Throughout history, card games have always been some of the popular leisure activities. One of the oldest and most popular card games is blackjack, which also happens to be very popular in Nigeria. If you happen to be a resident of this country or you are just visiting, there are multiple places where you can play blackjack. What’s more important, this card game is widely accessible and, if you prefer, you can also play blackjack online. However, before we get to that part and see where you can play blackjack online, let’s get a bit more familiar with the game and its roots.
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Blackjack has long been one of the most popular casino games around the world, with an increasing number of players in Nigeria taking part online in the hope of winning the jackpot. Also commonly known as Twenty One, Blackjack is undoubtedly one of the most exciting games out there, with the graphics and gameplay that come with online versions making players feel like they are sat inside a real brick and mortar casino.
Meanwhile, with live Blackjack titles also being found online, it comes as little surprise that this popular card game is one of the biggest attractions at casino sites. Players in Nigeria have a huge number of sites to select from today, however before signing up, it is important to understand exactly how the game works. This page will deliver a detailed Blackjack guide, including rules, strategies and bonuses.
Blackjack in Nigeria
Players in Nigeria today have a host of options when it comes to Blackjack, with a variety of local casinos being found in major cities. However, thanks to its convenience, it is online casinos where most players end up. Whether it be a Nigerian-based platform that is licensed by the Lagos State Lotteries Board or an international gambling site that caters for residents, it has never been a better time to get involved. With new variants of Blackjack being created regularly, attractive bonuses being introduced and jackpots getting larger, be sure to check out our recommended casino sites for your chance to get in on the action.
A Brief History of Blackjack
Even though it may sound incredible for a popular game like blackjack, the exact origins of it are unknown. It was first mentioned in Don Quixote, a world-renowned book by Miguel de Cervantes. The popular version that we get to play today is a variation of the banking game Twenty-One that is also related to the games like Vingt-et-Un and Pontoon.
When the game was first introduced to the United States, various places such as gambling houses offered monetary bonuses for hands that consisted of an ace of spades and a blackjack (either the jack of spades or the jack of clubs), with the aim to spark interest and popularise the game. Even though this bonus is no longer in effect, the name left and that’s how a game of blackjack was born.
How to Play Blackjack?
Blackjack is a comparing card game that normally involves anywhere between 2 to 7 players, whilst using 52 to 417 cards, depending on the format. Each card has its own value, which will be somewhere from 2 to 10. Face cards, king, queen and jack, are worth 10, with games starting with each player being dealt two cards each. The ultimate goal of Blackjack is to reach a score of 21, without going over this number, or what is known as bust. In the event of the dealer being closest to this score, they will win, however if you are closer, then victory will be yours.
The best scenario for players is to be draw a natural Blackjack, which means scoring 21 with your first two cards received. Meanwhile, in the event of both the dealer and player having the same score, this is known as “push”, with neither a win or a loss being recorded here. While these are the basis rules of blackjack, they can vary from casino to casino, while different variants of the game will perhaps differ in this sense too.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how Blackjack works, it is time to take a closer look at exactly how the game works, including some of the key terminology to look out for. Part of the appeal of Blackjack is its simplicity, however the following are the areas in which players must know what they are talking about:
Let us explain in detail:
As we’ve already mentioned, the goal is to reach 21 without exceeding that number, and there are several ways to determine who wins the hand. If the dealer is closer to 21 than you, the house wins. If you are, you win. If either your hand or the dealer’s exceed 21, that hand is known as ‘busted’ and whoever goes over 21 loses.
An ideal scenario and the best way to win is by drawing natural blackjack, which means getting 21 with the first two cards you get. Dealers are required to ‘hit’ until they reach 17 or higher (‘to hit’ means to ask for another card). If both the player and the dealer have the same hand sum, the situation is known as ‘push’, and the player usually doesn’t win nor lose.
Those are the main rules of playing blackjack. It’s not all that complicated, is it? However, keep in mind that some casinos might slightly change the rules, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the details if you decide to take a seat at one of the tables. In addition, casinos will sometimes offer various side bets that you can place to spice things up even further. They are an excellent addition to the game if you are playing with a group of friends.
