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Maximise Potential Returns

maximize potential returns

So, you have two face cards. With a total of 20, you stand pat, right?

Maybe not. There are plenty of people who would be looking to maximise their potential return.

Splitting is something you can only do after you receive your two cards, and can only be done with identical cards. They don?t have to be completely identical, i.e. two queens of diamonds, just the same rank.

The player has to place a second bet, identical to the first, next to the original wager and the dealer splits the two cards to create a second hand.

Rules of splitting include that there are no blackjacks. If you draw a queen on top of an ace, it?s 21 and not blackjack so you could still end up not winning.

Another standard rule is that if you split aces, you only get one additional card for each split hand.
Just occasionally, you?ll be able to really make the most of your hand by re-splitting. If the cards of a post-split hand are also the same value, you can usually split them again and place a further wager on the new hand.

To take the first example, of drawing two picture cards, the best advice is to stick at 20, regardless of what the dealer holds. You have a good chance of winning with that hand, whereas you don?t know what you would get with the split hand.

There is an almost universal rule: always split aces and eights. Because of the number of picture cards in a deck, your chances of getting 21 with your split hands is pretty good.
Eights are split not because they have great potential of winning, but because 16 is a lousy total to play with.

There are tables available online that can teach you when to split, when to stick and when to hit. It?s useful to memorise these guidelines if you?re playing in a physical casino, whereas you can always have them open in another window when you?re playing online.

Written by Alex Corcoran, online bingo fan, gaming expert and online features writer, specialising in casino games such as poker, craps and Blackjack.

Find the Best Blackjack Casinos

why blackjack
Taking a closer look at blackjack casino reviews and how find the best blackjack casinos.

Blackjack is Popular at all Casinos

Blackjack is often easily identified as one of the most popular games at any casino. Whether you play in casinos online or in land based properties such as those in Las Vegas, the blackjack tables will always have a lot of action.

Why is Blackjack the #1 Game

The most logical reason that blackjack is so poplar at casinos is the lower house edge.

Besides slots being one of th larger driving forces in casinos, no doubt players love to play blackjack. If a player learns and follows the rules closely they actually have a good chance of leaving the table with a profit.

Different Blackjack Variants

Another thing that draws some players to the game of blackjack are the many variations of the game. Not only is there classic forms but quite a number of other variants you can play. Below are just a few:

  • Classic Blackjack
  • Atlantic City Blackjack
  • Perfect Pairs Blackjack
  • Blackjack Switch
  • Suit ’em Up
  • Rolling Stack
  • Pontoon

The above list is just a few and there are many more.

Blackjack Strategy a Key Point

Whether a player leaves a blackjack table with more money then when they sat down revolves on their strategy during play.

Did you split or double down when you should have? Have you stood and not taken a hit compulsively when the strategy charts said you were supposed to?

More than Strategy Required

Beyond following good and sound strategy when you play blackjack, it is also important where you play.

You need to be sure you play at honest and trustworthy casinos. Always be sure the site you are using for recommended blackjack casinos to try are research their background and only listing reputable operators. You want to make sure where you play is just as important how you play.

How to Find the Best Blackjack

In order to find the best online blackjack casinos, be sure you are doing your homework. Be sure to read the many reviews at blackjack casino portals such as this one.

Additionally, be sure to check out Blackjack World for the many blackjack casino reviews. They also have reviews of various software developers, some of the specific game types and variants as well as other tips and article blackjack players will enjoy reading.

KTO Casino & Sportsbook

KTO Casino & Sportsbook first appeared on the gaming scene in 2018, and have become one of the top casinos and sportsbooks around.

Not only do they offer a great sportsbook that will impress even the most seasoned sports betting punter, but their casino offering is also not to be sneezed at!

Offering over 4000 quality casino games, ranging from video slots, table games, video poker, virtual betting & skill games all from top providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Oryx, Fugaso and many others (33 in total), players are most definitely spoilt with choice.

KTO Sportsbook

KTO’s sportsbook offering is one of best we’ve ever seen, with not only a wide range of betting markets for punters to choose from, but with some of the best odds we’ve seen at any sportsbook on the net.

Not only do they list popular events, they even have some of the less well known markets available to bet on. A few examples are League of Legends, Call Of Duty, StarCraft 2 and other massive multiplayer online games. You can even bet chess games…

What also tickled our fancy was the various views that punters can utilise. Choose between the “normal” dashboard where all the information is displayed in a four column view, Event View where an even can be chosen on the left, and all the available bets with their odds  are displayed in the center column – the bets and odds are even updated in real time as the event unfolds.

Punter who want to keep an eye on multiple events can use the Live Multiview, from here punters can “add” various events from the left panel to display in the center column, all with their latest bets and odds.

