How to Play Blackjack Online – The Complete Beginners Guide

Blackjack, also known as 21, is a popular card game that can be played online at a live dealer casino. To play blackjack online for real money, you will need to find a website or platform that offers the game (see the best live dealer casinos here). Almost all online casinos offer blackjack as part of their selection of games, and there are also dedicated blackjack platforms that can be found by searching the internet.

Once you have found a casino website or platform that offers real money blackjack, you will need to create an account and deposit money into it. This will typically involve providing your personal information and choosing a payment method, such as a credit card or an e-wallet service.

Once you have an account and funds available, you can start playing blackjack online for real money. 

Standard Blackjack Rules

The game is played with one or more standard decks of 52 playing cards, and typically involves anywhere from one to eight players. Each player is dealt two cards, which are either face up or face down depending on the rules of the game. The dealer also receives two cards, one of which is face up and the other face down.

To start the game, players must place their bets by placing chips in their betting areas. Once the bets are made, the dealer will deal the cards according to the rules of the game. In most cases, players are allowed to “hit” (receive additional cards) in order to improve their hand, but they must be careful not to exceed 21, or they will “bust” and lose their bet.

If a player is satisfied with their hand, they can “stand” and the dealer will then play their hand according to a set of fixed rules. The dealer must hit on hands with a value of 16 or less, and must stand on hands with a value of 17 or higher. If the dealer busts, all remaining players win their bets. If the dealer does not bust, the hands are compared and the players that managed to beat the dealers’ hand wins their bet.

There are many different variations of blackjack, and the specific rules of each game can vary depending on the casino and the specific table. However, the basic rules described above are generally consistent across most blackjack games.

Blackjack is a simple yet exciting game that offers players the chance to test their skills against the dealer and potentially win big. With its favorable odds and easy-to-learn rules, it’s no wonder that blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world.

The basic rules of the game can be broken down as follows:

• The objective is to beat the dealer by getting a hand with a higher total value than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21.
• Each player is dealt two cards, and the dealer is dealt two cards, one face up and one face down.
• The value of each hand is determined by adding up the values of the individual cards. The face cards (jack, queen, and king) are worth 10 points each, the ace is worth either 1 or 11 points (player’s choice), and the other cards are worth their face value (2 through 10).
• Players can choose to “hit” and receive additional cards, one at a time, until they decide to “stand” or until their hand goes over 21 (in which case they “bust” and lose the game).
• After all players have finished their turns, the dealer reveals their face-down card and hits or stands according to a predetermined set of rules.
• If the dealer busts, all players who have not busted win the game. If the dealer does not bust, the players’ hands are compared to the dealer’s hand, and the player with the higher total value over the dealer hand wins. If the dealer and the player have the same total value, the game is a tie (also known as a “push”).
• Blackjack online is a fun and exciting game that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. It is a great way to test your skills and try to outsmart the dealer, and it can also offer the potential for real money winnings.

The rules of blackjack are quite simple and easy to learn, but there are also a few more details and nuances that can help you improve your game. Here are some additional rules to keep in mind when playing blackjack: 

1. Doubling down: After being dealt your initial two cards, you can choose to double your original bet and receive just one more card. This is a great way to potentially increase your winnings if you have good cards, but use caution as you may also go bust if you get an unfavorable card. 
2. Splitting: If you are dealt two cards of the same value (for example, two 8s), you can choose to split them into two separate hands and place a new bet for the second hand. Each hand will then be played independently and the winnings for each hand will be determined by the results of the individual hands. 
3. Insurance: If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, you can choose to take insurance, which is a side bet that pays 2-1 if the dealer has a blackjack. This can be a good option if you are unsure of the dealer’s hand, as it will protect you from losing a large portion of your bet if the dealer wins.

The Blackjack Basic Strategy

The blackjack basic strategy is a set of rules that tells a player when they should hit, stand, split, double down, or take insurance. The goal of the blackjack basic strategy is to reduce the house edge as much as possible, thus giving the player a better chance of winning by playing optimally.

