It’s time for the first edition of MLB player prop picks for August.
To kick off this month, I’m backing on a Ian Happ’s total base OVER (+155) and fading Jesus Sanchez’s hits UNDER (+135) as my MLB player prop selections.
Here are my two MLB player prop picks today with breakdowns:
MLB Prop Pick Today: Ian Happ OVER 1.5 Total Bases (+155)
This pick may seem to go against my UNDER 8.0 in the Cards vs Cubs game, but I think Ian Happ can still have a good day.
For starters, Happ loves this matchup against Cards starter Sonny Gray. In 16 career at-bats against him, Happ has seven hits (four for extra-bases), good for a .438 average and 1.283 OPS. He’s also gone over 1.5 total bases in four of his last six meetings against the Cardinals. Happ also has five hits in his last four games (including homering last night against the Reds).
I also think these Happ hits could come later in the game. The Cards may have a top-10 bullpen by ERA, but they actually let up the 14th-most hits to relievers in MLB.
MLB Prop Pick Today: Jesus sanchez UNDER 0.5 Hits (+135)
I’m fading the entire Marlins lineup as part of my MLB expert picks today, but I’m going to hone in on Jesus Sanchez for my props. Sanchez has three hits in 18 career at-bats against Charlie Morton, good for a 1.67 AVG and .472 OPS.
He’s also insanely cold lately, failing to get a hit in four of his last six games. He’s seen his average drop from .249 to .241 in that six-game stretch.
I also think the Braves bullpen will be able to lock things down after Morton leaves the game. Atlanta’s relievers have the second-lowest ERA in baseball (2.97 ERA) and have allowed the third-fewest hits (301).
Few other card games gather more players or draw more intensity than a game of blackjack. With its immersive gameplay and a worldwide reputation as an iconic card game, it’s one of the most straightforward games you’ll find in the entire casino range.
Blackjack may look simple on the outside, but beneath the surface, you’ll find there’s much more to this classic card game. Let us tell you more in our beginner casino guide. Here you’ll get the basic rules, card values and more, so you get acquainted with the game in any setting.
Already know the game? Log in or join LiveRoulette and get your seat at the table.
What’s The Aim Of Blackjack?
Ultimately, the aim is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21- It’s that simple! If your hand goes higher than 21, you “bust”, which means you lose that hand.
What Are The Rules?
Whether you want to play live, online or
otherwise, the rules of the game are pretty much the same. Up to seven players
are seated around the semi-circular table (but more players can be seated
online, such as in a game of Infinite
Blackjack). There’s a betting spot in front of each player, where you
must place your wager in the form of chips before the dealer plays the hand. If
space allows, you can play more than one hand at the table, placing chips in
each betting spot.
Once everyone has placed their chips, the dealer will hand out two cards to each player. They will then draw themselves a card turned face down (known as their “hole card”). Note that there are some variations of this game that allow the dealer to receive two cards: one turned down and the other facing up.
Next, each player can decide to hit (take another card) or stand (keep just their current cards). This all depends on the value of the hand in front of you.
What Are The Card Values?
The game is played with standard playing cards and up to eight decks. The cards from 2 through 10 are worth their exact value while all the face cards – King, Queen and Jack are worth 10. An Ace can have two values – either worth 1 or 11.
How Does The Game Start?
If the total value of the cards you get is 21 (for example if you get a 10 and an Ace), you immediately win a Blackjack, and the dealer will pay out odds of 3:2 on your initial wager. This is the ideal scenario! But what are your options if you don’t get this hand?
You Can Hit…
Essentially, you’re requesting another card from the dealer to increase your hand’s value. You can do this as many times as you like – just be careful you don’t go over 21 and bust!
You Can Stand…
If you stand you won’t accept any more cards for that round and gameplay will move to the next player. So, if you have a hand with two 10-value cards and you stand, your final value of 20 will be pitted against the dealer.
Or You Could Split
If you have two of the same value cards dealt to you, you can split them, and place the same wager again on the second hand. Now, you can choose to hit and stand on each hand independently depending on what cards you’re dealt next. Now that’s potentially two chances to beat the dealer instead of one.
What Does It Mean To “Double Down”?
This option allows you to double
your initial bet in return for receiving one (and only one) more card. In
most casinos, you can only double down after you receive your first two cards
and before drawing another card. There are
plenty of guides and strategies for doubling down, but it all depends on what
card the dealer holds and what’s left in the deck: not easy to know.
Unlike you, the player, a blackjack dealer has specific rules to follow. Casino rules specify that a dealer must keep drawing a card if their hand totals less than 17 and stand when the total is 17 through 21. There are variations to dealer’s play, so make sure you check out the table rules carefully before you take a seat.
Insurance
Some casinos will allow you to take an
insurance bet, which only becomes available if the dealer draws an Ace as their
first card. In essence, you’re betting that their next card will be a 10-value
card, resulting in a Blackjack. An
insurance bet enables you to win back half your original wager instead of potentially
going bust.
How To Play Live Blackjack
A game of live blackjack doesn’t vary that much from a game at the table. There may be more variations to play such as single-deck games, party-style games and tables where more players can take part. Check out LiveRoulette’s library live games and discover just how easy it is to switch from table games to live!
And Finally: Blackjack Payouts
The payout for a winning hand is 1:1, so if you put down a €5 bet, you’ll get €5. If you manage to win on a natural Blackjack, you’ll receive a payout of 3:2, making it the highest return in the game. There are various table limits available, giving you diverse betting options that match your bankroll and playing style.
That’s everything a first-timer needs to know to get by in a game
of blackjack. Why not put your newly found knowledge to the test in one of
LiveRoulette’s games?