The last two views are Live Calendar and Results. The Live Calendar view displays a calendar-like view where punter can view current and upcoming events, neatly organised by date and time. Results view is where punters can go to check up on what an events outcome was – all easy filterable and sortable by using various dropdown filters.

KTO Casino Welcome Bonus

KTO Casino 1700 welcome offerKTO hasn’t kept back on their Casino player welcome bonus either – New players at the casino get up to €/$1’700 over their first 3 deposits. And with a low 25x times wagering requirement it is nothing to sneeze at. Unfortunately for us blackjack players, the welcome bonus funds can only be wagered on slots – but that’s no biggie, as the slots on offer will entice even the most hardened blackjack player.

Blackjack Games at KTO

KTO Casino offers a variety of Blackjack games that will please any blackjack player. At the time of writing this there were over 36 different blackjack games to play, ranging from classic classic Blackjack to exotics like Lucky Cat Blackjack and even a 3D Blackjack.

The blackjack games are also not all single hand blackjack games, players that can keep track of multiple hands will most definitely enjoy Habanero’s Blackjack 3 Hand or Double Exposure 3 Hand.

Think you know your Blackjack stuff – try out the Professional Blackjack Series games by NetEnt. Choose between the Low or High limit options available, and play Blackjack like a pro! Or try out the Elite Edition European or Atlantic City Blackjack by Genii for that something different.

And the best part, players can try out all of the games (be it Blackjack or any other casino game) for free without even making a deposit or wagering a cent.

KTO Live Casino

Looking for something more personal? Then try out any of the 23 Live Casino games available at KTO Casino. Interact with real live dealers while you play Lightning Roulette, Casino Hold’Em, Sic Bo and numerous Blackjack games.

Players can chat to dealers, tip them and even chat to other players when playing at multiplayer tables.

Remember that game, once started, could last a couple of days? Well, the live version of Monopoly is slightly different. In this game a host spins a supersized wheel and players have to predict where it will stop. Mr. Monopoly is ever present to award extra rolls, cash wins and multipliers.

KTO Banking Options

Deposit and withdrawing winnings at KTO casino has also never been easier. With over 36 banking options to choose, ranging from the usual Visa and MasterCard, Neteller, AstroPay, Qiwi, PaySafeCard and other well known options, to some less known ones like Bancomer, Oxxo, Banorte and Itau – chances are that the option that you prefer will be there.

Making a withdrawal is also just as quick as deposting – KTO strives to process payments as quickly as possible, and players can usually expect the payment to show in their banking account withing 12 hours. This obviously depends on the banking method used.

To Mobile or not to Mobile?

Another thing that was quite impressive – it doesn’t matter whether a player visits the KTO website via a desktop PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone, all the features that are available for the one platform is available for the other. Their site is fully responsive and fully mobile compliant.

Create your account via a desktop PC, and play using your mobile while on the move, or just use your mobile to create an account and play. Players use the same account on all the platforms, so switching between them will still give you access to your bankroll.

KTO In A Nutshell

In the past when when looking at combination (Sportsbook and Casino) sites, it was mostly found that the operators tended to focus on either one or the other genre, with the one almost being “forgotten about” while the other was only the latest and greatest.

Not so at KTO – whether you are a sports fanatic, or a casino enthusiast, KTO will have you covered. Sports punters get all the hottest action at the greatest odds, and casino gamblers get access to 4000+ of the most popular games from only top providers.

The KTO offering is by far one of the best integrated operations we’ve come across – and we’ve seen plenty!

KTO Casino 1700 welcome offer

There’s More To Play Than Blackjack

Bingo ChatMost people start online gaming by playing a number of different games in demo mode on a few different sites and gradually find their game of choice ? the one they keep coming back to and that holds their attention for the longest.

If you’re at a blackjack site, then you probably think you’ve already made your choice, but there’s always room to play other games, even if you don’t take them as seriously as your preferred game. For example, you could play free games like chitchatbingo.co.uk free bingo just for a bit of a change.

You might never have played online bingo because of negative associations with the original game of bingo, played in the bingo halls all over the world. True, that kind of bingo attracted a certain reputation and a certain crowd. For non-players, the appeal was difficult to see as you had to be so quiet while numbers were marked off and any chatting was frowned upon.

But now, when you play bingo online, the game looks after itself. You simply buy your card, or cards, and then watch the numbers being called out and see the cards being marked off by the computer software. It’s exciting, because the win could come to you at any time. But while you’re watching the game unfold, you?re free to spend time chatting to other players in the bingo chat rooms. Online bingo attracts both men and women of all ages, so the chat rooms are really social hotspots. There’s always plenty of banter going on, but if you do find a kindred spirit, you can have a separate conversation through private messaging ? a facility provided on most bingo chat rooms.

