Whenever the mention of casinos is made, Blackjack enjoys a supreme position. Online Blackjack is one of the most popular games worldwide. Earlier played on a physical casino, you can now make the most of this game online as well. Many casino providers offer different versions of blackjack which not only gives you a good time but also offer attractive cash prizes.
Whether you play free blackjack for fun or practice strategies, we have you covered. Read till the end to find out everything about the game.
How Does Blackjack Work?
The rules of this game are straightforward – you need to get as close as possible to 21 without going over and to have a higher hand than the dealer. If the dealer goes over 21, they bust and lose the game.
Blackjack has two most popular versions, American and European.
American Blackjack
Also known as standard blackjack, the game includes the dealer and players being dealt two-hole cards. The dealer will only show one hole card, and players can benefit from many sides. With the best payout for blackjack (3:2) than any other variant, the American blackjack version offers a great level of thrill and cash prizes.
European Blackjack
European blackjack is very similar to the American version. The dealer only deals their second card after the players have completed their hand. You can use your blackjack skills and match the dealers on the online European blackjack table.
How to Play Blackjack?
The goal of this game is to reach 21, and it is fairly easy to follow. Besides this, there are a few rules you need to understand to play Blackjack online:
Step 1 – Join the Table
You can choose a licensed casino and join the blackjack table. Once all the players are ready, each one is dealt two cards face up – one is face up, and the other is face down.
Step 2 – Decide whether to Hit or Stand
Work out the value of your hand and that of the dealer to get closer to 21 without going bust. In this situation, you can use your instinct or plan on the strategy – hit or stand.
Hit
Ask the dealer for another card. You can do this when the current value of your cards, either you are sure that the next card would not cause you to go bust, or you are willing to run the risk of the dealer getting a better hand.
Stand
You can ask the dealer to move on to the next player and deal you no more cards. We recommend doing this when the value of your cards is quite high already, and you cannot be sure whether the dealer’s hand will beat yours.
Step 3 – Your Hand Value
After the move you have just made, you have a new hand value. You will remain in the game if your hand is valued at 21 or anything less.
Step 4 – Dealer Reveals their Cards
Once all the players at the table have made their decisions, the dealer will reveal their facedown card.
Step 5 – See Who is Closer to 21
If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer, you bust the dealer and win. If the dealer has 21 or a score closer to 21 than any of the other players, the dealer wins. The dealer will issue your winnings if you have been lucky. Your payout amount will depend on the type of bet you have placed.
Some Basic Blackjack Rules to Remember
Here are some basic blackjack rules you can use to amplify your game:
- Regular wins pay 1:1: It is when the value of your cards gets closer to 21 than those of the dealer.
- Blackjack wins pay 3:2
It is when your cards equal 21. - 16 and below
The dealer must on any hand valued at 16 and below. - Hit or Stand
Players have the basic choice of adding a card to their hand (hitting) or not (standing) to reach a final hand value of 21, or the closest to it. They can also double down or split. - Split
You can turn your hand of two into two separate hands for an extra chance to beat the dealer. This option is when you have two cards of equal value. - Double Down
You can choose to double your bet mid-hand, but you will receive only one card and won’t have the option to take another. Although it is not necessary to double down on anything other than a 10 or 11, some online casinos will let you double down regardless of what you are holding. But some casinos limit this option.
Some Advanced Betting Options for Online Blackjack
Besides basic rules, you can use the following advanced basic options to improve your game:
Insurance
If a dealer shows an Ace as their face-up card, they will invite players to take insurance, protecting you in case the dealer has a card valued at 10.
Surrendering
You can surrender half your bet if you do not like your hand in some casinos. The options vary from casino to casino.
Soft 17
This hand has an Ace and two values, either 1 or 11, and other cards. Some casinos require the dealer to hit on a soft 17, while others want them to stand. Ensure you check the rules.
Taking even money
If you hit a blackjack, but the dealer is showing an Ace, you will push (tie) if they also happen to have a Blackjack. If you don’t want to risk not winning, you can choose to take even money. Instead of getting paid 3:2, you will get paid 1:1.
Some Easy Tips and Tricks to Win
Here are the blackjack tips and tricks to win the online game:
- Many gamers make the common mistake of splitting two face cards. It is a never good idea as you are swapping the high probability of winning with a 20 for the risk of losing twice your money if the new cards you draw are not the ones you want.
- Always split aces and 8s. A pair of 8s offers you a dreaded 16, and by splitting these, you are banking on at least one face card showing up to give you a good hand.
- Never bet money that you cannot afford. Always begin by setting a budget yourself before coming to the table and stick with it.
- Memorize basic strategy to ensure you are playing safe.
- Never bet more than half your stack on a single bet.
Now that you are well-versed in online blackjack, it’s time to get started. Play now.
