Blackjack
Live Blackjack is a classic blackjack game that is streamed from Playtech's studio to a live-table format on OKGames, where players can enjoy the classic hit-or-stand choices.
Blackjack is the only game in which you are truly making a decision on each hand: how you play it will affect your chances more than any other single factor.
What is Live Blackjack?
Traditional Blackjack is a card game in which the players attempt to make a hand with a value of 21 without exceeding it, as they play against the dealer and not against the other players.
In live format, a live dealer is in charge of the table:
- The dealer deals and shows cards live on camera.
- Players are able to hit, stand, double or split using an on-screen interface that is overlaid on the live video feed.
- Most dealers keep one card face down until the players hands are dealt.
Blackjack is one of the most popular games played in casinos around the world, partly because it is one of the few table games in which the player's decisions have a significant impact on the game's result.
Blackjack is one of the few casino card games in which players' choices can significantly influence the game's result, making it attractive to those seeking to develop a strategy that can be repeated.
Evolution's One Blackjack is the same basic-strategy game that you would find in an RNG title and Jili's Pinoy Drop Ball is a much faster, one-decision option for a change of pace between hands; both are available live at OKGames and you can check our live-casino guide, which explains how live-dealer tables work in general. Also on Playtech's tables at OKGames: Mega Fire Blaze Roulette.
How Do You Play Live Blackjack?
All Live Blackjack hands are played in the same order:
- Bet before the deal, and then get two cards, and the dealer gets two cards (one face-up, one face-down).
- Hit to take another card if your total isn't close enough to 21.
- Stand to keep your current total if you're satisfied with it.
- If the first two cards you have are good, double down to double your bet and draw exactly one more card.
- Split into two hands if you're dealt a pair, playing each one independently.
The player who has a hand closer to 21 than the dealer without going over 21 wins the hand, and a two-card 21 (blackjack) is usually a bonus win. For instance, if you have 16 and the dealer shows 7, basic strategy says to hit, because it is more likely that the dealer has a higher hand than that you will bust on your next card.
Where to play Live Blackjack?
Live Blackjack is part of Playtech's game library on OKGames, which also features Playtech slot games like Scepter of Anubis and Gummy Giga Match.
Log in to your account (or register and verify an account if you are new), deposit money using a supported payment method in the Philippines and open the table from the Playtech hub or okcards.
If you are not familiar with basic blackjack strategy, it is best to read OKGames' blackjack guide before you play your first hand.
The payment methods that are supported on OKGames are the usual e-wallets and bank transfers that are available in the Philippines online; knowing which payment method you want to use and confirming that it is active on your account before you play for real money will save you from any delays once you're ready to play for real money.
What are Playtech's Live Blackjack Studio Features?
Playtech's live blackjack tables are operated from a dedicated studio with multiple camera angles of the cards and shoe, and an on-screen betting and decision interface, which allows players to make their decisions in real time as the dealer plays out the table.
The interface is the same on desktop and mobile browsers, and hit/stand/double/split decisions are equally available on either.
Usually, there is a hand-history panel that accompanies the table, allowing players to see the history of their hands and decisions without having to manually record them.
How to play walkthroughs are gathered in the guide hub, a complete list of the site's game providers is provided on the providers page, and current sign-up and deposit offers are provided on the promotions page.
What Are the Best Tips for Playing Live Blackjack?
The one thing a player has the greatest advantage over blackjack's house edge is to follow basic strategy:
- Don't play by instinct, use a simple basic strategy chart for hit/stand/double/split decisions.
- Look at the table's rules, such as the number of decks, whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17, and the blackjack payout ratio, as these can impact the house edge.
- When a double down or split is a good bet, take it, do not avoid it out of fear.
- Before you sit down, manage your bet size for the session based on your bankroll, not during the session.
- When making a decision, look at the dealer's up-card and not just your hand total.
- If you practice your basic strategy decisions out of the game, on a printed or digital chart, it will be easier to recall them during a live hand.
- Avoid changing strategy during a session based on a hunch and review hands after a session to distinguish a bad decision from the normal short-term variance.
What Are the Mistakes to Avoid When playing Live Blackjack?
The worst thing you can do in blackjack is play by gut instinct, rather than by basic strategy:
- Making a hand-by-hand deviation from the mathematically best hit/stand/double/split decision.
- Not paying attention to the dealer's up-card, as basic strategy is based on it.
- Not taking double down and split opportunities when they are mathematically advantageous.
- Failure to review table rules, such as the payout ratio or soft-17 rule, before taking a seat.
- Betting insurance when it is offered, which is usually a negative EV.
- If you think that the shoe is rigged and that you are being dealt losing hands, you are just experiencing short-term variance – it is normal even if you play basic strategy correctly every time.
Is Live Blackjack Legit and Safe to Play?
Playtech's live-dealer tables are run by independently audited systems in the regulated markets where Playtech is available.
OKGames also offers responsible gaming features to help players stick to a budget.
Before players deposit, they can check the status of a Philippine-facing operator's license with PAGCOR.
It takes only a few minutes to check a platform's licensing information and the responsible-gaming tools that are available, and it's a worthwhile process to go through before making your first deposit on any site, not just OKGames.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blackjack Basic Strategy?
Mathematically determined hit/stand/double/split recommendations based on your hand total and the dealer's up card, which will keep the house advantage to a minimum.
Is there a bonus for a blackjack (two-card 21)?
Yes, usually, you'll have to check the payout ratio for the 21 of 2 cards on the specific table.
In Live Blackjack, is it allowed to split pairs?
Most tables will permit any pair of cards of the same rank to be split into two hands and played independently (refer to the table rules).
What is meant by standing on soft 17?
It is the term used for whether or not the dealer will continue to draw cards when their hand is 17 with an ace valued at 11, which has a slight impact on the house edge depending on the table.
Does Live Blackjack have a demo mode?
Most live-dealer tables do not have a free-play option as a live dealer is operating the table in real time (you can verify this in the in-game lobby).
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