By Mike J. Davies
Senior Editor at Casinos.US
Updated: February 6, 2024
Mike is our Senior Editor and experienced gambling strategist. A former hockey player, he transitioned to the casino industry after finishing his B.A. in English. Blackjack systems, online casino guides, gambling terms, and more - Mike is familiar with all fine points of gambling.
Blackjack is a popular gambling table game that is also known as 21. Having a hand closer to the number without exceeding it and beating the dealer at the same time is the purpose of the game. Each player is dealt two cards, and they can choose to take another card or keep their current hand.
Face cards are worth 10, aces can be 1 or 11, while all other cards are worth their numerical face value. Understanding these basic blackjack rules is crucial for beginners to play the game effectively. This way, they will increase their chances of winning. All in all, blackjack is a mix of chance, strategy, and skill.
There are different types of blackjack tables’ layout[2]. A classic blackjack table is semi-circular, and it accommodates up to seven players on one side. Each player has a marked betting area, and in front of it, there's a space for the cards. The dealer is located on the opposite side of the table, with the shoe containing multiple card decks.
To understand how to play blackjack, it's essential to recognize the importance of the layout. The dealer's area includes a slot for deposited cash, a chips' tray, and spots for the dealer's cards. Some tables also have markings for insurance or side bets. The best online blackjack sites in the US replicate this classic layout virtually, making the gameplay as close to the live one as possible.
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Understanding basic blackjack rules is vital. Knowing when to hit, stand, split, or double down, which are the main player's decisions, affects your chances of winning significantly. In all online blackjack variants, the player competes against the dealer, both aiming to have a hand value closer to 21 without going over it.
For beginners who are learning how to play blackjack online, knowledge of these rules is key. It helps them to make informed decisions, manage the bankroll effectively, and understand the game's nuances. This is the base to becoming proficient in blackjack, whether played in a casino or on an online platform.
It is of utmost importance to understand the different types of bets available when learning how to play blackjack. Although there are some bets that are more suitable for advanced players, it's important to know the common ones. The basic bet in blackjack is the initial wager placed on the hand, but there are other betting options you can consider:
A research conducted by Ryan C. Speelman et al.[3] shows that educating players on the effective use of strategy and expected outcomes may improve the gameplay and reduce the role of inaccurate rules that usually contribute to problem gambling. For instance, it's essential to understand when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your hand and the dealer's upcard. This approach minimizes the house edge and optimizes your play.
Setting a budget for each session and sticking to it is recommendable. This way, you'll make sure not to chase losses or bet more than you can afford. Another valuable tip is to practice regularly, preferably on free online games. Also, avoid side bets and insurance if you aren’t well-acquainted with them, since these often have a higher house edge and can quickly deplete your funds.
One significant aspect to consider when learning how to play blackjack online is not splitting two face cards. The reason for this is due to the strong value of a hand totaling 20. Two face cards, each worth 10 points, put you in an advantageous position, just one point away from the wanted 21.
This tip makes sense because the probability of improving on a 20 is very low. Holding a hand worth 20 gives you a very high chance of winning. By splitting, it'll be hard to be lucky enough to get two hands stronger than your original. All in all, this strategy is key to being able to play smartly.
Splitting Aces is recommended for significantly improving your hand. When you split, aces give you two chances to hit a 21, as an Ace combined with a 10 or face card achieves this. Starting a hand with an Ace offers flexibility in scoring either 1 or 11. So, chances of forming a strong hand with each new card drawn are increased.
On the other hand, splitting two 8 cards is advised because 16 is often considered a weak hand. Holding a hand valued at 16 is a bad idea since any card above 5 will cause you to bust. By splitting 8s, you're turning one weak hand into two hands with the potential to be stronger.
Various online blackjack strategies exist, each with their theoretical outcomes. Players often employ these to improve their odds, card counting, or betting systems. While these methods can potentially increase the likelihood of winning, it's important to remember that results are not guaranteed. Each game carries randomness, and strategies simply guide decisions based on probability and statistics.
The theoretical approach helps players to make informed choices. Despite employing strategies in the best online blackjack games, you should be aware that the house always maintains an edge. This advantage is built into the basic blackjack rules and structure for the casino to be more likely to come out ahead in the long run.
Any player who knows how to play blackjack knows that standing when having a 17+ is a basic strategy. It's a mathematically calculated system that reduces the house edge to its minimum. By following this strategy, players minimize the chances of busting while maximizing the likelihood of having a winning hand or making the dealer bust.
This strategy is recommendable because it's grounded in probability and statistics. Although no strategy can guarantee a win, following the basic strategy frequently offers the best odds in the long term. All in all, following these guidelines, is essential for understanding the dynamics of the game and becoming more successful when playing it.
Doubling down on 11 is a strategy where you double your initial wager after your first two cards add up to 11. This move allows you to take one more card, aiming to get as close to 21 as possible. The logic is straightforward: with a starting point of 11, you have a strong chance of achieving a high total with just one more card.
This strategy is highly recommended because it leverages the favorable odds of improving your hand. When you have a total of 11, the probability of getting a 10-value card to reach 21 is quite high. Doubling down maximizes your potential winnings in this advantageous situation. It's especially effective against a dealer's weak upcard.
