How to Play Blackjack Online

By:
Paul Skidmore
06/26/2024
Casino Guides
How to Play Blackjack: A Guide to the Traditional Table Game

Blackjack is a classic casino card game that has captivated people for generations. It is known for its blend of skill and chance and provides opportunities for strategic gameplay. If you’re a novice and eager to learn the basics, this guide will help you.   

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Understanding Online Blackjack

If you’ve never played online blackjack, here’s what you need to know. 

  • The setup: Online blackjack typically uses one or more standard 52-card decks. The game is between the player and the dealer with each player being dealt two cards and the dealer being dealt two cards. One is face up, the other face down.
  • The aim: The objective is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding it. Face cards are worth 10, Ace cards are either 1 or 11. Other cards are worth their face value.
  • Basic rules: Players can choose to ‘hit’ (take another card) or stand (keep their current cards). They can also ‘double down’ (double the initial bet and take another card) or ‘split’ (if the first two cards are of the same value, they can be split into two separate hands. The dealer must ‘hit’ until their hand totals 17 or higher.
  • Special features: Online blackjack often has variations and side bets. Many online casinos also offer live dealer blackjack.  

How to Play Online Blackjack

Here’s how to play the game: 

Step 1: Learning the Rules  

Understand the card values and aim of the game.  

Step 2: Placing Your Bet 

Select your bet amount by adjusting the chip size. Place your bet in the betting circle before the cards are dealt.  

Step 3: Receive your cards and make your move 

You will receive two cards. Decide whether to ‘hit,’ ‘stand,’ ‘double down’ or ‘split.’ 

Step 4: Check for a win 

Compare your hand to the dealer’s. If you’re closer to 21 without exceeding it, you win. If the dealer busts, you win.  

Online Blackjack Tips and Strategies

To enjoy online blackjack to the full, you should always set a budget before you play. Determine how much you want to spend and stick to this limit. Although higher bets can give you higher payouts, it’s often wise to play conservatively. Remember, this game is a game of skill and chance and so if you understand the rules and strategies, it will improve your chances of winning.  

FAQs

Is online blackjack a game of skill or chance?

It is a combination of both. The outcome of each hand is random but players can use strategies to make optimal decisions and improve their chances of winning.

Can I play online blackjack for free?

Yes. Many online casinos offer free or demo versions of their blackjack games. This means players can practise and familiarise themselves with the game without risking real money. 

What are the best strategies for online blackjack?

The best strategies include understanding the basic strategy charts, which dictate the optimal move for every possible hand combination and practising card counting (for live dealer games). 

Final Thoughts

Online blackjack is popular because it blends strategy, skill and chance. When you understand the rules and know a few strategies, you can greatly influence your chances of winning.