Live Dealer Blackjack: The best guide for beginners

Live dealer blackjack basics

Live online blackjack is the most similar way to play as if you were at a land-based casino. It consists of a blackjack table set on a studio with a real live dealer sitting behind it, drawing real cards from a shoe, laying them down in front of your bet, and the bets of your fellow players. When playing at an online blackjack with live dealer table, you have a stipulated time between rounds to decide how much to wager and place your bet. After that time, the dealer will start drawing cards and you won't be able to place any bets. You can interact with the dealer and also with the other players, as it is an interactive stream.
There are different versions of live blackjack, depending on the table you choose or the casino you will play at. Make sure to know the rules of each version before engaging one.

Best blackjack side bets

Side bets are additional bets you can wager besides the original main hand bet. These bets are related to things that happen during the main hand play, but that aren't covered by the common playing rules of blackjack. The most common blackjack side bets are 21+3, Perfect Pairs, Insurance, Bet Behind and Royal Match.

Are blackjack side bets worth it?

They are a way to add fun and excitement to the game. The house edge for side bets is higher and the outcome is totally random unless you count cards. That is why players who look forward to beating the dealer with their skills and strategy, tend to avoid them. However, blackjack side bets payouts are very attractive; and if you can afford it, playing them (even for small sums) makes the game more fun.
Keep in mind that the casino´s advantage depends on how many decks the table is using for the game. The more deck, the better odds for the player. A single deck game has the biggest house advantage (10.86%). However, there are single deck blackjack tables that pay 4 to 1, which reduces the house edge to 3.77%. You can also find the single deck blackjack chart online to help you understand your odds.

21+3 side bet

This side bet combines blackjack and three-card poker, it is played with your two first cards and the dealer´s first card to create a three card poker hand (flush, straight, three of a kind, straight flush, suited three of a kind). You have to place your bet before the dealer draws the cards. There is usually a 21+3 box on the table where you can place your bet.
The 21+3 blackjack odds differ depending on the three-card hand it is formed. The harder hand to get, the better the odds. Often a suited three of a kind pays 100/1, while a flush pays 5/1. Of course this can vary according to each table and casino rules.
 

Perfect pair bet blackjack

At this game you can bet over the possibility of getting a pair with the first two cards dealt. There are different kinds of pairs you can get; a perfect pair (two identical cards of the same rank and suit), a Colored Pair (two cards of the same color), and a Mixed Pair (red and black pair). The blackjack payouts depend on the kind of pair you get, being the Perfect Pair the one with the highest payout.

Royal Match side bet

This side bet is also based on the first two cards you are dealt. You can get an Easy Match (if the two cards are suited), or you can get a Royal Match (a suited King and Queen). In addition, if you get a suited blackjack, you can receive a 5 to 1 payout.

Can you play blackjack for a living?

It is definitely possible. Of course it takes a lot of work, studying, determination and self-control. Most professional players advise not to depend on this game to make a living, as it is unstable. Playing blackjack for a living is not easy, not everyone is up for the task. Most players win a large amount of money that allows them to live for a few months, but a flow of constant winning is not probable. So it is important to take it into account before quitting your job.