado, let’s get into what live online blackjack is and how you can play it at online casinos.
If you have previous experience with other live dealer casino games, you can expect a similar scenario for live blackjack dealers as well. For those who don’t know, there are two types of blackjack games at online casinos. One is the RNG variant and the other one is a live variant.
In the RNG variant of the game, your cards are dealt by computer software. The cards are shuffled by the RNG (Random Number Generator) as well. As long as the NZ gamblers play the games at reputed online casinos, there’s no reason to ask questions about the fairness of the game.
However, the regular version of the game lacks a major element. And that is the human element. The dealer in the game is a major party and the cards they get can change the course of the game. That’s why RNG variants of blackjack are not nearly as enjoyable as live blackjack dealer games at online casinos.
Here on our platform, the live online blackjack games you find are all conducted by the most professional of dealers. We have gathered the games from the most prominent software providers including Evolution Gaming, Ezugi, and Luckystreak.
Once you launch a live blackjack dealer game in New Zealand, you’ll be paired with a real dealer table. Unless the servers are extremely busy, there’s no reason you should wait for your turn. Just like in the brick-and-mortar casinos, there will be other players on the table with you. The dealer will sit across from you on the other side of the table.
To successfully play live online blackjack, it’s crucial that you understand the card values by heart. You also need to understand what different actions mean. Otherwise, you’ll be at a loss when the dealer deals the cards and you see live pop-up buttons on the screen.
In this game, the cards through 2 to 10 are considered at their face value. The picture cards, namely the Jack, the Queen, and the King are valued at 10.
The ace is where things get interesting. You’ve heard the phrase “ace up one’s sleeve”, right? Although it’s more associated with poker, we believe it goes very well with blackjack as well. It’s because the ace can be valued at both 1 and 11.
The objective of a live blackjack dealer as well as the players is to reach 21. Hence, the French term “Vingt-en-un” was used. If the player or the dealer goes over 21, it’s called a “bust”. If you go bust, it means the round is over for you and you have to wait for your turn in the next hand.
At the beginning of a round on live online blackjack, the console on your screen will dictate you to set your bets. If there are other players with you on the table, you’ll see that they’re placing their bets as well!
Once the bets are placed, the dealer will call them off and start dealing the cards. He or she will first deal 1 card face up to all the players and one up-card for themselves. Then, he/she will deal another up card to every player and a face-down card for themselves.
After a round is complete, the dealer calculates the payout and gives the players the chips back. This step is taken care of by the OCR and you’ll see your winnings on the screen. The standard payout in blackjack games is 3 to 2 which means you can win 3 NZD for every 2 NZD you wager.
Although other versions pay 6:5 or less than 3:2, they are not favourable to the players. So, it’s best if you stick to 3:2 live blackjack dealer at online casinos in general.
You can clearly see the dealer’s up card at this point of the blackjack game and you have to determine your next move right here.
That’s where the strategies come into play. Live dealer blackjack is a blend of luck and skills. So, in the next section, we’re going to explore a few scenarios and your probable actions.
So, you and all other players at your table have their cards. The dealer is showing one card while both of your cards are exposed. Now, you have to calculate the total of the hands.
For example, if you have a 10 and a King, it totals to 20 which is the 2nd best hand. The best hand is called a “Blackjack” where you have 21. It’s only possible if one of your cards is an ace and the other one is a 10-card (10, J, K, Q).
As you can see, there’s no way you’ll go bust with the first two cards. So, you have to devise how you want to approach it. This is where the strategies come into play.
Spoiler Alert! There are terms here that you may have heard numerous times in movies and TV shows!
The simplest of actions. It means you don’t want a 3rd card for your hand. You should always stand if you have a hand of 17 or more. You should also stand if you think the dealer is about to go bust because when he/she does, your chances of winning increase.
In this game, hitting means asking for another card. If your hand total is between 12 and 16 and the dealer shows no signs of going bust, you should hit.
Probably the most used term in pop culture. In blackjack, doubling down means doubling your stake. At the same time, you’ll be dealt a third card. When your hand shows 9 or more, only then you should double down.
Splitting is essentially cutting your bet in half and giving it to two different hands. You can split when your initial 2 cards are the exact same. You can split any pair as long as they’re not 5s, 10s, or 4s. 8s are considered the optimal hand for splitting.
The last bit of advice we’d like to give you is to be careful with the insurance bet. It’s offered as an “insurance” against the dealer’s blackjack hand. It’s only offered when the dealer’s up card is an Ace. If the dealer gets a blackjack, you get the payout for the insurance bet.
Blackjack is a casino game that NZ gamblers hold near and dear to their hearts. And the enjoyment goes through the roof when it’s a live online blackjack game instead of the RNG one. If you’re in New Zealand, and you want to quench your thirst for this game, we are here to help.
Yes, you can win money playing live online blackjack! With a little luck and some basic strategy, you’ll beat the dealer and win more often. Make a deposit and get started at our recommended casinos.
Yes, the odds and rules are the same in live blackjack as they are in regular online blackjack. Keep in mind that there are different variations of blackjack, but all things equal, everything is the same.
Live blackjack is not rigged! The concept that you can see the dealer shuffling and dealing the cards should put your mind at ease.
Live dealer blackjack is when you play online blackjack at an online casino, but your cards are dealt by a dealer via a video feed. This makes you feel like you are actually at a brick-and-mortar casino but from the comfort of your own home.
You can only play live blackjack for real money. Unlike other games, there is no free or demo option with human dealer games. Sometimes, you can watch a table without funds, but to partake, you’ll need to make a deposit.
Yes, it is safe to play live blackjack online for money in the AU. You can confidently enjoy the top New Zealandn casino sites and trust that you will get willing paid out in a timely manner.
