Blackjack live Table Game by ezugi

Blackjack is a popular classic casino table game in which the player’s primary objective is to have a higher combined card count than the dealer without exceeding 21 points. The game’s popularity stems from being relatively easy to play, entertaining, and offering one of the best RTP in gambling. Furthermore, it’s an ideal card game for novices since it requires a combination of luck and skill. Nevertheless, you must first learn the basic rules and play your cards right to beat the dealer.

The internet’s emergence has significantly enhanced the gambling experience by providing proximity and convenience. Thanks to technological advancements in hardware and software, you can now play numerous classic casino games, such as blackjack, on your desktop and mobile device. Additionally, you can enjoy different blackjack variants run by real-life dealers and streamed live in HD from land-based casinos or specially designed studios. This article will take a closer look at the history and origin of blackjack and give an in-depth overview of how live blackjack works, its rules, and the odds and payouts of the game. Moreover, the review will describe the different live blackjack variations by Ezugi and provide tips and strategies to improve your chances of winning.

History and origin of blackjack

Like most popular card games, the true origin of blackjack is still disputed. Over the years, a great deal of research has been done in an attempt to resolve this issue but to no avail. For instance, many historians believe that blackjack has Italian and French roots since the two countries had several card games with similar rules. Additionally, some researchers believe that in ancient times, the Romans played a game that resembled blackjack in some ways. Nevertheless, despite the unclear findings, game experts agree that the game originated in the 17th century.

Blackjack: Spanish origin

The earliest written proof of blackjack is found in a short story (Rinconete y Cortadillo), written in the early 1600s by the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. In this story, Miguel describes how some players were exceptionally skilled at cheating in a game called Veintiuna (meaning twenty-one in Spanish). According to the author, the game’s main objective was for the player to reach 21 points without going over. Furthermore, Cervantes mentions that aces are worth 1 or 11, and the game is played with the Spanish Baraja deck, which resembles the modern-day deck but without 8s, 9s, and 10s.

On the other hand, according to other blackjack historians (Roger Baldwin and Arnold Snyder), there seems to have been a Spanish game called “Trente-un” (“Thirty-one”). The primary goal of this game was to have 31 points with a minimum of three cards.

Blackjack: Roman origin

Another theory states that blackjack originated in ancient Rome, long before it emerged in France. It’s believed that Romans played this game with wooden blocks (instead of paper cards) that had different numerical values painted on them. This theory stands because Romans loved gambling, but that doesn’t confirm this theory.

Blackjack: French and Italian origins

In different research, blackjack is believed to have originated from other popular games (the French Vingt-et-un and the Italian Sette e Mezzo).

Historians link Sette e Mezzo (Italian for seven and a half) to blackjack because its primary goal was to form a hand with a total point value closest to 7 ½. If you exceeded this amount, it was called a “bust,” making the game quite similar to blackjack.

On the other hand, Vingt-et-un (French for twenty-one) was a popular game played in French Casinos and at the Royal Court during King Louis XV’s reign. Like in blackjack, Vingt-et-un’s primary objective was for the player to reach a hand total that’s as close as 21 without going over. In addition, the highest hand in this game was formed by the black Jack (spades or clubs) and an Ace of spades card. Thus, it’s believed that the name blackjack came from this game. However, the difference between the two games is that players placed their bets after every round, and only the dealer was allowed to double in Vingt-et-un.

Blackjack in America

In the 1800s, Vingt-et-Un was brought to America by French colonists, and the name changed to 21. Some changes were also made to the game’s rules, with the dealer adhering to them, unlike in the previous version, where he’d make his own decisions. During this period (1800s), gambling was illegal in America. However, due to increased popularity and interest in gambling, the State of Nevada became the first territory to legalise casinos in 1931. The Nevada Gaming Commission also set game standards and controls, which were applied to 21.

Some casinos introduced exclusive bonus payouts for a “natural” card combination to make the game more appealing to players. For instance, a player with a hand value consisting of an Ace of spades and a black Jack (spades or clubs) received a 10:1 payout. This feature led to the name being changed from 21 to blackjack. Later on, the 10:1 payout was changed to 3:2, but the name remained. Throughout the years, for optimal gameplay, several players, mathematicians, and computer scientists introduced various betting strategies, including a card-counting technique and the hi-lo system. However, casinos recognised the tactics and introduced extra decks of cards to try to minimise the systems’ effectiveness.

