The Complete Guide to Mastering Online Blackjack 2023

All secrets of the game of Blackjack revealed! Lean the basic rules of Blackjack, the full terminology, and the advanced strategies used by the game's best players. Our detailed blackjack guide will teach you how to play Blackjack, which online casinos to play at, and more. We will teach you the tips you need to beat low stakes and high stakes Blackjack alike and dominate the game in every aspect.

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Overview

Blackjack is far from being another casino game played by an occasional aficionado. Instead, it is by far the most popular card game in the world and one of the top games you will find in any live or online casino out there. The game is sometimes called 21 and it is more engaging and alluring than almost any other casino game can hope to be.

It is true that not everyone enjoys Blackjack the same, but there are a few things about this game that make it extremely appealing to most. For starters, it is very easy to learn the basic rules of Blackjack. The objective of the game is to come as close to 21 as possible, and this makes it very easy for any gambler to understand right away. This also means that both the online and live casinos are able to provide the game and not lose any of its appeal. This is exactly why you will find Blackjack in practically every casino in the world.

Blackjack is also very popular because players get to use different strategies to play, and each comes with advantages and disadvantages. If you are able to learn the basic strategy and always apply it correctly, you will do better than other players who play randomly. Every decision you make at the Blackjack tables matters. Unlike many casino games that rely on luck alone, you can use your brains in Blackjack. You can learn additional skills such as counting cards to try and beat the casino and come out on top. The ability to win more regularly makes Blackjack a more exciting game than any other.

The final reason that so many people enjoy blackjack is that there are many different form of the game you can play. Variations like European and American Blackjack are only a few of many available out there. Each different Blackjack game comes with different rules and other twists and turns that can make playing them exciting even for experienced Blackjack players.

Online Blackjack has achieved a similar level of popularity to the live version of the game, and most online casinos these days offer many different Blackjack variants. Software developers have made sure we can enjoy Blackjack with some spectacular visual elements. Online games are unable to recreate the social appeal of live Blackjack tables, but the experience is still quite alluring when you play online.

In this Blackjack guide, we are going to teach you all there is to know about the game of Blackjack. We will check out Blackjack’s history, talk about what makes the game so unique, and which different variations you can play. Our expert tips and strategies will help you play Blackjack at the highest possible level and this may just lead to some great winning sessions. We conclude with the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by Blackjack players, which we are able to put to rest once and for all.

Pros & Cons

Pros
You can play more hands of online Blackjack per hour
Online casinos offer great welcome bonuses to new players
You can play online blackjack for smaller stakes than you could live
Cons
Card counting will not help you in online Blackjack
Casino bonuses aren't always perfect for Blackjack players as wagering requirements can be steep
You will not experience the social aspect of Blackjack in an online environment

Historical Facts

Modern Blackjack is derived from various different card games all throughout history, including versions by the Egyptians, ancient Chinese, and the Romans. It is also directly derived from French casino game known as “Vingt-et-Un” or “21” from the 18th century and was brought by European colonists to the North American new world around that time.

The 21 of that time is a bit different to how we know it today. For instance, early casinos in America offered a bonus payout amounting to 10:1 if a player’s hand included a BlackJack (known as the Jack of Spades or the Jack of Clubs around that time) and an Ace of Spades. Later on, the bonuses were ditched, Blackjacks’s definition changed, but the card game’s name remains as it is until present time.

It is during the Depression era of the 1930s that Blackjack experienced its first boom as the state of Nevada sought out a means to increase state revenues by legalizing gambling. Since then, this simple and popular card game became a common part at Las Vegas casinos and all around Nevada. Later on, it became widely known to all the 50 states of the United States.

Although Blackjack is still a primarily American pastime, it has gained popularity overseas in the past decades due to the rise of online gambling. The rules remain the same in the past century but a lot of new variations of the game have made an appearance like Mobile BlackJack and Online Blackjack and for the online gamblers, there’s Online Blackjack too.


Definition of Terms

The development of the terminologies used in the game reflects the fact that Blackjack originated as a French game and gained in popularity in America.

Blackjack literally means a hand that consists of a card valued at 10 and an ace. Cards that have a value of 10 are the Jack, Queen, King, and 10.

Bust refers to a hand that has a value of more than 21, hence it automatically means a loss.

Double down refers to the doubling of the first bet in exchange for the agreement to stand down after getting an extra card.

Hit refers to the request to get another card from the dealer.

Holecard refers to a dealer’s second card. Usually, this is dealt facedown and not flipped over until the playing participants make their decisions.

Insurance covers for the loss if the initial bet and pays the player 2:1. It refers to the action taken by the player prior to the dealer revealing his card if the dealer has an ace.

Push refers to the tie between a dealer and a player.

Soft refers to the hand that has an ace valued at 11 instead of being valued at 1.