Value of Cards
Understanding the value of cards may appear simple, however it is crucial that stupid mistakes are now made by players. So, all cards that are numbered 2-10 retain their face value, while kings, queens and jacks hold a value of 10. Meanwhile, aces can generally be used as either a 1 or 11, depending on which suits your hand the best. However, be sure to check that this is the case beforehand, with most online casinos making it clear from the off.
Soft & Hard Hands
What exactly do soft and hard hands mean when it comes to Blackjack? Simply put, a hand featuring an Ace is known to be soft, while a hand lacking an Ace is hard. Depending on the cards dealt, there is nothing stopping a hard card turning into a soft hand.
Hit, Stand, Split, Double Down or Insurance?
Upon your cards being dealt, players will have a decision to make regarding their next move. The options available to players including hitting, standing, doubling down and insurance, so let’s outline just what such decisions mean:
- Hit – A decision to hit simply means asking the dealer for an additional card.
- Stand – Opting not to take an additional card.
- Split – In the event of having been dealt with two cards of the same value, players may choose to split. This means having two hands and requires double the bet in for this to be accommodated.
- Double Down – If you are pleased with your hand, it may be wise to double your bet, meaning that an extra card will be dealt.
Insurance – Insurance can be used to guard against the dealer having Blackjack. This side bet can be taken when the dealer has an Ace.
Types of Blackjack
When operating at online casino’s, players will find a host of variants when it comes to Blackjack, with the number of decks and the rules differing slightly with each one. So, the following are the most popular Blackjack games available to players in Nigeria today:
- Classic Blackjack – As the most popular format of the game, Classic Blackjack can be played using anywhere between 1 and 8 decks, with the dealer and players being dealt 2 cards each to begin with. Meanwhile, one of the dealer’s cards remains face down, with this being referred to as the hole card. The player with cards equalling 21 or closer to this figure than the dealer will win.
- Progressive Blackjack – Very similar to the classic version of the game, Progressive Blackjack means that players can win the ever-increasing jackpot. All other rules remain the same.
- European Blackjack – In the European version of Blackjack, two decks are used, with the dealer’s hole card not being dealt until all players have made a decision regarding how to play their hand. Hit, split and double down are once again the options available to players, with the latter being available on hand equalling 11, 9 or 10.
- Atlantic City Blackjack – Played with 8 decks, Atlantic City Blackjack is a variant which allows the dealer to take a look at their hole card, as well as potentially standing on 17. Meanwhile, players are allowed to split up to 3 hands, while insurance is also available.
- Spanish 21 – Spanish Blackjack is played with either 6 or 8 decks, with the 10 value cards being removed, leaving just 48 cards to start with, increasing the house edge in the process. Dealers can once again view their hole card, while players are allowed to surrender after doubling down.
- Blackjack Switch – An alternative found at some casino sites is Blackjack Switch, where players are allowed to switch between two pairs of cards. Players are dealt with two hands, before switching them to give themselves the best possible chance of beating the dealer. As a result of the format, there is a 1:1 payout, rather than the usual 3:2. Dealers will win if they have Blackjack, no matter what the player scores.
- Vegas Strip Blackjack – Commonly found at online casinos, Vegas Strip Blackjack is played using 4 decks, with doubling down being allowed after splitting Aces. On top of this, the dealer is allowed a sneak peak at their hold card, while they must stand on a soft 17.
- Pontoon – Regarded as one of the most entertaining versions of Blackjack, Pontoon is similar to the Spanish format, where all 10’s are removed.
Live Blackjack
Live Blackjack has revolutionised how the game is played online, with many of the leading software providers in the industry today now streaming tables from their purpose-built studios. Here, no random number generator is required, with trusted and knowledgeable dealers being visible at all times.
Live Blackjack has now been around for a number of years, ensuring that players are not required to get dressed up and visit their high street casino to experience the excitement and thrill involved. The majority of casino sites now offer a host of live games, with Blackjack featuring heavily. Live Blackjack games also come in different formats, while they also often have larger table limits, catering well for high rollers.