The emergence of online and live blackjack versions

In 1996, the first online casino was launched, allowing players to enjoy numerous casino games like blackjack from the comfort of their homes. The convenience of playing online increased the game’s popularity, and innovative software providers designed different blackjack variants. Additionally, these technological advancements saw the introduction of live blackjack, which is played in real-time and hosted by a real-life dealer.

Ezugi Live Blackjack game interface

The live blackjack game interface is user-friendly, with all relevant details and features displayed on the screen. However, depending on the software provider and your playing variation, it may vary slightly.

Live video feed

When you launch the classic version by Ezugi, which can host up to 7 players, a live video feed from the studio is fixed on the screen, with a professional dealer seated behind a semi-circular table on the stage. The game’s video quality automatically adjusts depending on the stability of your internet. Still, you can set your preferred quality by selecting the different resolutions from HD, High, Medium, and Low. You can also switch from an up-close view to full-screen mode during gameplay, giving an additional dimension to the game.

On the dealer’s left side is a shoe filled with a shuffled deck of 52 playing cards, where the dealer draws and deals them to the players’ positions, and a discard box on the right, where all the played cards are placed.

Betting area

On the screen’s bottom section is a dedicated betting area with different sitting positions (7 in this case) marked “Sit here.”  Various multi-coloured chips with different values are displayed in the middle of the screen. To make a wager, players are required to select their preferred bet amount by clicking on the chip and placing it on their bet position. The dealer’s rules and the game payouts (blackjack and insurance) are printed on the table, and you can see the available side bets in your sitting area.

Bet limits and player menu

The bet limits and paytable are pinned on the screen’s top left section, with the accepted amount varying depending on your playing table. Furthermore, a help menu is placed on the top right of the screen, where you can access the game’s info, including rules, playing instructions, objective, card values, bet types, and so on. You can also access your bet history and game settings, such as turning off the game sound, adjusting the volume, hiding side bets, etc.

A display of your account balance, total bet, and last win is usually pinned at the bottom of the screen. Finally, you can communicate with the dealer or other players through a chat box, creating a more engaging gaming experience. Luckily, you can hide other players’ chats from the game settings to avoid distraction.

Rules of live blackjack

Although blackjack is a skill-based game, it’s undoubtedly one of the most exciting casino card games whose rules are relatively easy to grasp. Additionally, it’s an ideal option for players who are good at devising winning strategies. Therefore, before joining a real-money table and becoming a proficient blackjack player, you must learn the game’s basic rules and jargon.

To begin with, despite the game being played by several players simultaneously, all players compete only against the dealer. The game is played with eight 52-card decks, and its primary objective is for the player to form a hand with a total card value close to 21 points (blackjack) without exceeding (busting) and have a better hand than the dealer. Moreover, the game round will be over if the dealer’s or player’s card value goes over 21. Similarly, if the dealer or player has blackjack, the game will be over, and the winner will be paid per the paytable (usually 3:2). A blackjack hand is formed by whoever has a 10-value card and an Ace card. However, if both the player and the dealer have a blackjack, the result will be a push, and the player’s bet will be returned.

Card values

Like in most casino card games, in blackjack, the cards are assigned different values using a unique system that’s easy to understand. These assigned values are used to calculate the player’s and dealer’s hand values during the real money gameplay to determine the winner. For instance, the face cards King (K), Queen (Q), Jack (J), and 10 are each worth 10 points, whereas cards 2 through 9 represent their face values. Furthermore, the Ace card can count as either 1 or 11, depending on which value gives you the best winning odds. As a result, the Ace is the most desired card in blackjack since it allows players to be flexible with their hands and form winning combinations easily.

A hand comprising a 10 and an Ace is referred to as a natural. Additionally, a hand containing an Ace, counted as 11 without surpassing 21, is referred to as a soft hand. As previously stated, when a hand has an Ace, there are two possible scores; hence it’s known as a soft hand. On the other hand, a hand with no Ace card has only one possible outcome and is referred to as a hard hand, and in most cases, you can quickly go bust with just one hit and lose your wager. Nevertheless, not only hands that don’t include an ace are hard. For example, if your hand consists of an Ace that can be counted only as 1 point, then the hand is hard. Lastly, you should note that suits are irrelevant in blackjack as they don’t play a role in determining the hand’s total value.

