Blackjack undoubtedly falls into the category of one of the most well-liked casino games that enjoy tremendous popularity among players from all over the globe. Considering the great popularity of the game, it is anything but surprising that it can be found in almost every casino. As a matter of fact, this is one of the most played casino games due to the fact that it is a great source of entertainment for both inexperienced and seasoned players. The rules of the game are also quite straightforward which makes it suitable for all types of gamblers.
As blackjack is one of the symbols of the gambling industry it is anything but surprising that there is such a wealth of variations of the game available out there. Software suppliers undoubtedly try to breathe new life into the classic casino game by adding numerous additional features to it, thus creating some really exciting and captivating games. Players are enabled to choose between a great number of blackjack variations that will give you the chance to experience the classic casino game in an entirely new way thanks to the special elements they come with.
Progressive blackjack has managed to become one of the most preferred options by players who want to diversify their gameplay. The game gives players the opportunity to win a progressive jackpot that can reach some mind-blowing amounts. Progressive Blackjack is the perfect option for gamblers who are on a quest for a gaming experience that is exciting and rewarding at the same time.
Origin of Progressive Blackjack
Even though it is not clear when and where exactly the game of blackjack appeared, according to the prevalent view its roots can be traced back to the 18th century in France where a game called Vingt-et-Un was played. Researchers consider that this game was derived from a French and a Spanish card games that were quite popular at that time.
Vingt-et-Un quickly started gaining popularity in numerous countries. The game even reached America where it was brought by the French colonists. The rules of the game that was played back then resembled the rules of blackjack we all know today.
The game was also played in Nevada where some casinos decided to add an additional bet in order to attract more customers. Back then, a hand that contained either of the black jacks, as well as an ace of spades, was going come with some quite high payouts. That is how the name blackjack appeared.
Presently, there is a mind-blowing number of variations of the classic casino game that provide gamblers with a gambling experience that is not only exciting but also rewarding. This is definitely the case with Progressive Blackjack as it gives players the chance to win a life-changing amount of money due to the fact that the game features a progressive jackpot that increases each time players wager. Still, in order to try their luck, gamblers should place an additional bet.
Objective of Progressive Blackjack
As a matter of fact, while playing Progressive Blackjack gamblers will have to stick to the same rules just like in the classic casino game. Additionally, the objective of the game also remains the same. Perhaps the biggest difference stems from the fact that the progressive version gives them the chance to win an impressive amount of money.
Occasionally, Progressive Blackjack is played with six or with eight decks, unlike the traditional blackjack game where a single deck is used. In Progressive Blackjack, both the dealer and the player get two cards each. As you can probably guess, one of the cards of the dealer is dealt face up, whereas the other card is dealt face down. This card is also known as a “hole card”.
The objective of the game is to beat the hand of the dealer without going over 21. Players will also win if the dealer goes bust, meaning that the total of his/her hand exceeds 21. Still, if the total of your hand is higher than 21, this will mean that you lose.
Players should note that in Progressive Blackjack, cards are valued in the same way as in the classic blackjack game. This means that face cards that include the jack, the queen, and the king will bring you ten points. Aces may bring you 1 or 11 points depending on the hand. The number of the points the rest of the cards will bring you depends entirely on their numerical value.
Possible Moves in Progressive Blackjack
As previously stated, Progressive Blackjack follows the rules of the classic blackjack game. In addition to this, the objective of the game as well as the possible moves also coincide. After players are dealt their first two cards, they have exactly the same options. They are enabled to hit, meaning that they want an additional card. They can also stand which will mean that they are content with their hand and they do not need more cards.
Gamblers also have the chance to double down, meaning that they will double their initial bet and that they will get one more card. In order to double down, you will need to place a second bet that is a big as your initial bet. If your hand consists of two identical cards, you will have the chance to split them which will mean that in this way you will form two separate hands. Gamblers should know that while playing some blackjack variations they will be able to re-split their hands. Still, this is not the case with Progressive Blackjack as you are not given the opportunity to do so.
Players will also have the chance to buy an insurance which a side bet that can be placed when the card of the dealer that is face up is an ace. Gamblers should not forget that in this blackjack variation, they are not given the chance to surrender which is an option that is available in some of the other games. Still, it would be better to check the rules of the game prior to getting started due to the fact that they may vary from one casino to another.
