Atlantic City Blackjack
- Atlantic City Blackjack
- Atlantic City Blackjack Rules
- Atlantic City Blackjack Strategy
- Pros and Cons
- Online Atlantic City Blackjack - FAQs
Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack is a popular variation of the classic blackjack game that follows the rules of the game played in Atlantic City casinos. It features several unique characteristics, including the option to surrender, late surrender, doubling down on any initial two cards, and doubling down after a split. The game is typically played with eight decks of cards, and the dealer must stand on soft 17.
Atlantic City Blackjack provides an exciting and strategic gaming experience for players, with favorable rules and a chance to employ various blackjack strategies to maximize their winning potential.
Atlantic City Blackjack Rules
Let's start with the blackjack basics. The aim of a blackjack game is to beat the dealer. To do this, you need to have a higher value hand than the dealer. The best hand in the game is 21 - which is also an alternative name for the game. You will be dealt two cards to start - but you can ask for more cards (which is called hitting).
If you exceed the hand value of 21, you will go bust and lose the hand. But on the flipside, the dealer can also go bust and lose the hand as well. A game of Atlantic City Blackjack is a constant weighing of the odds and calculation. But this version of the game comes with some desirable perks. Here are the important Atlantic City Blackjack rules.
The dealer has to stand on a hard & soft 17: This is one of the most advantageous rules of the game. A soft 17 is a desirable hand in blackjack due to strong hand liquidity and a high chance of success. This hand is comprised of an Ace and any 6; the Ace can either be the number 11 or 1.
You can split during the game: If you draw two cards with equal value, then you can choose to split the hand into two hands. This creates extra betting opportunities. In Atlantic City Blackjack, you can split hands up to three times. The only exception to this rule is a hand containing two Aces; you can only split this hand once. Some hands are not recommended to split - but some hands definitely are. Aces and hands with two 10 value cards should always be split.
You can double down after splitting: Split that pair of Aces? Then you can take advantage of the next Atlantic City Blackjack rule. After a hand has been split, you can choose to double your bet - at the cost of drawing another card. For some hands, like those containing 10 cards or Aces - this is always highly recommended due to the strong chance of victory.
You can surrender your hand and get half your stake back: When a dealer draws a value 10 card or an Ace - he will automatically check for a blackjack. In Atlantic City Blackjack, you can choose to accept a surrender bet. You will back out of the hand but also take half of your bets.
Now that you know the main differences of this blackjack game, we do have one important disclaimer. Online casinos may not follow all of these rules - and some websites may even include their own rules. If this is the case, you will be able to find some kind of information on the game page.
Atlantic City Blackjack Strategy
To work out the best Atlantic City Blackjack strategy, simply follow the card below to find out the optimal bet for the hand. In general, there are a few important strategies to keep in mind at all times.
Always split a pair of Aces: An Ace is one of the safest cards in the game. If you split a pair of Aces, there's a high chance that the next card drawn could be a 10 value. And if it's not, then you still have plenty of room to maneuver.
Double down on hand values of 10 or 11: These value cards also have a strong chance of victory and a potential blackjack win. Therefore, you should always double down on hands that equal these values. The same is true for splitting a pair of 10s. However, if the dealer's up-card is a 10 or Ace, you may want to consider hitting instead to save yourself a costly defeat.
Double down on a soft 17 if the dealer's up-card is 3 to 6: If a dealer's up-card equals any of these numbers, then there is a strong chance that they could go bust. With the safety net of the soft 17, you are all clear to test the dealer's resolve - and potentially profit from their failure.
Pros and Cons
Advantages of Online Atlantic City Blackjack
- Strategic Options: The unique rules of Online Atlantic City Blackjack offer players more strategic choices, allowing them to make informed decisions based on their hand and the dealer's upcard.
- Surrender Option: The surrender feature gives players an additional tactical advantage, allowing them to minimize their losses in unfavorable situations.
- Flexibility in Doubling Down: The ability to double down on any initial two cards and after a split presents opportunities for players to capitalize on advantageous situations and potentially enhance their winnings.
- Convenient Online Experience: With Online Atlantic City Blackjack, players can enjoy the game from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need to travel to a physical casino. The availability of the game on various online casino platforms ensures accessibility and convenience.
Potential Drawbacks
- Multiple Decks: While the use of multiple decks adds complexity and challenge to the game, it also reduces the effectiveness of card counting strategies, as online casinos often employ continuous shuffling machines or frequent deck shuffling.
- Limited Availability: Online Atlantic City Blackjack may not be available at every online casino. Players should ensure that their preferred online casino offers this specific variation before signing up.
Online Atlantic City Blackjack - FAQs
What makes Online Atlantic City Blackjack different from other blackjack variations?
Online Atlantic City Blackjack differs from other variations due to specific rules, such as the option to surrender, late surrender, and the ability to double down on any initial two cards. These rules offer players more strategic choices and can impact their overall gameplay experience.
Can I play Online Atlantic City Blackjack for free?
Many online casinos offer the option to play Online Atlantic City Blackjack for free in demo or practice mode. This allows players to familiarize themselves with the rules and develop their strategies before playing with real money.
How many decks are used in Online Atlantic City Blackjack?
Online Atlantic City Blackjack is typically played with eight decks of cards. The use of multiple decks adds an extra layer of complexity and increases the challenge for players.
Is card counting effective in Online Atlantic City Blackjack?
Card counting can be a strategy used in blackjack, but it is less effective in Online Atlantic City Blackjack compared to live, land-based casinos. Online casinos often use continuous shuffling machines or frequent deck shuffling, making it harder for players to gain an advantage through card counting.
Can I find Online Atlantic City Blackjack at all online casinos?
While Online Atlantic City Blackjack is a popular variation, it may not be available at every online casino. It's important to check the game selection of each casino to see if they offer this specific variation before signing up.