Of course, there’s more than chatting to do when you’ve got a game of bingo on, you could even let your bingo games play through without you, while you play other games at the same time that do need your concentration ? like blackjack!

Gaming Widow Winners

Has your other half taken to poker or blackjack in a really big way? Does he move mountains to get to the nearest roulette table and constantly have a game on the go on his laptop and even his mobile phone? If this sounds familiar then welcome to the club ? you’re officially a gaming widow.

Don't be a gaming widowBut hey, this is not all bad news! You may enjoy a bit of time to yourself to play online bingo once in a while, but if his habit has escalated to a whole other level then as long as he is winning you are in for some great benefits. What starts out as an online pastime can quickly move into the real world if your man gets invited to big money games in person. Casino tournaments often take place in glamorous locations so pack your case, put on your sunglasses and get ready to check out the spa and the pool while he focuses on his game.

Another reason to tolerate his obsession is the pay off for you: how can he refuse your requests to head off out with the girls or hit the shops for some retail therapy when he is locked into his card games all the time? And who knows ? you may even get a share of his winnings to treat yourself with too: guilty husband equals open wallet syndrome is not to be ignored.

And finally, if you can’t beat ’em then join ’em! Women have a proven track record of success playing poker and blackjack so why not try your hand at the tables, virtual or in real time, and see how you get on. You are definitely not at a disadvantage and all his talk dissecting recent games may even have taught you a thing or too. Imagine his face if you turn out to be a better player than him!

Let it Ride

Let it Ride BlackjackThe game of Blackjack has been available in online casinos since their conception. It is one of the few games where a decent knowledge of conventional blackjack strategy can reduce the house edge to a 50/50 split and one of the reasons why it is so popular. Whenever you have a game worth a flutter, perhaps at a Live Casino, someone will design a betting system for you to use, and Blackjack is no different.

One such betting system used at the Blackjack tables is called Let it Ride. Let it Ride is a positive progression betting system similar to the famous Martingale system. It’s one of the oldest forms of betting systems in operation and takes its form from the same concepts that banks use to compound interest. Let it Ride is often used in horse racing betting as well as Blackjack.

Here is the Let it Ride system in action?

You are a high roller and are playing at a $50-1000 limit table and you start by playing $1000 per hand. You are having a lucky night and start off by being dealt Blackjack immediately while playing for $1000 per hand. At odds of 3:2 you receive $1500 profit along with your original stake. You now have $2500 as a result of that bet and so you now: Let it Ride!

You could try to test your success at the system on the Live Dealer Blackjack, but you need to remember that this betting system is not for the faint-hearted and it will keep you on the edge of your seat all night long. In order to keep a modicum of control it is often prudent to select a stop-loss or profit target in advance of your session as this will make sure that you don?t get too carried away with all the excitement of Let it Ride!

Live Casinos to Play Blackjack

Where to Play Live Blackjack

live casinos to play blackjackPlaying blackjack is always thrilling and exciting, but only live blackjack gives us the opportunity to feel that true atmosphere of risk and adventure, the atmosphere of real cards and the casino tables. Where to play live blackjack? Nowadays many of the online casinos provide players with a live dealer to play with. You are free to select download or no download version of blackjack. It is not required to install any special software to enjoy your favourite game. Just connect to the Internet and have a wonderful time with live dealer and other players.

If you are not ready to risk it, you can easily just play for fun, offered in most of the casinos. Otherwise, you are welcome to play blackjack for money and to increase your profit while a having good time.

You may also be interested in the variations of live blackjack. Firstly, you can choose between Game View or Casino View. The Game View will increase your impression of reality and will allow you to feel the interaction between players. Casino View will suit the players that have a slower internet connection.

Live Dealer Blackjack Games

live blackjack gamesLive blackjack games include Single Seat Blackjack and Early Payout Blackjack. According to the rules of the first type, you have your own cards and should not share them with other players.

Blackjack with Early Payout game enables you to perform the cash out with the help of the Basic Strategy. This means that you are allowed to stop the game and take your winnings, or continue playing. Moreover, the money prizes in these games are usually higher.

Live Casino Blackjack Bonus

The most beneficial bonus offered is no deposit welcome bonus. New players are presented with an opportunity to try several live casino games and to choose the most appropriate one without depositing money. The advantage of some casinos is that they give you the opportunity to play with free cash. Remember that special bonuses in many live casinos depend on the means of payment that you used to deposit. Unfortunately, not all live casinos accept USA players so you should pay attention to that before you decide to try the game.

Playing live blackjack is as easy as playing online and as exciting as real casino. It is available for everyone!

