Bet365 Online Blackjack
Bet365 casino is hands down the top site on the internet to play online blackjack. In addition to offering several popular blackjack variations such as standard blackjack, blackjack surrender, blackjack switch and pontoon, they also offer Live Blackjack.
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In the live version of the game, players can chat among one another while watching a live dealer pass out cards from a standard eight deck shoe. This is not some marketing ploy or hoax, this live dealing feature has been well audited by independent gambling authorities to ensure its accuracy and game fairness. If you’ve ever been suspicious of whether or not certain online blackjack games are fair, then Bet365’s live blackjack is probably right for you.
To get started playing live online blackjack visit the Bet365 Casino website.
Additional Online Blackjack Games Offered at Bet365 Casino
In addition to live blackjack Bet365 offers the standard game for those who prefer speed. As one of the UK’s oldest and most respected gambling companies, players can be confident that all casino games offered at Bet365 are fair. Other versions of blackjack offered at Bet365 include Blackjack Switch, Blackjack Surrender and Pontoon..
Blackjack Switch
In this version of blackjack players are forced to play two hands, and have the ability to switch their top two cards between hands. Lets say for example one hand is dealt 5-J and the other hand is dealt 6-Q. In standard blackjack this is a disappointing scenario having been dealt a 16 and 15. In blackjack switch this is an excellent hand, because after exercising the switch option, a player is left with a solid pat hand of 20 and the best hitting hand of 11.
The ability to switch cards does not come without a price of course. In blackjack switch all blackjacks pay even money instead of the standard 3:2, and any time the dealer draws 22 all hands are a push.
If you’re interested in learning modified basic strategy as it relates to blackjack switch, we recommend the Wikipedia entry: Blackjack Switch.
Blackjack Surrender
Blackjack surrender is much like regular blackjack though the players have the option to surrender once they’ve seen their first two cards. When surrendering, a player loses just half their bet. This option is most often exercised by players when they face a 15 or 16 against a dealer’s exposed ten card.
Pontoon
For clarification purposes, please note: The game offered at Bet365 called Pontoon is a British version of blackjack and shouldn’t be confused with the Australian/Malaysian casino game also called Pontoon.
This game is played similar to blackjack in that both the dealer and player are dealt two cards. The first noticeable difference is that while the dealer does check his cards for a winning Pontoon, neither of his cards are exposed. The player is given mostly standard blackjack options with the ability to split on a pair, double down, hit or stand. One major difference is that a player has the option to stand only if his cards total 15 or more.
Once the player is satisfied with his hand, the dealer’s cards are then revealed. The dealer must hit all hands under 17 including soft 17. The dealer will stand on hard 17 to 21.
If the hand is a tie the dealer wins the hand.
There are two hands which beat a standard 21.
1) An ace and a face card which is called Pontoon as opposed to blackjack.
2) A five card trick hand, which is any five cards no matter what they total, as long as they do not bust. This hand beats every hand except Pontoon.
When a player wins with the hands above they are paid 2 to 1.
Another rule worth noting is that a player can continue to hit even after he has doubled. This comes in handy when doubling on an eleven and drawing a 12 or 13.
While Pontoon is certainly a fun and entertaining game and has some rules advantageous to the player, the house margin is higher than it is in standard blackjack so serious gamblers will often want to stick to standard blackjack.