Guide to playing live blackjack

Before the beginning of every game round, you’ll be required to place your wager (within the set table limits) within the allotted time (usually 15 seconds) by clicking on the corresponding chip value. Afterwards, pick a sitting position on the table where your name will appear and place your chip. You can click the X button if you’d like to leave your seat. Moreover, you’ll lose your seat if you’re inactive and don’t place a bet.

Once the assigned betting time is over and you’re done placing your bet, the live blackjack dealer will scan and deal one face-up card to each player on the table in rotation, starting from the dealer’s left and continuing clockwise, and one face-up to themselves. Another round of cards will subsequently be dealt to the player (s) face up, and the dealer will be dealt a second face-down card (hole). The value of your hand will then be displayed next to your cards. Suppose the value of your initial dealt cards is 21. In that case, you have blackjack, and the round will be over for you.

Player’s options and decisions

On the other hand, if neither you nor the dealer has blackjack, you’ll be presented with various options to improve your hand value. Hit and stand are the two main options, but depending on the cards you have been dealt, there are other available moves. Below is an overview of your possible options.

Hit

This move entails asking the dealer for an additional card to add to your hand’s value. You can hit as many times as you want, provided your hand value doesn’t exceed 21. If the additional card leads to over 21 points, it’s a bust, and you’ll lose your bet. You must click the + button to make this move.

Stand

If you are satisfied with the value of your hand, you can decide to stand and wait for the outcome. You’ll not be dealt any additional cards, and your turn will be over. In this case, you must click the (-) button.

Double

In this case, you will double your wager by placing an equal amount to your initial bet. You’ll then be dealt only one extra card to your hand. In this case, you must click the 2X button.

Split

If your initial cards are a pair of cards of equal value, you can split the pair to make two separate hands, each with an individual bet equal to your main bet. A second card is then dealt to both hands. Afterwards, depending on each hand’s total value, you can decide to hit or stand. However, if you split a pair of Aces, you’ll receive only one additional card per hand with no option to hit. To make this move, you must hit the < > button.

Surrender

This is a rare option as it’s not offered in all blackjack variants. Nevertheless, it allows you to forfeit your hand if it’s unlikely to beat the dealer. If you choose this option, you’ll lose half of your initial bet and not play any further in that round.

Insurance

When the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, you are allowed to buy an insurance bet to offset the risk that the dealer has blackjack (even when you have blackjack). The insurance bet amount equals half your main bet and is settled separately from the bet on your hand.

Once you’ve placed an insurance bet, the dealer will peek to check if they have blackjack. If they don’t have it, the game round will continue and adhere to the standard rules. If the dealer does have blackjack, you’ll receive a payout of 2:1, but only if you had made the insurance bet. Otherwise, you’ll lose your wager.

Live blackjack dealer rules

While players in blackjack have the freedom to decide on what actions to take with their first dealt cards, the dealer, on the other hand, must play per set rules. This guarantees consistency when playing blackjack and safeguards the house edge in the long run. Therefore, you must learn and understand the dealer rules to make the best tactical moves for maximum wins. For example, with Ezugi’s live blackjack, the dealer must hit if their hand’s value is 16 or less and keep hitting until the value of their hand reaches at least 17 or until he busts. Additionally, the dealer must stand on soft 17, i.e., if they have an Ace worth 11 and a 6 card. Lastly, when the dealer’s hand value is between 17 and 21, they must stand, and no additional cards are drawn.

A round is won by all players with a total hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s. As mentioned, if the player’s hand total equals the dealer’s hand, it’s considered a push or a tie, and the player’s bet is returned. Furthermore, suppose the dealer’s hand exceeds 21. In that case, all players in that game round win except the ones who have also gone bust. After a round is over, the game continues with the same deck of cards until the dealer reaches the cut card (usually in red). Once the cutting card is drawn, a new shoe will be introduced.

