How to Play Online Blackjack
The first step in learning how to win Blackjack online is learning the rules. As a skill-based game, playing online Blackjack poses a bit of a challenge. So getting the lowdown of the rules is essential before you begin placing bets.
For gamblers looking to get an introduction to online Blackjack basics, you'll find all you need to know in this guide. If you simply need a quick refresher, it'll also prove a helpful resource.
Online Blackjack Basics
Online casino games are often replicas of the land-based version, so online Blackjack basics are identical to the mode of play in traditional casinos. Sure, online variants switch up the gameplay a bit, but the underlying rules are always the same.
Here's a step-by-step description of online Blackjack gameplay:
- Players place their wagers.
- The player and dealer get two cards each – the player’s two cards are face-up, while the dealer gets the first one face-up and the other face-down.
- The player takes an action (hit, stand, double down, split, etc.).
- The dealer takes an action (hit or stand).
- The dealer's hidden card is revealed, and the outcome is established.
- The hand that’s closer to 21 wins; going over 21 is a bust (means you lose).
- If both hands are tied, then the player's bet is a push (you get your stake back with no profit).
The objective is to beat the dealer's hand without going bust. Getting a card hand of exactly 21 (Ace + 10 value card) is the best possible outcome and is called a "Perfect Blackjack." However, you need a great amount of luck to achieve this. So, getting a hand closer to 21 than the dealer will suffice.
Blackjack Betting Options
A significant part of how to win Blackjack online depends on the choices you make after receiving your initial two-card hand. You could call these Blackjack bets, but more appropriately, they are moves you can make during gameplay. They include:
Hit – request to be dealt another card
Stand – take no additional cards
Split – separate your hand into two parts when both of your starting cards are of the same value. You then have to double your bet by placing an identical wager on the second hand.
Double Down – double your wager amount and receive an additional card. You have to stand afterwards.
More advanced betting options include:
Surrender- Fold your hand and get back half your stake if your initial two cards look unfavourable. The option to surrender is only available on specific Blackjack variants.
Take Insurance – This is a bet on the dealer getting a Perfect Blackjack when the dealer's up-card is an Ace. The maximum insurance bet you can make is half the amount of your original stake.
Take Even Money – Choose to get a 1: 1 payout if both you and the dealer are tied with Perfect Blackjacks. Perfect Blackjack typically pays 3: 2, but a tie will only revert your original bet, so this option guarantees a payout in the event a tie occurs.
Other Blackjack Rules
There are a couple more rules to keep in mind when learning how to win Blackjack online. The most common ones are:
- Any regular win pays even money (1: 1).
- Blackjack wins pay 3: 2.
- Two to nines are taken at their face value.
- Tens and picture cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are worth 10.
- Depending on which benefits your hand, Ace can be valued at 1 or 11.
- The dealer's hand of 16 or lower must hit.
- The dealer's hand of 17 or higher must stand.
Depending on the variant you play, rules may vary slightly. For instance, some Blackjack tables require the dealer to hit on a soft 17 (a hand with an Ace is called "soft," and one without an Ace is called a "hard" hand). This will usually be stated in the game rules, so you should glance at the info section before settling at any table.
With the online Blackjack basics out of the way, you can give this game a try at any of our recommended online casinos in Canada for free or for real money.
Which Bets Should I Play?
The betting options available in this game aren't directly tied to an outcome like in Roulette or Baccarat. Instead, they can only influence it. This is precisely what makes Blackjack a game of skill. Choosing to hit or stand isn't the focal point on how to win Blackjack online, but WHEN you take these actions is what makes an impact.
Another important aspect of online blackjack basics is learning Basic Blackjack Strategy, which tells you the best move to make for every hand you’re dealt. You can get the lowdown on this in our Blackjack strategy guide, as well as insights into some more advanced techniques from the pros.
While strategies won't teach you how to cheat online Blackjack, they'll help you play better and win bigger.