The Definitive Guide to Mastering Online Blackjack 2023

All you need to know about Blackjack. We cover everything you need to know about the game, including basic rules, advanced strategies, lingo, variants, gameplay, tips, free blackjack games, and guides for both high-limit and low-limit tables.

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Overview

Commonly referred to as 21, blackjack is one of the most popular card games you can find in online casinos. The goal is simple, as players try to make a hand as close as possible to 21 without going bust. To win the hand, you must have a total that exceeds the dealers or the stakes will be returned if both parties have the same hand. The game can be played by several players simultaneously and it is compatible with real dealers.

The legend begins with each player dealt two cards face up, while the dealer is dealt one card face up and one card face down. The value of each card is determined by its rank, with numbered cards being worth their face value, and face cards being worth 10 points each. The Ace is worth either 1 or 11 points depending on the player's choice and the same applies to the dealer.

Participants have two main options, as they can either heat and receive an extra card, or stand and keep the existing hand. If they sense strength in their hand and suspected the dealer of weakness, they can double down and effectively double the original bet. If this happens, they only get one more card and their hand total is compared to what the dealer shows. After all, players complete their turn, the dealer reveals his hand, and the bets are settled.

Unlike other games of chance that can be found at online casinos blackjack doesn’t depend exclusively on luck. Even though chance determines the outcome of each hand, players can increase the odds of winning, while reducing the house edge by applying the optimal strategy. This requires them to perform the right actions every single time, so they are more successful in the long run

Pros & Cons

Pros
Unmatched convenience with mobile gambling
Incredible game variety
Fast-paced action compared to classic casinos
Cons
Lack of social interaction in RNG games
Skill and patience are needed besides luck

History

Modern Blackjack was inspired by a number of different card games throughout history, including versions played by the Romans, ancient Chinese and Egyptians. It is a direct descendant of an 18th century French casino game called “Vingt-et-Un” (“21) that was brought to the new world of North America by colonists from Europe.

21 was a little different back then to what we know today: for example, the early American casinos offered a bonus payout of 10:1 if a player’s hand included an Ace of Spades and a Blackjack (which at the time was a Jack of Clubs or Jack of Spades). The bonuses later fell by the wayside, the definition of Blackjack changed, but the name remained with us to this very day.

Blackjack’s first boom came during the Depression of the 1930s, when Nevada legalized gambling as a way to increase state revenues. This simple but popular card game became a regular fixture at casinos in Las Vegas and around the state, and its popularity spread to all corners of the 50 states of the union.

Although primarily an American pastime, Blackjack has spread across borders in the past couple of decades thanks to the rise of online gambling. The rules have not changed in the past century, but plenty of new forms of the game have popped up – from Online Blackjack to Mobile Blackjack and Live Casino Blackjack for online gamblers.


Popular Terms

Blackjack started off as a French game, but very quickly took on an American flavour. Its terminology reflects these origins.

Blackjack: The literal meaning is a hand consisting of an ace and a card valued at 10 (King, Queen, Jack or 10).

Bust: Hand with value of over 21, meaning an automatic loss.

Double Down: Doubling of initial bet in exchange for agreeing to stand down after receiving an extra card.

Hit: Request for another card from the dealer.

Holecard: Dealer’s second card. This is usually dealt facedown and is not flipped until players make their decisions.

Insurance: If the dealer has an ace, the player may take “insurance” before the dealer reveals his hole card. Insurance pays the player 2:1, and covers for the loss of the original bet.

Push: A tie between player and dealer.

Soft: A hand that includes an ace valued at 11 (rather than being valued at 1).

Split: Players may split their first two cards into separate hands if the two cards have the same value. They then play two hands simultaneously, with the dealer dealing cards to both of the hands.

Stand: Player chooses not to take any more cards.

Surrender: Some casinos allow players to stand down at a certain point in the hand. In this scenario, the player receives cashback on half their bet.

Upcard: The card the dealer has facing up.


Rules

Blackjack is a game in which the player competes against the dealer to see who can reach a hand value closer to 21, without exceeding 21. Aces are valued at 1 or 11, Kings, Queens, Jacks and 10s are all valued at 10, and numbers 1-9 are all taken at face value.

The game begins with players placing their bets. Each player is dealt two cards facing up. The dealer deals himself two cards, the first face-up and the second “hole card” face down. Once all cards have been dealt, the players choose whether to “hit” (accept more cards), “stand” (take no more cards), “double” their bet or “split” two cards of equal value into two separate hands. Once the players are done, the dealer draws cards until he “busts” (over 21) or achieves 17 or higher.

There are three possible scenarios in a blackjack game: the player can win, the dealer can win, or it is a tie (in which case, the player receives his cash back). The best possible scenario for a player is hit “blackjack” of Ace and 10 on the initial hand. Usually, the casino will pay out higher odds of around 3:2 if the player achieves this.


Strategy

Blackjack is a very straightforward card game, as the player must concentrate only on beating the dealer. As in poker and other card games, there is a myriad of advanced strategies one can learn when playing blackjack – if you’re mathematically minded, then this can even include counting cards.

If you’re just starting out, it’s best to understand some basic strategy. The most important thing to know is when to hit, when to hand, when to split and when to double (while taking consideration of their own bankroll).

This basic strategy is basically universal, and are based on the laws of probability: if you draw 5-16, you should hit, but if you draw 17-21 you should stand. However, things become a little more complex when taking into consideration the options of splitting and doubling. Splitting is often a good option if you draw two cards of the same value, but you should always keep an eye on what the dealer has too.