Split refers to the action wherein players divide their initial two cards into two separate hands if the cards’ values are the same. The dealer deals cards to both hands as the player plays the two hands simultaneously.

Stand refers to the instance wherein the player chose not to take more cards.

Surrender refers to the instance wherein players are allowed by some online casinos to stand down at a specific point in the hand and then the player can get half of the cash they placed on the bet.

Upcard refers to the dealer’s card which is facing up.


Game Factoids

Blackjack is a card game wherein a player competes to see who can get a hand value nearest to 21 and without exceeding 21 against the dealer. The Aces have a value of 1 or 11, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and 10s have a value of 10, and the numbers 1-9 have an as is value.

The game starts as the bets are put in place by the players. Each of the players will then receive two cards which would be dealt facing up. The dealer will then deal himself two cards, with the first one facing up and the second card known as the “hole card” facing down. When all the cards has been dealt, the players can then choose if they would want to get more cards (hit), get no more cards (stand), or to “split” two cards having the same value into two separate hands or to “double” the bet. Once these are done, the dealer then draws cards until he gets a value over 21 (a bust) or gets a value of more than 17 or higher.

There are three possibilities of scenario in a game of Blackjack: The dealer can win, the player can win, or a tie (in which instance the player will then get his cash back). Of course the best scenario possibility for a player is when they hit a ‘blackjack” of a 10 and an Ace on their initial hand. It is often that the casino shall pay out higher odds if the player achieves this. The odds are around 3:2.


How to Win

Blackjack is a very linear card game given the fact that the player must only focus on beating the dealer. As in other card games like poker, there is a variety of strategies of playing blackjack which can put you ahead of other players. For those who are

For the neophytes, it is of utmost importance to understand some base strategies. It is highly important to know exactly when to hit, when to split, when to hand, and when to double while also thinking of your bankroll.

The base strategy is based on the laws of probability and are universal. This means that if you draw 17-21, then you should make a stand and if you draw 5-16, then you should hit. Things can however become slightly more complex when dealing with the options of doubling and splitting. If you have drawn two cards which has the same value, then splitting is often a good option but you should also take note of what the dealer has as well.

Some things to remember when training your blackjack skills to achieve mastery:

  • Make it a habit to check the odds or probabilities offered by your gambling operator or online casino. Generally speaking, Blackjack rules do not vary but for certain things like “blackjack”, odds can be altered. Some casinos may pay out only 6:5 for hitting a “blackjack” as your first hand, while some do pay out at 3:2.
  • Before going for the real thing, it is helpful to first play Blackjack in a demo version. Most online casinos allows Blackjack players to play for free sans time limits if they are registered. Take advantage of this opportunity to hone your skills with solid hours of practicing before betting actual money in playing the game.
  • Being calm is the golden rule for table and card games like blackjack. If you play when you’re drunk, tired, looking for vengeance or angry, your decision making skills are impaired and you might end up losing most if not all your money. A calm player remembers the rules, basic strategies and hence will have increased probability of winning.
  • Read up on the multitude of literature and see the nuggets of wisdom on movies about Blackjack. This is a card game that has been a feature in the popular culture of the 20th century until the initial part of the 21st century. Certain movies like Rain Man and 21 will leave you thinking about mathematical possibilities. Another movie which featured Blackjack is The Hangover which offers great entertainment even if it won’t satiate your intellectual curiosity.
  • Don’t pay attention to those around you whether you are playing online or at a land-based casino. How other players at your table perform does not have any merit on yours. The only game you have to be concerned in is the one that involves you and your dealer. The games of other players are only great if you are learning from their mistakes and wins.
  • Advantage remains with The House and it is imperative to acknowledge and understand that players can only end up with a profit due to this fact.

Tips

If you want to be a sharp Blackjack players, you should learn how to play the game at a high level, and these tips will surely help you with that.

Getting Started

If you like what you see and you are ready to start playing some real money Blackjack, it is time to get you settled in. Follow these steps to sign up and start playing online Blackjack today.

1 Pick your Casino Site

There are many online casinos out there, and you want to make sure you are playing at the right one. Find a site with many versions of blackjack, fair payouts, and a good standing in the industry. You can check out our recommended online casinos list for some tips on where to play.

2 Learn How to Play

Before you start splashing around with your hard earned cash, you should learn all the rules, odds, and strategies for Blackjack. This may take some practice at the demo tables, but you will have better results after it and you will be able to come close to beating the house when it really matters.

3 Start Your First Session

Now that you know how to play Blackjack, it's time to find the right table to play at. Do your research and make sure to find a Blackjack game with fair odds and reasonable rules to play. This way, you will have the best winning chance right off the bat.

4 Make Your First Bet

It is time to choose your first bet size. We recommend starting slowly and picking a smaller denomination at first. This way, you don't risk too much at once and you will not be under so much pressure to make the right decision every time. Ease into it and remember to enjoy.