When it comes to hitting, the basic strategy advises players to hit on hands with a total value of 8 or less, and to stand on hands with a total value of 17 or higher. For hands with a total value between 9 and 16, the basic strategy advises players to hit on most hands with a soft total (where one of the cards is an Ace) and mix of actions on hands with a hard total (where neither of the cards is an Ace). 

When it comes to splitting, the basic strategy advises players to always split Aces and 8s, and to never split 10s, 5s, and rarely 4s. For hands with two cards of the same value that are not Aces or 8s (such as two 6s), the basic strategy advises players to split if the dealer’s face-up card is worth 6 or less.

When it comes to doubling down, the basic strategy advises players to double down on hands with a total value of 11 iif the dealer’s face-up card is worth 10 or less.

Finally, when it comes to taking insurance, the basic strategy advises players to never take an insurance regardless of what the dealer has.

By following the blackjack basic strategy, players can reduce the house edge and give themselves the best chance of winning through optimal play.

Do you Stay on 15?

Whether or not to stay on 15 in blackjack depends on the specific rules of the game and the dealer’s up card. In general, if the dealer’s up card is a high card (such as a 10 or an ace), it may be advisable for the player to hit on 15 in order to try and improve their hand. This is because the dealer is more likely to have a strong hand, and the player may need a higher total in order to beat the dealer’s hand.

On the other hand, if the dealer’s up card is a low card (such as a 2 or a 3), it may be advisable for the player to stay on 15 in order to avoid going over 21 and busting. In this situation, the dealer is less likely to have a strong hand, and the player’s 15 may be enough to win the hand if the dealer busts.

Ultimately, the decision to hit or stay on 15 in blackjack should be based on the specific rules of the game, the player’s hand, and the dealer’s up card. Players who are unsure of the optimal play in a given situation may want to consult a basic strategy chart, which can provide guidance on the best decisions to make in different situations.

Do you Hit Against a 7?

Whether or not to hit 16 against a 7 in blackjack depends on the specific rules of the game and the player’s hand. In general, if the player has a hard 16 (a hand that does not contain an ace) and the dealer’s up card is a 7, it is usually advisable to hit. This is because the dealer is likely to have a strong hand, and the player’s 16 may not be enough to beat the dealer’s hand.

On the other hand, if the player has a soft 16 (a hand that contains an ace that can be counted as 11), the decision to hit or stand may depend on the specific rules of the game. In some variations of blackjack, a soft 16 is considered to be a strong hand, and the player may choose to stand in order to try and beat the dealer’s hand. In other variations, the player may choose to hit in order to try and improve their hand.

Ultimately, the decision to hit or stand on 16 against a 7 in blackjack should be based on the specific rules of the game and the player’s hand. Players who are unsure of the optimal play in a given situation may want to consult a basic strategy chart, which can provide guidance on the best decisions to make in different situations.

Why do you always split 8s?

Splitting 8s in blackjack is generally considered to be a good strategy because it allows the player to turn their 16 into two potentially stronger hands. By splitting the 8s and taking a hit on each hand, the player has the opportunity to improve their chances of winning by increasing their total to 18 or 19 on one or both hands.

Additionally, it allows the player to take advantage of the dealer’s up card. For example, if the dealer’s up card is a 5 or a 6, the player’s 16 may be enough to beat the dealer’s hand without taking any more hits. In this situation, the player can stand on their 16 and hope that the dealer busts. However, if the dealer’s up card is a 7 or higher, the player’s 16 may not be enough to beat the dealer’s hand. In this situation, splitting the 8s and taking a hit on each hand can give the player a better chance of winning.

Should you split two 10s?

Splitting 10s in blackjack is generally not considered to be a good strategy because it can weaken the player’s hand and decrease their chances of winning. This is because a hand with two 10s has a total of 20, which is a strong hand that is likely to win against most of the dealer’s hands. By splitting the 10s, the player turns their 20 into two hands with a total of 10, which is a weaker hand that is more likely to lose against the dealer’s hand.

Additionally, splitting 10s can be a risky strategy because it increases the player’s bet and exposes them to the possibility of losing more money. If the player splits their 10s and takes a hit on each hand, they may end up with two weak hands that are likely to lose against the dealer’s hand, and they will have to double their original bet in order to try and win the hand.