Live blackjack variations by Ezugi

Blackjack is undoubtedly a real classic and one of the world’s most widely played casino games. As a result, Ezugi has taken innovation a notch higher and provides numerous variations that cater to all sorts of players ranging from beginners and low rollers to seasoned players. Ezugi brings the most experienced high rollers the exciting opportunity of enjoying the game by providing various VIP Blackjack tables with different high-stakes limits. Additionally, to tailor every player’s needs, the company live-streams all their blackjack tables from studios worldwide, many of which provide a unique and authentic Latino experience and feature native-speaking dealers.

Some Ezugi blackjack variants include Live Blackjack, Blackjack Salon Prive, Unlimited Live Blackjack, Blackjack VIP Surrender, and Video Blackjack. Furthermore, these titles feature numerous side bets, providing extra betting opportunities for players. Below is a detailed overview of the multiple variations mentioned above.

Live Blackjack

This is a standard blackjack variation that follows the traditional rules of blackjack. You can find it in most Ezugi live casinos’ lobbies, referred to as Blackjack 1 or Blackjack 2. Furthermore, this blackjack variant features a single-camera view of the table, with a close-up view of the cards as they are being dealt. Virtual representations of the dealer’s cards are also displayed on the screen to make it easier for you to see their values and suits. Moreover, you can switch between two viewing modes (full screen and classic view) during gameplay.

The tables are hosted by English-speaking or bilingual dealers who speak both English and Spanish. However, this blackjack version by Ezugi lacks the Bet Behind feature. This means that new players have to wait until a vacant seat is available at the table.

Gameplay

Like in a traditional blackjack game, this variant is played with eight decks of 52 cards. In addition, the game features a live croupier dealing the cards from a shoe and a virtual table that displays seven sitting positions where players place their bets. In this Ezugi live dealer game, players can place bets of different amounts on multiple seats if they’re not occupied. Before starting a round, a timer informing you of the betting time duration is displayed on the screen and counts down to zero. After the set period expires, betting is closed, and no more bets are allowed.

Additionally, if you don’t choose an option after you have been dealt your first two cards, the default selection is Stand, and the insurance bet will not be placed if the dealer has a face-up Ace card. In addition to the main blackjack bets, this Ezugi blackjack variant offers two side bets with individual payouts. These include Perfect Pairs and 21+3, which will be discussed later in the article.

Betting limits and other features

The game provides a wide range of betting limits (a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $5000) to suit different players. The high max bet makes it a perfect choice for high roller casino players. Other features in this variant include the player’s bet history, viewable through the help menu, and the ability to rebet your previous wager and undo a bet before the betting period expires. During gameplay, you can also see every player’s name, bet amounts, hand values, moves, and outcome. These features enhance and provide an authentic gambling experience for online players.

Unlimited Blackjack

As the name suggests, Ezugi’s Unlimited Blackjack is a variant that allows an infinite number of players to wager on the same hand simultaneously, unlike the classic 7-seater variation where players are dealt individual hands. As a result, the game rules in Unlimited Blackjack slightly differ from the ones applied to traditional blackjack. For instance, the dealer splits specific pairs of cards in the player’s hand. After the split, you can play with one or both hands.

User interface

Unlimited blackjack features an interface that’s friendly and easy on the eyes. It’s streamed live from a  studio in South America, and a dealer sits in the middle of a semi-circular table. Depending on the table, on the dealer’s left is a shoe where the dealer draws and deals cards to the player and themselves. In other tables, a card shuffling machine is where all the cards from the discard tray are put for shuffling and playing cards are automatically spat is placed on their left side. Like in the classic 7-seater variant, an empty glass box on the dealer’s right-hand side is where all played cards are placed. Furthermore, a single bet spot is placed at the screen’s middle bottom section, and a virtual representation of the dealer’s and player’s cards is displayed on the screen’s left side.

Gameplay

Unlimited Blackjack follows the standard rules and is played with eight decks of cards. Players must place their bets within the specified time by selecting the corresponding chip value and setting it on the circular betting spot on the table. Additionally, you’ll be allowed to make similar moves as in a traditional blackjack table, i.e., you can choose to hit, stand, double, or split. However, the game features an auto split function which applies if the first two dealt cards are pairs of 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, 8s, or Aces. The dealer then gives players the option to play with either one or both split hands. Like in a classic table, your bet will be doubled if you decide to play with two hands.