5 Understand the Payouts

Different types of Blackjack offer different payouts. Make sure you have studied the paytable and you understand what payouts you stand to get in different scenarios before you start making bigger bets.

Terminology

If you have ever been around a live Blackjack table, you may have heard a bunch of expressions you didn't understand at all. If you didn't learn the terms, it may have seemed like you were hearing an alien language. However, the Blackjack terms are easy enough to learn, and this glossary will help you understand every single word you may hear from a Blackjack player or dealer during the game.

Blackjack Glossary

Blackjack Game Types

There are few games in casinos that have as many different versions as Blackjack. Check out this list for some popular variations of Blackjack you may find in an online casino lobby:

Classic Blackjack

As the name suggests, this is the most basic version of the game. Classic Blackjack has been around for decades and has managed to remain popular throughout the ages. It is incredible to see how popular the game still is in online casino lobbies of modern day.

Live Blackjack

If you want to experience the allure of a real casino without leaving your house, than Live Blackjack is the game for you. With all the lights, looks, and sounds of a real casino mimicked to perfection, Live Blackjack creates an atmosphere that can hardly be matched by any virtual game. Get the best of both worlds by playing this game in online casinos.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a fairly unique version of Blackjack that comes with some unusual elements. While most card games are played with a deck of 52 cards, Spanish 21 is played with a deck of just 48 cards. What's even more, you will always win if you land a blackjack, even if the dealer also has one, so there is no chance of a tie on 21 in Spanish 21.

American Blackjack

A very popular version of Blackjack, especially in the US. The goal of the game, as always, is to get to 21 without going over that number. However, the dealer will also get two cards at the start, with one of his cards facing up and the other one facing down at the start of the hand.

Pontoon

A British version of the game of Blackjack, Pontoon mimics Classic Blackjack in the vast majority of rules. However, the words you will hear used at Pontoon tables are slightly different. In Pontoon, one of the players at the table will become a "banker" which means they are the house for the hand. If the player who is the banker can make 21, they can declare Pontoon and get double money on each player's bet at the table.

Super Fun 21

If you are looking for a Blackjack game that really looks after the players, it is Super Fun 21. You can double or hit your split aces and you surrender if your double down attempt was not successful. You can even split your pairs up to four times in Super Fun 21. You will also automatically win if you have six cards and your hand is still live, according to the "sic-card Charlie" rule. This makes Super Fun 21 one of the best games in any online casino, with final payouts coming very close to break-even.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch is a very interesting version of the game in which you will be playing two hands of Blackjack at the same time. At the start, you are dealt four cards, and you may switch one card from your first hand for one card from your second hand. This way, you have the option to make two great hands to start with, and more strategy is involved.

Zappit Blackjack

Another twist on the game of Classic Blackjack, Zappit Blackjack is a game that allows players to get a little extra insurance. If you don't like the two cards you are dealt originally, you can simply choose to "zap" them and get two completely new cards. The only downside of zapping your hand is that you won't be paid for a blackjack if your new cards amount to 21, and regular even money payout will be paid instead.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Originally coming from the casinos of AC, this version also bring some twists and turns to the original Blackjack rules. In Atlantic City Blackjack, the dealer will have a look at their hole card before proceeding with the hand, which allows them to win right away with 21. The dealer can also stand on 17. Players can split their cards up to three times, but the overall odds are a bit lower than in Classic Blackjack.

European Blackjack

European Blackjack is one of the games that most closely resemble Classic Blackjack. In this popular version of the game, the dealer will only have one card at the start of the hand and only deal the other card once all the players have acted on their hands. What's more, players can only double down on their hand if its value is 9, 10, or 11, and there is a limit to how many times a hand can be split.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

If you like making some side bets while gambling, Perfect Pairs Blackjack will allow you to do so without having to look for someone to bet with you. On top of the regular Blackjack gameplay, you will be able to place a side bet on the "perfect pairs" slot. If you get a pair, two cards of the same colour or suite, or other combinations, you will get paid in accordance with a paytable that's displayed on the game table.

Infinite Blackjack

Another Blackjack game that offers side betting options is Infinite Blackjack. You will be able to make any of the four side bets on the table, with each being in-play along with your original bet. These side bets include Any Pair, Hot 3, Bust It, and 21+3. The Six-card Charlie rule is in play as well, which means you will immediately win if you can accumulate six cards without busing your hand.

Progressive Blackjack

For the most part, Progressive Blackjack games are identical to Classic Blackjack, with one important difference. A progressive jackpot is in play, which means one lucky player will get to win big. If you want to compete for the jackpot, you will usually have to place a small ante bet on the side, which is not returned to you unless you win the jackpot.