Overall, splitting 10s in blackjack is generally not considered to be a good strategy because it can weaken the player’s hand and expose them to the possibility of losing more money. Instead of splitting 10s, it is usually better for the player to stand on their 20 and try to beat the dealer’s hand. However, this may not always be the best option, and players should consider the specific rules of the game and the dealer’s up card before making a decision.

Odds

In blackjack, the odds are the probability of a particular outcome occurring. For example, the odds of being dealt a certain hand, or the odds of winning a particular hand.

The odds in blackjack are affected by several factors, including the number of decks being used, the rules of the game, and the player’s skill level. In general, the odds in blackjack favor the house, but by using basic strategy and taking advantage of bonuses and promotions, players can increase their chances of winning and reduce the house edge.

To calculate the odds of a particular outcome in blackjack, you would need to know the specific rules of the game and the probability of each possible outcome. This can be a complex calculation, and it is not always necessary for players to know the exact odds in order to play the game successfully. Instead, players can use basic strategy and other techniques to improve their chances of winning.

Side Bets

A side bet in blackjack is a wager made in addition to the main bet on the outcome of the hand. These bets are typically made before the cards are dealt and are based on the player’s initial two cards or the dealer up card. Some examples of common side bets in blackjack include “perfect pairs,” which pays out if the player is dealt two cards of the same rank and suit, and “21+3,” which pays out if the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s up card form a winning poker hand.

Side bets in blackjack can be a fun way to add some excitement to the game, but they also come with some drawbacks. For one, these bets often have higher house edges than the main bet, meaning that the casino has a higher advantage over the player. This can make it more difficult for the player to win the side bet, and the added risk may not be worth it for some players.

Another disadvantage of side bets in blackjack is that they can distract players from the main objective of the game, which is to beat the dealer’s hand. By focusing too much on the side bet, players may make suboptimal decisions in their play and end up losing both the main bet and the side bet.

Despite these drawbacks, side bets in blackjack can still be a fun option for players who are looking to add an extra element of excitement to their game. These bets can offer the potential for larger payouts and can add some variety to the standard game of blackjack. However, players should be aware of the potential risks and should only make side bets if they are willing to accept the added risk.

Blackjack Variations

There are many different variations of blackjack, also known as 21, that are played around the world. Some of the most common variations include the following:

1. Traditional blackjack, also known as “American blackjack,” is the most common variation of the game and is the version that is typically played in casinos. In this variation, the dealer uses a single deck of 52 cards, and players are allowed to double down on any two cards and split pairs.
2. European blackjack, also known as “single-deck blackjack,” is similar to traditional blackjack but is played with a single deck of cards. In this variation, the dealer must stand on soft 17, and players are not allowed to double down after splitting pairs.
3. Spanish 21 is a variation of blackjack that is played with a deck of 48 cards (the four tens are removed). In this variation, players are allowed to double down on any number of cards and can also “rescue” half of their bet if the dealer has a blackjack.
4. Blackjack Switch is a variation of the game in which players are dealt two hands and are allowed to switch the top card of each hand to try and improve their chances of winning.
5. Atlantic City blackjack is a variation of the game that is commonly played in casinos in Atlantic City. In this variation, the dealer uses eight decks of cards and is required to stand on soft 17. Players are allowed to double down on any two cards and can also split pairs up to three times to create four hands.

These are just a few examples of the many variations of blackjack that are played around the world. Each variation has its own unique rules and strategies, so it’s important for players to understand the specific rules of the game before they begin playing.

Blackjack RTP

The term “RTP” stands for “return to player,” and it refers to the percentage of money that a player can expect to win back from a game over a long period of time. In blackjack, the RTP can vary depending on the specific rules of the game and the player’s strategy.

Generally speaking, the RTP for blackjack is around 99.5%, which means that for every $100 that a player wagers, they can expect to win back around $99.50 in the long run. However, this number can vary depending on the specific rules of the game, the player’s strategy, and the house edge.