The Side Bet in Progressive Blackjack
Perhaps, one of the main distinctive features of Progressive Blackjack is that the game features a progressive jackpot you can win as long as you place an additional bet. Players should not forget that they are not required to place this bet and it all depends on their own preferences.
Still, if you want to take advantage of this opportunity, you will need to wager at least £1 which will give you the chance to hit the jackpot. Still, the size of the side bet depends on the variation of the game as well as on the casino you have chosen. That is why we can advise you to check this prior to playing.
Just like other casino games that feature a progressive jackpot, when gamblers place this additional bet one part of it is added to the progressive jackpot, whereas the rest of it is added to the “seed” or the fixed amount from which the jackpots starts increasing again after someone has hit it. If you are still new at gambling, you need to know that progressive jackpots increase each time someone places a bet on such games which explains why the jackpot increases at such a fast pace.
One of the most important things for Progressive Blackjack is that here, aces play a really important role due to the fact that your profit will be determined namely by their number. In most cases, gamblers will be paid 5 to 1 as long as they have placed a side bet and there is an ace in their hand. If your first two cards are two aces, you will be paid 50 to 1. It should be noted that the suit of the aces is not important. Still, if you have two suited aces in your hand, your profit will be higher as you will be paid 100 to 1. If your hand comprises three aces from different suits, the payout will be 250 to 1. Yet, if you have three suited aces, the payoff will be 5000 to 1. Four aces, however, will bring you 2500 to 1 payout. If you are lucky enough to collect four suited aces, this will mean that you have hit the progressive jackpot.
Progressive Blackjack is so well-liked due to the fact that it gives players the chance to win some really impressive prizes by placing such small bet.
Rules of Progressive Blackjack
As it was already mentioned, Progressive Blackjack follows the same basic rules as the classic blackjack game. The same goes for the game’s objective, meaning that gamblers should form a stronger hand than the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. Players will also win if the total of the dealer’s hand is higher than 21. It should be noted that in most cases, Progressive Blackjack is played with six decks of 52. Still, players can also stumble across variations that are played with eight decks.
In Progressive Blackjack, the dealer should also stand on soft 17. For beginners, soft hands are hands that contain an ace the value of which is 11. A hard hand, however, will be a hand which does not contain an ace or there is an ace the value of which is 1. Gamblers need to bear in mind that there are certain variations of the game in which the dealer is required to stand on all 17, no matter whether they are soft or hard. That is why it is advised to check this prior to playing due to the fact that such details from the game can substantially influence its course.
It should also be noted that in blackjack, cards are re-shuffled after each round in order to make sure that players are not counting cards. In addition to this, gamblers are allowed to split their hand only once. It should also be noted that they are not given the chance to double down after they have split their hand.
Progressive Blackjack is definitely among the most entertaining and exciting variations of the classic blackjack game due to the fact that it provides gamblers with the chance to win in a new way. In fact, this blackjack variant has become so well-liked as it comes with a progressive jackpot that can build up really fast.
As previously stated, there are numerous things in common between Progressive Blackjack and classic blackjack. The main difference, however, is that players should make an additional bet along with their main bet in order to have the chance to hit the jackpot. After this the game is played just like standard blackjack, meaning that you will have exactly the same options.
As you can see, you will get a portion of the jackpot or the whole jackpot as long as your hand contains a particular number of aces. Players should bear in mind that in some variations of the game, the qualifying hands may differ, that is why it would be better if you check this in advance.
Strategy for Progressive Blackjack
If you have decided to go for Progressive Blackjack, you need to know that you can stick to the standard blackjack strategy due to the fact that the gameplay, the possible moves as the way cards are valued do not differ. The main peculiarity, however, remains that players are given the opportunity to place an additional bet which gives them the chance to win a mind-blowing amount of money.
While playing Progressive Blackjack gamblers can apply card counting as this technique will definitely help them alter the house advantage. Still, they need to have a really good knowledge of the game as well as attention to details in order to succeed. In addition to this, gamblers can use one of the available betting systems that can also help them improve their chances of winning.
One of the most important things you should not forget is to check the criteria for getting a payoff. By this, we mean that you should definitely check what are the qualifying hands for the jackpot due to the fact that in most cases, these are hands that contain a certain number of aces but there are also variations in which 7s will bring you a payout.
Gamblers should know that Progressive Blackjack comes with the same house advantage of less than 1% just like standard blackjack, meaning that you will have exactly the same chances of getting a profit. In addition to this, players can further decrease the house edge by applying the standard strategy.