While some may think it would be poker taking the top spot, it is in fact Blackjack that takes the spot as the most popular casino card game in the world. Since its emergence as Vingt-et-Un in 18th Century France, the game has captured the imagination of the world and is a mainstay in both land-based and online casinos like Casino777.nl.
Variants of both offline and online Blackjack have essentially the same rules: beat the dealer by scoring a hand as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game is played against the banker, rather than between players, which means it’s a fast-paced game and can be played with just one player if needed.
The game got its name in North America, when during the emergence of regulated gambling institutions, many casinos started offering special bets on hands containing a ‘black jack’ – i.e. a Jack of Spades or Clubs. This tradition fell out of fashion, but the name Blackjack stuck.
Anyone can play Blackjack – you really don’t need to have a ton of experience or know-how to get in on the fun, but understanding the possibility of different side bets that may be present can improve your gaming experience and give you more interesting ways to perhaps scoop a win!
Let’s find out more about the most common optional Blackjack side bets and how they can enhance the game.
Insurance Bets
This side bet is one of the most common – the dealer will ask if the player wishes to make an insurance bet before play commences. If the dealer reveals their first card to be an Ace, the player can decide to bet that the dealer will have a ten or a face card. If they do, the player will win the Blackjack but the player will still win the insurance bet.
Perfect Pairs
Before dealing commences, the player must decide whether they want to bet on their first two cards making a pair. There are three different types of pairs: mixed pairs, coloured pairs and perfect pairs, all with different odds. If you choose to bet on this outcome and you are correct, you’ll scoop some winnings alongside the base game.
Easy Match
Before dealing commences, this is a bet on the first two cards a player is dealt being the same suit, which in the standard one-deck version of Blackjack gives you odds of 3:1.
Royal Match
This is a bet on your first two cards being the same suit or a Royal Match – a King and a Queen of the same suit, which, depending on the type of Blackjack you’re playing, has odds of 2:1 up to 25:1.
Over/Under 13
These two side bets are on the first two cards dealt totalling either over or under 13. If you score 13, neither is true so you won’t win.
These are just a few of the most popular side bets that players can choose to use when playing Blackjack. Browse a huge selection of online Blackjack variants here at Casino777.nl and find your next favourite today.
When you choose Casino777.nl, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality slots. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at 777.nl, player well-being is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.