All casino games are divided into several categories: slots, card games, table games, bingo and others. The largest categories are table games and slots. The table games category includes games that have the following common features: a game table and a co-op gameplay against the casino. For example, in Texas Hold’em, all players play against each other. That is why it does not belong to the category of table games. The most popular table games today are Baccarat, Craps, Three Card Poker, Roulette and Blackjack.

Today we will review one incredibly popular table game – live blackjack, or just 21. This is an online version of the game that you can play only in a browser, computer application or using your phone. Blackjack appeared a long time ago and quickly became popular all over the world due to its simplicity and large winnings. If you were looking for a card game with straightforward gameplay and simple rules, then this is exactly what you need.

Live blackjack basics and rules

Live blackjack is a new video version of blackjack that you can play from your PC or mobile device. The rules of the game do not differ in any way from the classic blackjack, except for some conditions.

The most important unique feature of live online blackjack is that you play with a real dealer via online broadcast. The broadcast is most often conducted from the casino and you can see the dealer in real time. You see the table, you see all the cards and you can be sure that the casino is not rigged.

A quick overview of the rules for online live blackjack:

• 2-7 players can play at the table.
• At the start of the round, all players bet and receive 2 cards face down.
• The dealer also receives 2 cards – one face up and one face down.
• After that, the player can make a choice: fold, draw more, or keep the hand.
• After all players have made their move, the dealer opens his hand.
• If your hand has more points than the dealer’s hand, then you get a payout.
• If you exceed 21 points, you are eliminated.
• If the dealer has exceeded 21 points, he is eliminated and everyone get a payout.

That is why blackjack is also called 21, because the main rule of the game is to collect a combo of cards as close as possible to 21.

Video blackjack and how to play with live dealer

Besides live blackjack, there is also video blackjack. This is a card game familiar to everyone, which is controlled by a computer dealer. This version of blackjack is much faster, but there is also a drawback – you cannot count cards and make sure that there is no cheating. That is why many people prefer to play with a live dealer. What are the advantages of playing live blackjack?

1. Atmosphere. Live streaming and live dealer literally transport you to one of the famous Las Vegas casinos.
2. Communication. Many players can find a friend in the live dealer. Chat with him via online chat, ask for advice, joke or leave a tip.
3. Honesty. As mentioned above, only with online broadcasting you can be sure that the casino is not cheating. After all, this way you can see all the physical maps in front of you, and not just pixels.

Which version of blackjack to play is up to you. Try both and decide which one works best for you.

Live poker is getting very popular and especially its tournaments. The game does not only allow to play online against real dealer but also avoid gambling legislative restrictions when players may participate only against each other. Live casino poker uses cutting-edge technologies to project dealt cards from dealer’s table into the software, so players may sit thousands of miles away from dealer’s room and enjoy real atmosphere of the casino. In tournaments, it works in exactly the same way but with participation of more players where the stakes will be higher and chances to win big are genuine.

Application of live poker tournaments’ strategies and rules

The rules of live poker online tournament are roughly the same but may differ slightly. It depends on:

1. The number of players who participate;
2. Prize;
3. The amount of money that will have to be deposited;
4. Tournament structure;
5. Chips rebuy allowances;
6. Etiquette of a tournament.

Based on the above mentioned criteria a tournament’s rules are written in the entry conditions. It also assumes the format of a competition and may refer to ether shootout format, which means that players will either participate in multiplayer tournament to determine the winner or satellite format, where players will the entry to the higher ranking competition to win more money. In order to in and be successful, players are advised to use various strategies that are suited for live poker real money online competition:

• Try to play the opposite way compare to what opponents do (e.g. if players play tight, it may be possible to play more aggressively);
• More hands should be played in the first stages and levels of a tournaments as there are more value in straight and flushes;
• Players may find greater value in getting a set and the deeper players get into the tournament, the small pocket pairs may be regarded as standard folds;
• Do not try to make a deal till the player gets three handed, unless it is played above bankroll;
• Determine the odds and cards that are gone out at all times.

Live poker tournaments require approaching betting rounds wisely and measuring the chances well. The great thing is that live tournament is just like in land based casino, so bluffing could be explored in full extend.

Live poker betting etiquette that will ensure decent wins

There are certain norms that will allow player so twin whilst playing live poker. No matter what aspects of etiquette are implemented in real life, this is not a cue. However, if it is followed then winning chances are increased:

• Punish limpers on immediately and frequently;
• Observe softer tables and switch to them whenever is possible;
• Never be aggressive especially against blinds and weak players;
• Do not provoke others unless the right cards are held and bluff will be successful.

Live poker is perceived as more interesting and may allow to have better chances to win. Therefore, it is advised to give it a try at least once.