Bet limits and other features

The game features a broad range of betting limits (a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $1000) catering to all sorts of players, especially low rollers and novices. Crypto bets are also accepted. Other features in this Ezugi live dealer game include numerous optional side bets, which are offered along with the main bets. These special bets include Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11, and Ten20.

Blackjack Salon Prive

Ezugi has created a new level of luxury for high roller players worldwide by releasing its grand Blackjack Salon Privé, raising the bar in terms of anticipation and adrenaline rush. Offering the best VIP live gaming experience online, Ezugi’s Salon Privé is a classy blackjack variant that provides a first-class VIP environment. Set in an affluent background, players can feel the grandeur and high-class atmosphere throughout the game. In Blackjack Salon Privé, individualised taste and luxury are embraced.

Bet limits

In this variant, the most selective and high-roller online players (subject to minimum bankroll requirements) can have the best live gaming experience with high minimum bets of $1000 and high maximum bets of $10,000 that suit their bankroll. You should note that with Salon Prive, you must have a minimum of $1000 in your player account to access the table.

Special features and benefits

Furthermore, Salon Privé provides enhanced VIP-level services, including a single-player private table where other players cannot join the game or even watch. The game also has enhanced gameplay control between the player and the real-life dealer, creating an intimate and exclusive gaming environment. In addition, players receive extra care and attention from the company’s exceptional support team if required while playing.

Once you join a Salon Privé table, you can choose to take all seven seats, providing no opportunity for other interested players to participate as the table becomes inaccessible and displays “In Use” in the lobby. As it is a private table, players can decide to retain the dealer after their session is over or request a new one if they are not happy with the current host of the game. In addition, the game adapts to the player’s pace since there’s no set betting duration. The player decides when to start the game, can ask for the cards to be shuffled at any time, or choose when the cards should be dealt.

Lastly, Salon Privé features highly trained VIP specialist dealers, and players can request a shoe change anytime.

VIP Surrender Blackjack

To take the live blackjack gameplay to the next level, Ezugi has introduced a variant with the Surrender option. VIP Blackjack Surrender provides an immersive gambling experience with enhanced gameplay options and a range of features. In this Ezugi blackjack variant, if the dealer’s first card is an Ace, players can decide to Surrender, and half of their bet amount is returned to their account balance. Additionally, the game is designed for high-roller online players as it features high minimum bets of $100 and maximum bets of $2500 (you can also bet crypto if your online casino accepts it). Notably, VIP Blackjack Surrender adheres to traditional rules, with the exception of the surrender option. The game is played with eight decks and features the Perfect Pairs and 21+3 side bets.

Video Blackjack

This innovative live blackjack variant features player-to-player live video, giving a more immersive and socially-engaging gaming experience. Video Blackjack’s primary goal is to give online players the authentic experience of being in a land-based casino since they are virtually seated next to the other players on the table and can interact with them while playing.

The game allows up to seven players at the table, with one seat allowed per player. Typically, the game is played in mobile portrait mode. To join a Video Blackjack table, players must allow sharing of their video and audio feeds on their devices. However, to respect players’ privacy, non-playing viewers can’t see the participating players since the watch mode is unavailable to casual observers. In addition, the company has ensured strict procedures and sophisticated solutions are built into the game, safeguarding against inappropriate video content.

Despite the live video and audio feeds, Video Blackjack follows the standard blackjack variant rules. Furthermore, the game includes the most popular side bets (Perfect Pairs and 21+3), offering a fresh view and thrill of this classic casino table game.

Side bets in Ezugi’s live blackjack

Depending on your playing variation, there are numerous side bets that you can place when playing live blackjack in addition to the main bets. These optional bets offer an extra element of fun and flair to the traditional gameplay. In addition, these special bets boast of their potential to award higher payouts than regular blackjack bets. However, you should note that they are riskier and unlikely to increase your winnings in the long run. Below are some of the most popular side bets in live blackjack variants.

Perfect Pairs

This side bet wins if the first two dealt cards consist of a pair. For instance, if your initial cards are two Hearts, two 5s, or two Queens. There are three types of Perfect Pairs, each with a different payout.

• Perfect pair: This pair is formed by cards with the same suit and value. For example, two 4s of Diamonds.
• Coloured Pair: This pair consists of cards with the same rank and colour but of different suits. For example, a 4 of Diamonds and a 4 of Hearts.
• Mixed Pair: This pair comprises cards with the same rank but of different suits. For example, a 2 of Clubs and a 2 of Hearts.

