Nuances that make blackjack one of the world’s most popular games

Are you an expert blackjack player? For most people, the answer is “no.” In fact, although it is a popular game around the world, there are relatively few expert players. One way of improving blackjack skills is understanding some of the nuances that make the game one of the most popular on the market. Here is a quick look at the ins and outs of the game.

 1. House edge

The first thing new blackjack players should understand is that the game features an extremely low house edge. All casinos have a “house edge,” which refers to the odds the house (the casino) has over the player.

Different games have different house edges. Slots, for example, tend to feature anywhere from 4% to 15% house edges. That means that the house is between 4% and 15% more likely to win over the player.

Blackjack has a house edge of around 2%, with some tables being even lower. This means that players have a better chance of winning. Once you understand this, you can plan your betting strategy and work on predicting the next house move.

 2. Number of decks in play

Another nuance that can greatly impact a game of blackjack is the number of decks in play. In general, the fewer decks that are in play, the better the odds are for players.

Given that the number of decks tends to increase along with the house edge, players should look for tables with as few decks as possible per round. This sometimes indicates that the house edge is lower than other tables with more cards in rotation.

 3. Hand gestures

Because blackjack is such a popular and timeless game, it should come as no surprise that players have developed their own game-specific language over time. Players can learn the various hand gestures in blackjack on the Resorts Casino blog page.

Learning the theory of a game before betting money can help players to alleviate risk and communicate with other players as well as the dealer without ever opening their mouths. There are a few particularly common signs to watch for.

Players who want to take a hit can simply tap their finger on the table in front of them gently. This communicates their desire just as clearly as speaking would. Another hand gesture is the universal hand wave signaling the intent to stand.

Simply place your hand, palm down, over your cards without touching the table and gently move your hand back and forth. Dealers will understand that you don’t want to hit and will move on to the next player.

Blackjack is an incredibly simple yet uniquely complex game that can be as challenging as you’d like. If you want to expand your skills, consider trying different strategies to see what works for you.