Blackjack on Mobile
There is no need for players to miss out on playing Blackjack when away from their desktop, with the majority of online casinos working hard to ensure that their mobile platforms are just as efficient. Instant play is accessible on casino sites, which have generally been optimised for mobile platforms. Meanwhile, mobile casino apps are also available to iOS and Android users in many cases, which is the preferred option for many players in Nigeria today. An internet connection will be required in order to play of course, however with a host of Blackjack options being available, including live dealer titles, there has never been a better time to get involved using your handheld device.
Blackjack Strategies
If you are serious about being successful when playing Blackjack online, it is hugely important to come up with some gambling strategy. There are a number of options available to players today, with the following being the most common. Strategies will potentially effect the house edge and ultimately your chances of winning, so be sure to read carefully.
Copy the Dealer
While copying the dealer is viewed as a good option by players because the dealer wins by hitting up to 17, this is untrue, with the casino’s advantage being based on the fact that players go first. When copying the dealer, meaning standing on 17 or above, choosing to hit on 16 and never doubling down or splitting, the advantage for the casino actually increases.
Do Not Go Bust
Dealers often come out on top because players go bust, meaning that they score 22 or over. While it may be obvious, players must try their upmost not to go bust, putting the pressure on the dealer in the process. This strategy reduces time spent at the table and increases your chances of pocketing some cash when playing Blackjack online.
Assume the Dealer Holds 10
With just four of the 14 card values actually totalling 10, coming in the shape of 10’s, jacks, queens and kings, assuming that the dealer holds such a card is a strategy used by an increasing number of players today.
Blackjack Bonuses
As with any type of casino game online, Blackjack players today are in a position to take advantage of a host of bonuses. Such bonuses can potentially enhance both the quality and quantity of bets placed, with many of the casino sites recommended by our experts offering a welcome bonus in an attempt to entice players into signing up. A qualifying deposit is normally required from players, while wagering requirements may be in play before withdrawals can be made. However, such bonuses are well worth taking advantage of in most cases. Meanwhile, ongoing bonuses and promotions are likely to be available from time to time at Blackjack sites too. For those who regularly deposit and play their preferred version of the card game, it should not come as a surprise to receive bonuses for your efforts. Bonuses may come from a dedicated VIP program, which likely offers a host of other rewards too.
How Popular Is Blackjack?
When it comes to casino card games and their popularity, blackjack is tied at the top with Texas Hold’Em poker. Whether you decide to play online or in a brick and mortar casino, you will certainly stumble upon one if not more blackjack tables. One benefit that blackjack has over poker, for example, is in the way in which it is played. As we’ve mentioned, instead of playing against other players, players try to beat the dealer.[/one_half]
Clearly, the goal of playing casino games is to make a profit, but a lot of players enjoy the fun that comes with it — it is easier to get a game of blackjack going when you require fewer people to play.
When it comes to casino card games and their popularity, blackjack is tied at the top with Texas Hold’Em poker. Whether you decide to play online or in a brick and mortar casino, you will certainly stumble upon one if not more blackjack tables. One benefit that blackjack has over poker, for example, is in the way in which it is played. As we’ve mentioned, instead of playing against other players, players try to beat the dealer. Clearly, the goal of playing casino games is to make a profit, but a lot of players enjoy the fun that comes with it — it is easier to get a game of blackjack going when you require fewer people to play.
Concerning blackjack in Nigeria, it might not be as popular as Thuni, but it’s still regarded as one of the most popular card games. If you happen to be in the Nigerian state of Laos, you will get an opportunity to play in some of the best places for playing blackjack in Nigeria, as this state has the biggest and the most prestigious brick and mortar casinos in all of Nigeria. However, if you are far from it, or if you simply prefer a different way of playing, you can always opt for everyone’s favourite, and that is playing blackjack online.
When it comes to blackjack, there are no tips that will suddenly skyrocket your win percentage. Most of it boils down to that gut feeling you can hear everyone talking about and which comes naturally and with experience. However, there are still some things which you can learn and that will help you in the long run.