The perfect pair bet features a 25:1 payout, whereas the coloured and mixed pairs feature payouts of 12:1 and 6:1, respectively.

21+3

Payouts on this bet are made based on the player’s first two dealt cards and the dealer’s face-up card. Below are the winning combinations for this side bet. They are similar to poker combinations, each with different payouts.

• Suited Trips: This is a combination of three identical cards. For example, a hand with 3 Kings of Hearts.
• Straight Flush: This is a hand that consists of three cards in numerical sequence and of the same suit. For example, a hand with a 10, Jack, and Queen card, each of Diamonds.
• Three of a Kind: This is a combination of three cards of the same rank but of different suits. For example, a hand with any three Kings that don’t match (one of Diamonds, one of Clubs, and one of Hearts or Spades).
• Straight: This is a hand that consists of three cards in numerical sequence but of different suits. For example, a hand with a 2 of Clubs, 3 of Diamonds, and 4 of Spades.
• Flush: This hand consists of three cards of non-sequential cards of identical suits. For example, a hand with 2, 5, and 8, all of Diamonds.

The Suited Trips bet features a 100:1 payout, whereas the Straight Flush and Three of a Kind feature payouts of 40:1 and 30:1, respectively. On the other hand, the Straight and Flush bets offer payouts of 10:1 and 5:1, respectively.

Perfect 11

This bet wins if the players first dealt two cards sum up to 11 points or a blackjack. There are three different types of pairs for this side bet.

• 11 Points (Suited): This is a pair of the same suit that adds to 11 points. For instance, 7 of Clubs and 4 of Clubs.
• Any 11 Points: This is a pair of different suits that sums up to 11 points. For instance, 8 of Clubs and 3 of Spades.
• Blackjack: This is a pair of any rank or suit that adds to 21 points. For instance, 10 of Diamonds and an Ace of Spades.

The 11 Points (Suited) bet features a 21:1 payout, whereas the Any 11 Points and Blackjack offer payouts of 10:1 and 5:1, respectively.

Ten20

This side bet wins if the players first dealt two cards sum up to 10 or 20 points. There are three possible types of pairs for this side bet.

• Pair of 5s: As the name implies, this is a pair of 5s of any suit. For example, 5 of Spades and 5 of Clubs.
• Total of 10: This is a pair of any rank or suit that adds to 10 points. For example, 4 of Hearts and 6 of Diamonds.
•  Total of 20: This is a pair of any rank or suit that adds to 20 points. For example, 9 of Hearts and an Ace of Clubs.

The Pair of 5s bet features a 22:1 payout, whereas the Total of 10 and the Total of 20 offer payouts of 10:1 and 3:1, respectively.

Live blackjack odds

This is the likelihood of a win occurring when you play real money live blackjack in an online casino. However, these winning probabilities depend on several factors, such as the player’s skill level and strategies. Nevertheless, the standard odds in a live blackjack game are calculated based on a classic blackjack round and the assumption that the cards are dealt from an eight-deck shoe.

The dealer has the highest statistical chance of winning, with odds of 49.1%. On the other hand, the player features winning odds of 42.22%, whereas the possibility of a Tie outcome is significantly low as it features odds of 8.48%.

Live blackjack payouts and RTP

Depending on the bet type and game variation, live blackjack features an RTP percentage range of 94.77% and 99.56%. Nevertheless, the optimal theoretical live blackjack RTP (return to player) percentage for a standard game is 99.56% for the main blackjack bets. For the side bets, the Perfect Pairs offer an RTP of 95.9%, whereas the 21+3, Perfect 11, and Ten20 feature RTPs of 93.71%, 93.72%, and 94.77%, respectively.

Additionally, the payouts for a winning blackjack hand is 3:2, whereas the payouts for the player and insurance wins are 1:1 and 2:1, respectively.

Live blackjack tips and strategies

Before joining a real money or high-stakes blackjack table, there are a few factors that you should consider as they’ll help you improve your winning chances. For instance, you must learn and understand the game rules, the card rankings, and how they are calculated in a game. You can achieve this by observing how the game is played without risking your hard-earned funds since you can join and watch most live blackjack tables with a zero account balance. In addition, for novices and players on a tight budget, it’s advisable always to manage your bankroll and stake the smallest possible amount of money. This helps minimise the risk of losing a large sum.