For example, in a game of blackjack with optimal strategy (see: Blackjack basic strategy chart), the RTP can be as high as 99.8%, but in a game with less favorable rules and a higher house edge, the RTP may be lower. It’s important for players to understand the specific rules and payouts of the game they are playing in order to determine the RTP and make informed decisions about their bets.

Card Counting

Card counting is a technique used by some blackjack players to keep track of the cards that have been played in order to gain an advantage over the casino. The idea behind card counting is that by keeping track of the ratio of high cards (such as 10s and aces) to low cards (such as 2s and 3s), a player can predict when the remaining cards are likely to be favorable to the player and adjust their bets accordingly.

There are many different card counting systems, but most of them involve assigning a value to each card in the deck and keeping a running count of the cards as they are played. For example, in the “Hi-Lo” system, cards with a value of 2 through 6 are assigned a value of +1, cards with a value of 7 through 9 are assigned a value of 0, and cards with a value of 10 through ace are assigned a value of -1.

As the cards are played, the player keeps a running count of the cards by adding or subtracting the values of the cards as they are dealt. When the running count is high, it indicates that there are more high cards remaining in the deck, which is favorable for the player. In this situation, the player may want to increase their bet. Conversely, when the running count is low, it indicates that there are more low cards remaining in the deck, which is favorable for the dealer. In this situation, the player may want to decrease their bet.

Card counting is not illegal, but it is considered to be a form of advantage play, and casinos are within their rights to ask players who are suspected of card counting to leave the premises. Additionally, card counting can be a difficult skill to master, and it requires a lot of practice and concentration. As such, it may not be suitable for all players.#

Is Blackjack Skill or Luck based?

Blackjack is a game that involves both skill and luck. While the outcome of each hand is determined by the cards that are dealt, the player’s decisions and strategies can also play a significant role in determining the outcome of the game.

For example, a player’s decision to hit, stand, double down, or split can affect the outcome of their hand, and their ability to make these decisions based on the cards they have been dealt and the dealer’s up card is a key skill in blackjack. Additionally, knowing when to make these decisions and using strategies such as card counting can give a player an advantage over the casino.

On the other hand, the cards that are dealt in each hand are determined by chance, and there is no way for a player to predict what cards they will be dealt. As such, luck plays a significant role in the outcome of each hand of blackjack.

Overall, blackjack is a game that requires both skill and luck, and the ability to combine these elements effectively is what makes it such a popular and exciting game.

Key Tips and Tricks

Here are 9 blackjack tips to learn by heart that can help improve your game:

1. Always split aces and eights. This is a good rule of thumb to follow because aces and eights are both powerful starting hands in blackjack. Splitting them allows you to play two hands with a better chance of winning.
2. Don’t take insurance. Insurance is a side bet offered by the dealer when they have an ace showing. While it may seem like a good idea to protect yourself against the dealer’s potential blackjack, the odds are actually against you when you take insurance.
3. Never take the “even money” option. If you have a blackjack and the dealer has an ace showing, they may offer you “even money” instead of the full payout for your blackjack. This may seem like a good deal, but it’s actually a bad one because the odds of the dealer having a blackjack are not in your favor.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for advice. If you’re unsure of how to play a hand, don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for advice. They are there to help you, and they have a lot of experience dealing with all kinds of situations.
5. Practice makes perfect. The best way to improve your blackjack game is to practice as much as possible. You can do this by playing blackjack online or at a casino, or by using a blackjack training app on your phone. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at making the right decisions at the table.
6. Use basic strategy. Basic strategy is a set of rules that tell you the optimal way to play every hand in blackjack. By following basic strategy, you can significantly reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning.
7. Count cards. Card counting is a technique that involves keeping track of the cards that have been played in order to determine when the deck is favorable to the player. This can give you an advantage over the casino, but it is also illegal in most casinos.
8. Take advantage of bonuses and promotions. Many online and land-based casinos offer bonuses and promotions that can give you an edge over the house. For example, some casinos offer bonuses for players who use certain blackjack strategies or who play a certain number of hands.
9. Learn how to split and double down. Splitting and doubling down are advanced blackjack strategies that can help you increase your winnings. However, they should only be used in certain situations, so it’s important to learn when to use them and how to use them effectively.