Atlantic City Blackjack is the New Jersey variant of the classic casino card game. But the game isn't just enjoyed in the Garden State. Thanks to favorable rules and an impressive house edge, this version of Blackjack is enjoyed all over the globe. Europe, Asia and even in the gambling paradise that is Nevada; Atlantic City Blackjack has taken the world by storm.
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Atlantic City Blackjack Rules
Let's start with the blackjack basics. The aim of a blackjack game is to beat the dealer. To do this, you need to have a higher value hand than the dealer. The best hand in the game is 21 - which is also an alternative name for the game. You will be dealt two cards to start - but you can ask for more cards (which is called hitting).
If you exceed the hand value of 21, you will go bust and lose the hand. But on the flipside, the dealer can also go bust and lose the hand as well. A game of Atlantic City Blackjack is a constant weighing of the odds and calculation. But this version of the game comes with some desirable perks. Here are the important Atlantic City Blackjack rules.
The dealer has to stand on a hard & soft 17: This is one of the most advantageous rules of the game. A soft 17 is a desirable hand in blackjack due to strong hand liquidity and a high chance of success. This hand is comprised of an Ace and any 6; the Ace can either be the number 11 or 1.
You can split during the game: If you draw two cards with equal value, then you can choose to split the hand into two hands. This creates extra betting opportunities. In Atlantic City Blackjack, you can split hands up to three times. The only exception to this rule is a hand containing two Aces; you can only split this hand once. Some hands are not recommended to split - but some hands definitely are. Aces and hands with two 10 value cards should always be split.
You can double down after splitting: Split that pair of Aces? Then you can take advantage of the next Atlantic City Blackjack rule. After a hand has been split, you can choose to double your bet - at the cost of drawing another card. For some hands, like those containing 10 cards or Aces - this is always highly recommended due to the strong chance of victory.
You can surrender your hand and get half your stake back: When a dealer draws a value 10 card or an Ace - he will automatically check for a blackjack. In Atlantic City Blackjack, you can choose to accept a surrender bet. You will back out of the hand but also take half of your bets.
Now that you know the main differences of this blackjack game, we do have one important disclaimer. NJ online casinos may not follow all of these rules - and some websites may even include their own rules. If this is the case, you will be able to find some kind of information on the game page.
Atlantic City Blackjack Strategy
To work out the best Atlantic City Blackjack strategy, simply follow the card below to find out the optimal bet for the hand. In general, there are a few important strategies to keep in mind at all times.
Always split a pair of Aces: An Ace is one of the safest cards in the game. If you split a pair of Aces, there's a high chance that the next card drawn could be a 10 value. And if it's not, then you still have plenty of room to maneuver.
Double down on hand values of 10 or 11: These value cards also have a strong chance of victory and a potential blackjack win. Therefore, you should always double down on hands that equal these values. The same is true for splitting a pair of 10s. However, if the dealer's up-card is a 10 or Ace, you may want to consider hitting instead to save yourself a costly defeat.
Double down on a soft 17 if the dealer's up-card is 3 to 6: If a dealer's up-card equals any of these numbers, then there is a strong chance that they could go bust. With the safety net of the soft 17, you are all clear to test the dealer's resolve - and potentially profit from their failure.
Best Blackjack In Atlantic City
Now that you know all the most important Atlantic City Blackjack rules and strategies, you are all set to take your knowledge to the casinos. Thankfully, NJ residents don't need to hop in a car to get their casino fix anymore. You can play your favorite games via your PC or mobile.
Many of these blackjack games at online casinos will offer interesting alternatives to the traditional rules. You may find special side bets - or even unique jackpot elements. As for stakes, casinos will have variable limits to meet a range of budgets. You could find tables with a minimum bet as low as $1 - and some tables with bets as high as $50.
There's also the phenomenon of live dealer Blackjack games to consider, some of which that follow the Atlantic City rules. The good thing about live dealer games is the interactivity, which emulates the real casino experience. Whichever game you choose, come back to our guide for the best betting strategies and New Jersey online blackjack tips.
Atlantic City Blackjack FAQ
What are the rules of Atlantic City blackjack?
Dealer stands on a hard and soft 17, you can split during the game - and you can double down after splitting.
What is the house edge of Atlantic City Blackjack?
The average house edge is 0.36%.
What is the best Atlantic City Blackjack strategy?
Consult a strategy chart and always play the optimal hands based on what the dealer has and what you have.
Can I play Atlantic City Blackjack free?
Yes, you can. Visit one of the sites on this page and choose the play for free option on the site.
Atlantic City Blackjack