Double Attack Blackjack

Another version of the Spanish 21, Double Attack Blackjack allows the player to decide if they want to bet after seeing the dealer's first card. However, you will not be paid 3:2 for a blackjack, but rather just even money in exchange.

Lucky Blackjack

Lucky Blackjack is probably one of the strangest versions of the game you will see. Instead of having a hand of your own, you get to bet on whether the dealer will get to 21, bust his hand, or fall short. You can win up to 19x your bet, and this game is certainly different to any other Blackajck game out there.

Double Exposure Blackjack

If you are sick and tired of the dealer turning up that other card to beat you immediately, you should play Double Exposure Blackjack. In this game, the dealer shows both cards right away, and this can give the player a significant advantage. In return, you only get pair 1:1 for a blackjack, instead of getting 3:2.

21 Duel

If you are a poker fan, you will love 21 Duel as the game puts Texas Hold'em Poker and Blackjack together. You will still be looking to make 21, but you will be using two community cards along with the dealer to get there. This greatly resembles poker and introduces some extra strategic elements that make the game a lot more fun to play than any Classic Blackjack game out there.

Triple 7s Blackjack

This game takes the progressive jackpot element to a whole new level. You will be playing mostly in accordance with the traditional Blackjack rules and looking to make a hand worth 21. Yet, you will also be able to get some great bonuses. You will have to place an extra ante bet on the side, but you will be looking at extra payouts as well when you get lucky.

Vegas Strip Blackjack

Another game that mimics Classic Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack is played with four decks and they are shuffled after every single hand. If the dealer's up card is a 10 or A, they can look at the other one and find out if the have a Blackjack. If they do, you lose right then and there and a new hand is dealt.

Big Five Blackjack

A Blackjack variation played with five decks of cards, Big Five Blackjack gives the dealer the option to hit on soft 17 and gives you the option to surrender early. Other rules are identical to the rules of Classic Blackjack.

Vegas Downtown Blackjack

Vegas Downtown Blackjack uses just two decks of playing cards, but they are shuffled after every hand. You can play up to five hands at once and each hand will go up against the dealer on its own. The dealer will have one up and one down card. You will have the option to buy insurance if the dealer's up card in a Ace.

Ante Up 21 Blackjack

Once again, poker players will be happy to see that Ante Up 21 puts elements of poker into Blackjack. On top of the regular Blackjack play, you will have the option to play some two-card poker against the dealer with your initial two cards, adding an extra layer of fun and skill to the game.

Chinese Blackjack

This game comes with several names that players like to use for it. These include Ban-Nag, Ban-Luck, and 21-Point. Chinese Blackjack is quite similar to Classic Blackjack. However, the payouts in it are a bit different than in traditional Blackjack. If you can get two Aces (Ban-Ban), this is the best possible combo. An ace with a ten (Ban-Nag) is the second best hand. It is interesting that this is the only Blackjack game in which two Aces are a great hand alone.

Blackjack Surrender

Blackjack Surrender is the same as Classic Blackjack with one extra rule that plays in the favor of the player. You get to surrender once you have seen your first two cards, which gives you back half of your bet. This option is very useful in some situations and is a great part of the game's optimal strategy.

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FAQ

Blackjack is one of the simplest card games in online casinos. You will receive two cards and can draw more cards if you wish to. Your final score should be as close to 21 as possible without going over 21. If the dealer has a higher score, they win. If the dealer busts his hand, you win regardless of your score.

Yes! You can play online Blackjack in demo versions at most online casino sites out there. This means you get to practice without risking any real money in the process.

Absolutely not! As long as you are playing Blackjack at a reputable and licensed online casino, the game is 100% random and fair, just as it would be in a live casino environment. Just keep in mind that the casino still has a slight edge over you and that variance is always at play.

All you need to play online Blackjack is a desktop or mobile device to run an online casino on and an internet connection. Past that, it is up to you which online casino you choose and which game you play.

No! While many online casinos still have downloadable apps you can use, you will be able to play the game in your internet browser at most big online casinos out there.

Card counting is not illegal, but many live casinos will ban you if they notice you are counting cards. In online Blackjack, card counting is mostly useless as cards are shuffled all the time. The important thing is you will not be breaking any law if you count cards.

Like all casino games, Blackjack is based on luck. However, playing the optimal strategy will give you higher odds of winning than if you were to play a random strategy. For that reason, it is important to learn how to play properly before you start playing for real money.

No! Both live casinos and online casinos offer the same level of randomness and the same rules when it comes to Blackjack. The rules in different Blackjack games may change your winning odds, so this is the only thing you should focus on.

You should be aware of what your odds are to get the card you need at all times. For example, drawing a specific card comes at just over 7%, while drawing a card with a value of 10 will happen about 30% of the time. You should learn these and more specific odds before you play for real cash.

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