Blackjack is among the few casino games you can influence the outcome of each hand if you apply a reliable strategy. Although the house always has the upper hand over the player, there are various popular techniques that can help you reduce the house edge to a minimum. Although no strategy can guarantee success in the long run, below is a review of some of the most common betting systems you can apply to win at a blackjack table.

Martingale

This is one of the gambling industry’s oldest and most popular betting systems. It’s a negative progression strategy recommending doubling your bet after every loss and resetting it to your original amount after every win. For instance, suppose you start by placing a betting unit of $100, and your bet loses. In that case, you should double the size of your next unit to $200. Then, if you win with your second bet, you should go back to your original bet size and place a $100 wager. The primary concept behind this strategy is that the probability of losing too many hands in a row is low. Therefore, if you double your bet each time you lose, you’ll compensate for all of your previous losses in a single bet whenever you win.

Fibonacci

This betting system was initially devised for the roulette game but can also be applied to a live blackjack table. It’s a system based on the Fibonacci sequence of 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, and so on. The Fibonacci system recommends following a set amount of betting values, i.e., set a minimum bet size and, whenever you win, move one step on the sequence. In the event you lose a round, you should go back to the first step of the sequence and start over.

For instance, suppose you decide to apply this strategy and set a minimum bet amount of $1, and you win. In that case, your second bet should be $1. If you win on your second wager, you should place a $2 bet and continue with the same series until you lose. If you lose a hand on your 7th bet with a $13 bet, you should return to the first bet, start with a $1 wager, and repeat the sequence until the next losing bet.

1-3-2-6

Although it appears as a complex system, it’s a relatively simple strategy suitable for all sorts of players since all it takes to apply is to learn its pattern and principles. It’s an easy-to-use and straightforward system, following a 1,3,2,6 sequence. It follows a similar structure as the Fibonacci betting system but increases the number of chips in play instead of the base bet amount. When using this system, you must set a chip size that acts as your base bet, and after every successful round, you follow the pattern and add chips accordingly. For instance, suppose you choose 1 chip with an initial bet of $1 and win. In that case, you should pick 3 chips each with a $1 bet size on the next round. If you experience a winning streak and reach the last stage in the sequence, you should place 6 chips of $1 bets. In the event you win all four hands in a row, you’ll have made a profit of 12 betting units. Therefore, you should reset the series and start over with your initial betting unit.

Paroli

It’s one of the oldest betting systems dating back to the 16th century. Its primary goal is to help you accumulate small but regular wins in the long run. The Paroli system is based on a positive progression in which you increase your bet after every win and continue with the same principle until you have three consecutive wins. It also recommends keeping your bet size the same after every loss. Simply put, you begin by placing a small bet, and if you win the first bet, double your bet on the next hand. However, you should return to your initial betting amount and start over if you lose a hand.

For example, suppose you place an initial bet of $1 and you win. In that case, you should double your wager and set a $2 bet in the next round. If you win your second bet, you double your bet again to $4 on the next hand. However, if you lose on the third hand, you should return to your initial betting amount of $1. Alternatively, if you win your third bet, you should consider taking your profits and starting over with a $1 wager since you have now won three hands in a row.

Conclusion

Blackjack is a thrilling casino game that has proven to be highly entertaining over the years. It’s a fast-paced game ideal for all players, including novices, as it’s easy to play and features straightforward rules. Furthermore, since it’s skill-based, blackjack allows players to increase their winning odds by applying numerous gambling strategies to beat the house edge. Due to technological advancements, the game has gained popularity worldwide, and various iGaming providers, such as Ezugi, have emerged and created different blackjack variations. Thanks to this vast diversity in variations, you can experience this exciting card game in different ways. Nevertheless, all variants follow the same basic rules but with a few twists and additional elements, such as side bets, making the game more appealing.

This article has highlighted some relevant information, including the history of blackjack, live blackjack rules and gameplay, and its odds and payouts. Moreover, this review has given in-depth overviews of the live blackjack variants by Ezugi, the different types of live blackjack side bets, tips on improving your winning odds in a live dealer blackjack table, and the most popular blackjack betting systems.