Keep in mind:

It is important to remember a few things when honing your blackjack skills:

  •  Always check the odds offered by your online casino or gambling operator. Blackjack rules generally don’t vary, but odds can be altered for certain things such as a “blackjack”. Some casinos pay out 3:2 for hitting “blackjack” on your initial hand, while others pay out at only 6:5.
  • Play demo version of Blackjack before trying the real thing. Most online casinos allow registered players to try Blackjack for free, without time limits. This allows you to get in plenty of solid hours of practice before putting actual money on the game.
  • Be calm: The golden rule for card and table games applies to blackjack. Never play when you are tired, drunk, angry or looking for vengeance – you’ll make worse decisions and end up losing all your money. If you are calm, you will remember the rules, the basic strategies and therefore increase your chances of winning.
  • Check out the treasure trove of movies and literature on Blackjack. This card game has featured in popular culture throughout the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. Movies like 21 and Rain Man will have you thinking of all the mathematical possibilities. The Hangover is another movie featuring Blackjack, and while it won’t satisfy your intellectual curiosity it is great for a laugh.
  • Ignore those around you, whether you’re playing at a land-based casino or online. The performance of the other players at your table has no effect on yours. You can learn from their wins and mistakes, but ultimately the only game you need to be concerned on is the one involving you and the dealer.
  • The House has the advantage. Players can still end up with a profit, but it is important to understand and acknowledge this fact.

Tips

The following techniques will assist you in becoming a skilled Blackjack player.

Getting Started

If our introduction has sparked your interest in online Blackjack, these five steps can help you get started.

1 Choose a reputable online casino

It is easy to find blackjack at online casinos, so choose a reputable and licensed gambling operator.

2 Create an account and deposit

Even if you plan on playing three blackjack games early on, you still need to sign up for an account

3 Select your preferred table

Choose a blackjack variety that you enjoy and select a table with stakes that reflect your bankroll.

4 Place your first bet

Take a hands-on approach and place the first wager to receive a blackjack hand

5 Try basic blackjack charts

Make your moves at blackjack tables according to the optimal strategy highlighted in blackjack charts.

Terminology

The jargon used by Blackjack players can be confusing, but our short and informative list of the most common glossary terms will bring you up to speed quickly when playing online. We have created a brief yet informative list of the most used glossary terms in online Blackjack. Take a few moments to review them to quickly become familiar with the essential vocabulary needed to play the game.

Blackjack Glossary

Blackjack Game Varieties

You’ll be surprised to find out how many blackjack games you can find at online casinos. Leading online casinos offer games in different flavors, so you have plenty of games to choose from. These are the most popular versions of the game.

Classic Blackjack

The standard version of the game is played with one or more decks of cards. It is a game recommended to beginners and those who haven’t played before.

Live Blackjack

A version of the game played online, with a live dealer and real cards. You can compete against real dealers but only at real money tables.

Spanish 21

A variation of Blackjack with different rules and bonus payouts. It is one of the blackjack versions with the lowest house edge.

American Blackjack

Like Classic Blackjack, but with a different payout structure for certain hands. It can be found in many online casinos and you can try it for the free demo version.

Pontoon

A British variation of Blackjack with its own set of rules and terminology. A game with a high return to the player if the optimal strategy is used.

Super Fun 21

A variation of Blackjack with bonus payouts for certain hands. It appeals to veteran players and those who seek bigger maximum winnings.

Blackjack Switch

This version of blackjack allows players to switch their top two cards between two hands. It can decrease variance and produce winnings with a higher frequency.

Atlantic City Blackjack

This version of blackjack is played in Atlantic City casinos, with specific rules and betting options. Can only be found that a handful of online casinos.

European Blackjack

Similar to Classic Blackjack, but with different rules regarding the dealer's hand. Players who use the optimal strategy can decrease the house edge to less than 1%.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

This version of blackjack with bonus payouts for certain pairs of cards. One of the best-paying variances of the game, when it comes to side bets.

Infinite Blackjack

A version of Live Blackjack with an unlimited number of players at the table. It is a good choice for players who seek and appreciate interactions with their peers.

Double Attack Blackjack

This version of blackjack where players can double their initial bet after seeing the dealer's up card. More suitable for highrollers and experienced punters.

Double Exposure Blackjack

This version of blackjack in which both dealers’ cards are dealt face up. It grants a lot of information that can be used effectively by experienced players.

Triple 7s Blackjack

This version of blackjack with bonus payouts for certain combinations of sevens. The special hand combination can trigger epic winnings.

Vegas Strip Blackjack

This version of blackjack is commonly played in Las Vegas casinos. It is difficult to find at online casinos, so it is one of the most elusive game varieties.

Big Five Blackjack

This version of blackjack is played with five decks of cards. It uses the same set of rules as the classic blackjack, but it is difficult to count cards.

Vegas Downtown Blackjack

This version of blackjack is commonly played in downtown Las Vegas casinos. You can only find this game and selected online casinos.

Ante Up 21 Blackjack

This version of blackjack with an ante bet is required to start each hand. It requires a greater financial investment, therefore it is more suitable for experienced punters.

Chinese Blackjack

This version of blackjack is commonly played in Asia, with different rules and betting options. It is a nice variety for players who want to try something different.

Blackjack Surrender

This version of blackjack is in which the player can surrender their hand and receive half of their bet back. The proper use of the feature decreases the house's edge.

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FAQ

As long as you play in licensed and regulated casinos, you can enjoy blackjack per the law.

You can play any blackjack variety in demo format, except for live dealer blackjack games

Blackjack games supplied by prestigious software developers and available at respectable casinos are fair.

The minimum amount depends on the casino and game of choice but starts at less than one dollar.

Online blackjack is played at a faster pace, but it lacks the human interactions of live games.

You should use the same payment method you relied upon for deposits to cash out your winnings.

The casino choice depends on your personal preferences, but you should focus on licensed and regulated operators.

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