Online Blackjack Guide for Players in Michigan

Gameplay and Rules of Blackjack

The goal of blackjack is to get as close to 21 without going over with a hand of cards while also beating the value held by the dealer. Games use multiple standard decks of cards, and players and the dealer receive two cards each. 

There are various betting decisions the player can make once assessing their hand. If you are happy with the cards, you can choose “Stand” to stick with your hand. When the value of your cards is too low, choosing to “Hit” gives you more cards to achieve a better value. Sometimes, the cards you have will go over 21, which means you “Bust” and lose instantly. 

In blackjack, cards have their numeric value, apart from the face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10. Another exception is the Ace, which can be used as a 1 or 11. Use the following checklist to understand blackjack outcomes based on the cards you hold:

Alongside the standard “Stand” and “Hit” actions, the following options are available in some variants of blackjack:

• Split: When you hold two cards of the same value, such as two 8s, you can split the two cards into separate individual hands. When this happens, the dealer provides an extra card on both the 8s, giving you four cards and two different hands. You’ll need to make an equal bet to your original on the second hand. 
• Double Down: This feature allows you to double your bet, increasing the risk but also the potential rewards. Once you choose to Double Down, you cannot hit again and will play with three cards. 
• Insurance: Available in some blackjack variants, insurance is a side bet when the dealer has an Ace on their face-up card. On insurance bets, you wager another bet of half the original amount that covers against the dealer hitting blackjack. You recoup the original wager by losing the half-wager amount. 
• Surrender: Sometimes, the cards just don’t go your way. Surrender allows you to fold a hand before the gameplay starts. If you do not like your cards, surrender lets you recoup 50% of your initial bet. 

Blackjack Variants

Blackjack is available in several different variants, each offering a unique way to enjoy the game. These versions all build on the core gameplay and add interesting twists and turns to the experience. Top Michigan online casinos have a broad range of these variants for players, including the following games: 

• Spanish 21: A unique twist on blackjack, Spanish 21 does not use any cards with a value of 10 (10, Jack, Queen, or King). Getting a 21 on two cards – also known as “blackjack” – becomes harder in this variant. Spanish 21 gives a fixed bonus payout for three 7s of the same suit to compensate for this change. 
• Vegas Strip: Using Vegas-style rules, this variant is played on four decks and includes the ability to double more than one card, split cards of the same rank, and any pair. However, splitting Aces is only allowed one. 
• Atlantic City: Coming from the casinos on the New Jersey coastline, Atlantic City blackjack is played on 4, 6, or 8 decks. While it is close to normal blackjack, one extra feature is the ability to double any hand you have. 
• Multi-Hand: As the name suggests, this variant gives the player multiple hands to play at the same time. The number can be up to 6 separate hands that you play simultaneously. Game rules follow classic blackjack, but playing across multiple hands requires bigger bets and more skill but also potentially bigger wins. 
• European: A variant that is as close to original blackjack as possible. In European blackjack, the dealer only has one card to begin and only gets a second one once the player chooses to Hit or Stand. 
• Blackjack Switch: A version of blackjack for modern Michigan players, Blackjack Switch arrived in 2009 and is one of the most radical variants. Players receive two hands and can choose to switch the top two cards to build the best possible hand. 
• Double Exposure: Another popular online blackjack game is Double Exposure. In this game, the dealer needs to show both of their cards. This is important because it means you can accurately compare your cards with the dealers’. 

Blackjack Strategy

Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced player, using a blackjack strategy can help maintain your bankroll and boost your winning chances. A great place to start is with a basic strategy, which can set you up to become a confident blackjack player. 

One part of blackjack’s popularity is its excellent house edge of around 1% or less. If you are unfamiliar with house edge, it is the number that shows the profit a casino makes on a game over a vast average. It is a mathematical advantage for the casino, ensuring it makes money from players in the long run. Games with a lower house edge theoretically give players more winning potential. 

Blackjack certainly fits the bill, but there are always things to do to improve your chances of success. And the basic blackjack strategy is a universal system that can help. Essentially, a basic strategy provides a clear guide on what actions to take during a blackjack game based on the cards you have. This information is usually given in the form of an easy-to-read strategy chart, like the example below:

As you can see in this chart, the strategy shows what to do under specific scenarios, including when to Hit, Stand, or Double. Basic strategies can expand to include more hand scenarios and other actions such as splitting pairs or surrendering. Players who feel more confident may graduate to using full betting systems, such as The Martingale. You can even combine betting systems with strategies as a method for betting in specific patterns on win or loss outcomes. 

Blackjack Tips

Before you put your blackjack knowledge to the test at our top-rated Michigan online casinos, the following tips can help you enhance your experience further:

• Double down on 11: You should generally double your wager when you hold a hand value of 11. There are more 10-value cards than any other (16 in a deck), so your chances of getting 21 are worth the risk.  
• Avoid splitting 10s: Splitting pairs can be good, but avoid taking the option on 10s. Two 10s in a hand is already an excellent value of 20, which should be enough to win most rounds. 
• Avoid insurance: Insurance may seem helpful, allowing you to recoup at least something. However, it requires an additional bet and has terrible house edge/odds. 
• Bonuses: Online casinos in Michigan have bonuses for new customers and existing players. Promos can boost your blackjack bankroll but always read the T&Cs to ensure the bonus caters to blackjack players. 
• Gamble responsibly: One of the golden rules of gambling is to bet responsibly. We recommend setting a budget, sticking to it, and only using money you can afford to lose.