Blackjack & NFL Betting: Maximize Your Playoff Entertainment

by Bodog Casino | Nov 27 2008

In today’s world wide world of gambling, casino games are no longer reserved for the chain-smoking, Leaving Las Vegas-type. Sports fans are also starting to see that Bodog Casino games like blackjack can be just as exciting to take in as any do-or-die NFL playoff game; especially at the same time.

So what is it that makes blackjack and football mesh like peanut butter and jelly? The obvious answer is that while both are pretty tasty all on their own, they combine to give you something far more satisfying.

Of course, there are other equally good explanations.

To ensure you’re maximizing your weekends in the Bodog Sportsbook and Casino from now through the NFL playoffs, we give you some other reasons:

You Need to Know the Rules to Succeed
In order to succeed at football, whether it’s as a coach, player, or sports bettor, you need to know all the rules of the game. If blackjack players don’t want to hurt their wallets, they should do the same.

The basic rules of blackjack are simple: try to come as close to 21 without going over while still having a higher total than the dealer. Bodog blackjack tables are dealt with four decks of cards, are reshuffled after each hand, and the dealer hits on soft 17. Meaning if he gets 17 he has to take another card no matter what.

You Need Know When to Hit
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu said the NFL has become a “pansy’s game” because you can be penalized for a bad hit on the opposition. Blackjack is the same, although unless you’re a high roller the monetary penalty for a bad hit is nowhere near as severe.

As we pointed out in the blackjack rules, the dealer has to hit on any hand of soft 17 or lower. What does this mean for you? You aren’t going to win without getting a 17 or higher unless the dealer busts.

So take a hit on any hand below 17 if the dealer is showing A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, or 8. These are cards that rarely result in the dealer busting.

But if the dealer is showing a bust card: 4, 5 or 6, you’ll want to stand on any hand above 11 since those cards tend to bust more than 40 percent of the time.
 
You Need to Know When to Take Risks
When do you send the “house” on a blitz? Or when should you go for it on fourth down? These risky NFL decisions can be the difference between winning and losing.

There are also boom-or-bust dilemmas in blackjack. As doubling down has a big payoff but can weaken your wallet pretty quickly if you do it at the wrong times. Here are some rules on doubling down that can lower the risks: If your cards equal 9 double down if the dealer has 3 thru 6. If your cards equal 10 double down if the dealer has 2 thru 9. If you have an ace and a 2 or 3 double down if the dealer has 5 or 6. If you have an ace and a 4 or 5 double down if the dealer has 4 thru 6. If you have an ace and a 6 double down if the dealer has 3 thru 6. If the dealer doesn’t have the cards listed above, hit.

Get all your NFL football betting at the Bodog Sportsbook, then play online blackjack at the Bodog Casino.