Not splitting 10s is based on retaining a highly advantageous hand rather than risking it by splitting. When you have two 10s, you're just one point away from the perfect score of 21, making it a very secure and strong position against whatever the dealer has. The recommendation to avoid splitting 10s stems from the fact that it's unlikely to improve upon a 20 by splitting.
The odds of getting two hands better than 20 are low, and the risk of ending up with weaker hands is significant. For this reason, keeping the 10s together is a safer, more prudent choice, maximizing the chances of winning against the dealer's hand. This strategy plays it safe, prioritizing a strong existing hand.
Hitting on ace-7 if the dealer has 9, 10 or Ace is an essential guideline in learning how to play blackjack online and at physical tables. When you have an Ace-7, and the dealer shows a 9, 10, or an Ace, the strategy advises you to take an additional card, known as hitting.
This move is based on the flexibility of the Ace, which can be 1 or 11, and the possibility of improving your hand without the risk of busting immediately. This strategy is recommended because, in this scenario, the dealer has a strong chance of achieving a high total, possibly better than your soft 18. By hitting, you aim to improve your total.
Standing on 12 if the dealer has 4, 5, or 6 is a strategy based on the likelihood of the dealer busting when they show a 4, 5, or 6. These are weak cards, so if you have a total of 12, the risk of busting yourself by drawing another card is high. For this reason, the strategy advises standing by hoping the dealer will bust.
This strategy is recommended because it optimizes the player's chances of winning in specific situations. When the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6, they have a higher chance of busting, as they must draw cards until they reach a total of at least 17. By standing on 12, you avoid the risk of busting yourself. All in all, it's a part of learning how to play blackjack effectively.
Standing with 13, 14, 15, or 16 if the dealer has 2 through 6 is a tactic based on the higher probability of the dealer busting with these lower cards. In blackjack, dealers must hit until they reach at least 17. If you have a hand in the 13-16 range, the risk of busting by taking another card is significant.
By standing, you reduce this risk, leveraging the chance that the dealer will bust, and you will win the hand. This strategy improves your chances of winning by playing cautiously in scenarios where the dealer is more likely to lose. By knowing the basic blackjack rules and strategies such as this one, you won’t bust your winning chances.
A blackjack strategy chart is a tool used in online blackjack strategies to guide players on the best actions (hit, stand, double down, split) based on their hand and the dealer's upcard. It's a grid with player hands on one axis and dealer cards on the other. Each intersection prescribes the optimal move. Following it minimizes the house edge.
Charts differ slightly depending on blackjack rules and number of decks. According to Hanna Blanchard[1], casinos often use more decks to cause a greater likelihood for players to lose. That's a gentle reminder to pay close attention to the blackjack variations you choose - always check the game's expected RTP and adopt a strategy that suits your budget.
To use it, locate your hand along one axis and the dealer's upcard along the other. Then, follow the recommended action at their intersection. This systematic approach helps in making better decisions during gameplay that could potentially increase your chances of success.
Mastering blackjack involves more than just luck. It's also about strategic play and understanding the game. One of the key online blackjack tips is to learn the basic strategy. This involves knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split your cards, depending on your hand and the dealer's upcard. Using a basic strategy chart can significantly lower the house edge.
Another crucial aspect is avoiding insurance bets. Although they may seem tempting, they generally do not work in the player's favor and can increase the dealer's advantage. Other than that, effective bankroll management is vital. It's recommendable to set a budget and stick to it, so that you don't chase losses or gamble beyond your means.
Individuals who are looking for help with gambling-related issues have several options in the US. Organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) offer support and resources, including a national helpline (1-800-522-4700) for confidential advice. On the other hand, other associations such as Gamblers Anonymous provide peer support through meetings and a support network.
Note that many reputable online casinos support responsible gambling by offering various tools such as setting deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options. Carrying out online responsible gambling is crucial for a safe and enjoyable gambling journey. It involves understanding and implementing moderation, self-awareness, and control to prevent the negative impacts of excessive gambling.
Before wrapping up this guide about how to play blackjack online, we decided to include a few frequently asked questions. They are intended to clarify any doubts that you may have. Keep in mind that they will jump to the paragraph of your interest. We hope that they are helpful for you. See them below:
Learning how to play blackjack online is an effective way to become skilled at this game. The availability of free online platforms allows players to practice without financial risk, and the diverse range of game variations facilitates learning. In my opinion, the tips covered in this guide are useful as they provide structured guidance, covering basic rules and strategies.
Mike is one of our most senior team members and contributes with over 20 years of experience in the gambling industry. He's our online and land-based casino review expert and a blackjack enthusiast. Mike's a table games strategist and is dedicated to helping you make informed decisions.
More about MikeWe delve deeper into blackjack nuances, sharing advanced strategies and insights about game variations and betting systems. So, we have thoroughly researched and compiled the online blackjack tips in this article from reliable sources. We're committed to guiding you toward a more informed and enjoyable gaming experience. We intend to foster a personalized, trust-based relationship in your blackjack journey.