How to Play Blackjack Online

What’s a Good Hand in Blackjack?

Considering the goal is to go as close to 21 without exceeding it, the best hand you can get is a blackjack, which is a 10 (or a face card) and an Ace. A 20 is one of the best hands you can get, as it’ll be quite hard for the dealer to beat you. Other good hands are 9, 10 or 11, where hitting a 10, a face card or an Ace can put you in a comfortable position!

However, if your hand is none of the above, there’s no need to panic! There are a few rules players can use to make the most out of any hand. Hitting, standing, doubling down or splitting: mastering these rules and when to use them is the best way to beat the dealer!

Hitting or Standing

When your turn comes, you’ll have the possibility to ask for another card or keep your current hand. Asking for a card is called hitting, while keeping your hand as is called standing. Knowing when to hit or stand is crucial at online blackjack, as it will determine your chances of winning the round.

When Should you Hit?

Your choice to hit or stand will change depending on your own cards and the dealer’s hand. If your total is 11 or below, you should hit as you won’t go over 21. If your total is above that, you’ll need to consider the dealer’s hand. If he’s likely to get a high number (if his first card is high), you should probably hit. On the other hand, if you have a high total and the dealer’s card is low, you might want to stand!

Example of Hitting or Standing:

Player’s hand: 8 + 7 = 15
Dealer’s visible card: 10

In this scenario, the player should usually hit. With a total of 15, there’s a high risk of losing if the dealer’s hidden card is strong. Aim to improve your hand closer to 21 without going over it.

Doubling Down

After receiving your hand (your first 2 cards), you can double your original bet if you’re confident about your chances. This is called doubling down.

When Should You Double Down?

Doubling down is usually useful when your hand has a good chance of becoming a great one with an additional card. In general, you should double down if your total is 9, 10 or 11, without an Ace. If you have an Ace and a total of 16,17 or 18, you can double down as well. However, you should never do it if your hand goes above 11 or if the dealer has an Ace.

Example of Doubling Down:

Player’s hand: 5 + 6 = 11
Dealer’s visible card: 8

With a total of 11, the player has a nice opportunity of receiving one more card and potentially reaching 21 or close to it, while the dealer might end up with a weaker hand. In this scenario, the player should probably double down!

Splitting your Hand

If you land two identical cards, you’re allowed to split them into 2 separate hands, giving you an additional opportunity to beat the dealer’s hand. Your total bet will be doubled, as you’ll need to put the same amount as your original wager on both hands.

When Should You Split?

A good advice is to always split on double 8s and Aces, giving you an opportunity to get 2 strong hands. You can also split 2s, 3s and 7s if the dealer’s hand is between 2 and 7.

Example of Splitting:

Player’s hand: 8 + 8
Dealer’s visible card: 6

In this one, the player should split. Two 8s give you 16, a weak total, but splitting them creates two strong hands with better chances of improving against the dealer’s potentially weaker total.

Dealer’s Rules

In a game of blackjack, the dealer has to follow strict rules and doesn’t make his own choices.

As long as his hand is equal to or below 16, he’ll have to hit, no matter what. If the total equals or exceeds 17, he’ll have to stand.

There’s one special rule to keep in mind: when the dealer gets a soft 17 (an Ace and a 6), hitting or standing can depend on the blackjack variant you’re playing, or directly on what table you’re playing on. Always make sure to check the rules of your table to see if the dealer will have to stand or hit on a soft 17.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Blackjack Online

A classic game of blackjack follows a simple structure so that anyone can easily enjoy it. With just a few rules in mind, players can get started and place a few bets to beat the dealer. Let’s take a look at how a game unravels, from cards being dealt to potential payouts.

Now that you understand how this game works, you can start maximising your odds of winning through some tips and strategies.

Simple Tips for Playing Blackjack Online

Though blackjack is a game of chance, there are a few things you can do to help put the odds in your favor:

• Manage your Bankroll: Set a budget for each one of your gaming sessions, and stick to it to avoid unexpected losses.
• Learn Basic Strategies: Gather some knowledge on the most basic blackjack strategies which can help you with your in-game decisions, such as when to hit, stand, or double down. Some of the main strategies include always standing on 17 or higher, doubling down on 11, or splitting aces and 8s.
• Try Games for Free: You can try blackjack games for free at lots of casinos. Take advantage of it and practice a bit before playing for real money.
• Choose your Variant: Beginners should probably focus on simple versions of the game, such as the classic blackjack or the Vegas Strip, while more experienced gamblers could try out more complex ones like the Spanish 21.

These are just a few simple tips that can help you play more efficiently. You can check out our guide about some of the best strategies to win at online blackjack.

Popular Variants of Online Blackjack

There are a handful of blackjack varieties and their specific rule, allowing each player to find its favourite version:

Variants Stats & Characteristics

Variant	Decks	Cards/Deck	Payouts (Standard Wins: 1:1*)	House Edge	Difficulty
Classic	1-8	52	3:2** for Blackjack	≃ 0.5%	Easy
European	2-8	52	3:2 for Blackjack	≃ 0.62%	Moderate
Vegas Strip	4	52	3:2 for Blackjack	≃ 0.35%	Easy
Atlantic City	8	52	3:2 for Blackjack Late Surrender Allowed***	≃ 0.36%	Moderate
Spanish 21	6-8	48 (no 10s)	3:1 for 5-card 21 2:1 for 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 combinations	≃ 0.37-0.76%	Difficult

Each variant brings its own spin to the classic game, so don’t hesitate to give them a try to find your favourite!

Online Blackjack: Live or Virtual?

When playing blackjack online, you don’t necessarily have to get into solo games against the computer. Live options exist and are probably one of the best features available at online casinos. Let’s find out why.

What is Live Blackjack?

Live blackjack bridges the gap between online and land-based casinos by streaming real dealers to your device in high definition. You can interact with the dealer and other players in real-time, making the experience both immersive and social. It combines the convenience of online gaming with the authenticity of a physical casino.

Why Play Live Blackjack?

Live blackjack offers a more dynamic and engaging experience compared to virtual blackjack. Unlike virtual games, which rely on random number generators (RNGs), live blackjack features professional dealers shuffling and dealing cards in real-time. This creates a more authentic atmosphere and enhances trust among players.

Additionally, the social aspect allows you to chat with the dealer and fellow players, bringing the exciting feeling of a land-based casino to your home.

Where to Play Blackjack Online

Now that you’re ready to place a few bets and put our tips to the test, you’ll need to find one of the best online blackjack casinos to play on. For UK players, we recommend trying Casumo or LeoVegas.

Casumo is perfect for blackjack players, more than 45 different versions and high-quality in-house games. It also offers a great loyalty program for all players, where playing blackjack and other table games helps you level up and earn new rewards such as extra cash.

LeoVegas will be the perfect choice for you if you’re all about live blackjack. It offers more than 60 live tables, each one with its own betting limits and rules. It also has some nice exclusive tables for all types of players, from beginners to experienced ones.

FAQs – How To Play Blackjack Online