Why Online Blackjack Tournaments Are So Popular

Blackjack Tournaments

Online casino blackjack tournaments are popular with card players across the globe, for several reasons.

The tournament games have an added dimension and thrill to them because you?re actually testing your online blackjack strategies and skills against a host of other players too, not just the dealer. This makes the games a lot more exciting for most online casino players.

Most blackjack tournaments online are pretty straightforward and simple, but some players are still somewhat intimidated and apprehensive when it comes to entering them. This is especially true for those who are new to the online version of the game.

When playing basic games of blackjack, how much you lose or win basically comes down to how well you play against the dealer. This is really the only other person you?re playing and competing against. However, when it comes to an online tournament setting, there?s actually increased competition because you now also have to win more than the other players.

Tournaments that are held for money will usually require you to pay an entry fee or you may be able to use some accumulated bonus points at your online casino. You?ll find that you can enter some tournaments for free though. After entering an online blackjack tournament, each of the players will be assigned a table where they will play at and will also receive the same amount of playing chips.

The tournaments generally consist of a certain number of online blackjack hands or they may have a specific time period attached to them. The players that have accumulated the most chips after each round will then advance to the tournament?s next stage while others will be eliminated from the event. The tournaments continue until the last round, which features the top players with the most chips. Whoever has won the most chips at the end of the online blackjack tournament will be declared the winner.

Written by Alex, a keen player of casino games including blackjack. She also regularly tries playing bingo and her new favourite site is www.poshbingo.co.uk.

Simple But Helpful Online Blackjack Tips

Blackjack TipsBlackjack is one of the simplest and most popular types of online casino games out there. Even though there are a few different variations of the game, the basics are more or less the same.

There are a lot of different strategies used by players, but everybody has their own style of playing. Whether you?re a newcomer to online blackjack or a seasoned pro, there are some tips that might help you out.

  • Learn the rules of all the online blackjack games you?re going to play. You should then practice and play for free before you?re comfortable with the idea of playing for real money.
  • You should come up with a playing limit or budget and make sure you stick with it. You?re going to have good days and bad days so know when to call it a day.
  • Check out all of the online tournaments, promotions, and bonuses that are offered at various online casinos. This will help you get the most out of your money.
  • It?s important that you don?t give out any of your personal account information to anybody that you don?t know and trust.
  • Try to learn all of the terms related to the online blackjack games so you understand what?s happening during the action.
  • Withdraw at least half of your winnings after you win a big amount. This will help stop you from playing it right away and you?ll leave the game with some winnings.
  • Try to get your cards as close to 21 as possible instead of trying to beat the dealer. If the dealer has a high card showing don?t let it distract you.
  • Don?t forget about betting cycles in online blackjack. You should bet more when you?re winning and less when you?re losing.
  • Remember, online blackjack favours the dealer. If you both go over 21, you lose.
  • If the dealer has to take a card on hands that are 16 and lower, you won?t win with less than 17 unless the dealer goes over 21.
  • Remember that an ace can be used as either one point or 11 points.
  • If your cards total 10 or lower you should take another card as you won?t be in jeopardy of busting. The most you can get is an ace to total 21, which of course is what you?re aiming to do.

Written by Alex, a blackjack aficionado who enjoys blogging about her casino experiences. She loves detailing her wins and losses for the amusement and entertainment of others!

Playing Live Blackjack Online

Online casinos are swarming the Internet and they are setting the latest trend in gambling.

In the comfort of their own houses, gamblers are able to enjoy the same casino experience as they would if they travel to Las Vegas.

Online casinos are not just limited to playing versus a program but you can also play against other people.

A lot of games have been incorporated in online casinos ever since. The first among these games were roulette and blackjack.

When you have already signed up at a trustworthy online casino site, the next thing you have to do is find a blackjack game and enter a blackjack room.

When you have successfully joined a game, you will see a table in your computer screen, the bet, and cards laid on the table. You will see the dealer on the screen as well.

Using headphones and a reliable Internet connection, you can interact with other players, hear them speak, yell and laugh. The experience would be as if you are playing in a brick and mortal casino.

In most online casino, single deck blackjack games aren?t included in their game line-up since the profit obtained by the casino in a single deck game is lower compared to how much it would earn from a multi deck blackjack game.

This is also the case in a brick and mortar casino. Other online casinos are clever enough to put certain modifications in the rules of a single deck black jack and only then would they provide the facility to play the game online.

Given that blackjack is such an exciting game, players tend to bet by impulse just to win the game. Their bets go higher and higher after each losing round. This gambling behaviour is sure to take toll on their bankroll. Players must keep calm while gambling so that they do not go over their limits.

Written by Alex Corcoran, a fan of blackjack and live roulette.