The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Online Blackjack in 2023

Dive into the exciting world of online blackjack the right way by getting a clear overview of rules, tips, lingo, strategies, and variants. See what it takes to play blackjack like a pro. Take your blackjack gaming off the beaten path with free, high-limit, low-limit, and other exciting variants. Learn how to join one of the best online blackjack casinos in the business. All this and more in this exciting guide.

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Overview

Imagine that you walk into a traditional brick-and-mortar casino. You enter through a dimly lit tunnel and emerge in the middle of a rich, vibrant, and warm explosion of colors, sounds, and cheers. The punters around you are participating in a myriad of exciting casino games, and you simply do not know which one to choose. You bounce from table to table and eventually see it, blackjack. The immortal game of 21 pulls you towards itself and does not let you go until you take it for a spin.

This is the scenario that most casino enthusiasts experience when setting foot in a conventional casino. However, the online world is an entirely different beast. The games and rules that govern it are a completely different ballgame. If you want to take the next step in your gaming journey and partake in online blackjack the right way, you have to join us on this incredible adventure.

We will start with the history of blackjack and its evolution through the ages, which will help you understand where strategy charts and other vital aspects of the game originate from. Then, we will dive into the various terms and phrases that you will encounter during your blackjack gaming session. These are the perfect backdrop to an exploration of rules and gameplay. Once you are familiar with the flow of blackjack, you are ready to evaluate various strategies. When you understand those, you are ready to pick up handy tips and tricks for starting and optimizing your online blackjack gaming. Join us on this incredible journey and unlock the next level of knowledge about the timeless game of blackjack.

Pros & Cons

Pros
There are plenty of game variants
You can place minimal bets
Games are highly accessible
Cons
There are few social interactions
Card counting is practically impossible
It is easier to get distracted and tempted

History

The precursors to what we now call blackjack were games such as “Vinget-et-Un” from France and “Sette e Mezzo” from Italy. They were around in the 17th century, and they involved reaching a specific point value without exceeding it.

The term “blackjack” first appears in 19th-century records from the United States. It initially referred to a hand consisting of an Ace of Spades and a black Jack (either a Jack of Spades or Clubs). Punters were given higher payouts for said hand, which helped make the game popular.

The early 20th century saw a steep rise in blackjack's popularity, with the main driving force being promotional features. Casinos offered bonuses for winning specific hands, especially the blackjack hand.

The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of a basic blackjack strategy, which was developed by mathematicians such as Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott. They developed the first-ever basic strategy chart, which outlined optimal plays based on the player's and dealer's upcard. Card counting appeared shortly after, courtesy of professor Edward O. Thorp’s 1962 book titled “Beat the Dealer”.

Casinos attempted to combat these approaches by introducing multiple decks, changing the rules, and deterring card counters with legal bullying. This last restriction is nowadays less prevalent, while also being completely impossible to enforce online.

These eras gave birth to various blackjack genres, such as classic blackjack, Spanish 21, Pontoon, American Blackjack, European Blackjack, Super Fun 21, and more. When online casinos started introducing blackjack, it became more popular than ever. The idea of having live dealers eventually appeared and was quickly taken up by the gaming community.

Modern online blackjack is an unforgettable experience that is due for an upgrade. The emergence of VR and AR online blackjack is signifying the start of a new chapter in the game's history. A chapter that you should definitely partake in. Stay with us to learn precisely how you can go about doing that.


Popular Terms

Blackjack has been exposed to various cultures and languages over the years, with the game now experiencing a linguistic renaissance thanks to its global presence. All of these punters over the centuries have helped coin various terms that you should be familiar with when partaking in blackjack. The most popular blackjack terms include:

  • Blackjack - A hand consisting of a 10, Jack, Queen, or King. It results in an automatic win unless the dealer also gets a blackjack.
  • Bust - Going bust means that you exceed a hand value of 21. Note that you lose your bet regardless of what the dealer has.
  • Double Down - A betting option that allows you to double your original bet after receiving cards. It is perfect for squeezing additional winnings.
  • Hit - The act of requesting an additional card from the dealer. You can hit as many times as you want until you decide to stand or go bust.
  • Hole Card - A face-down card that is dealt to the dealer in variants such as American blackjack. It is revealed at the very end of a round.
  • Insurance - A side bet that is on offer when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Punters get paid when the dealer has a blackjack.
  • Push - It occurs when the player's hand and the dealer's hand have the same total value. The player's bet is returned, and no winnings or losses occur.
  • Soft - A soft hand in blackjack contains an Ace, which is worth either 1 or 11. An Ace-6 hand is considered a soft 17 because it can be counted as 7 or 17.
  • Split - When a player receives two cards of the same rank, they can split them. Note that splitting tens is an awful idea.
  • Stand - The act of not taking more cards and keeping your current hand. Hitting can cause you to go over 21, so it is occasionally the best possible move.
  • Surrender - The option of forfeiting your hand and receiving half of your original bet back. It is great for minimizing losses when you have a weak hand.
  • Upcard - A face-up card dealt to the dealer. It is the perfect basis for forging strategies.

Rules

Being familiar with the most popular terms is handy, but it is utterly useless if you are unfamiliar with the gameplay and rules of online blackjack. This section is dedicated to plugging those exact holes.

  • Objective - Your objective is to get as close to 21 without exceeding it. Note that you can also land the exact value of 21.
  • Card Values - Numbered cards, from 2 through 10, are worth their face value. Face cards, Jack, Queen, and King, are worth 10 points. Aces are worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand more.
  • Game Setup - The game is usually played with one to eight decks of standard cards that count 52 in total. Players are dealt two face-up cards, while the dealer receives one face-up (the upcard) and one face-down (the hole card) card.
  • Player’s Turn - Players are given the liberty to hit, stand, double down, split, and surrender. We will explore these individually in an upcoming paragraph.
  • Dealer’s Turn - After players complete their actions, the dealer reveals their whole card. The dealer has to hit until their hand totals 17 or more, with some variants forcing the dealer to hit on a soft 17.
  • Winning and Payouts - If you have managed to get closer to 21 without busting than the dealer, you win. If you have the same hand value as the dealer, you get your bet back. If the dealer busts, every remaining player wins. If you bust, you lose your entire bet.
  • Natural Blackjack - If a player is given an Ace and a 10-point card as their initial two cards, they essentially receive a blackjack hand and win immediately. The payouts are typically high, usually around 3:2 or 2:1, depending on the casino rules.

We want to also give you a quick overview of your betting options so that you are entirely aware of all the tools at your disposal, which include:

  • Hit - You can request additional cards one at a time by simply hitting. You can hit as many times as you please until you go bust.
  • Stand - You can choose to stand, which is essentially just staying with your current hand and not receiving additional cards.
  • Double down - By doubling your bet, you commit to taking only one more card, but you also increase your potential payout size.
  • Split - Splitting cards means that you separate a hand into two new ones. You can then play each one independently.
  • Surrender - You can forfeit your hand and receive half of your bet back. It is great for minimizing losses when you have a weak hand.

Strategy

You will inevitably come across an article or blog that claims to have the winning combination of blackjack. The latter will present a strategy that it claims to be a guaranteed win machine. We want you to stay safe and not fall for every lunatic's strategy, which is why we are presenting these scientific-based ones.

  • Card Counting - While this strategy requires a lot of experience and practice, it can give you a massive edge when gambling. However, most online blackjack variants use multiple decks, which makes counting cards practically impossible.
  • Doubling Down - A highly profitable strategy when used correctly. You should double down on a total of 11 when the dealer's upcard is weak, so at 2 through 10, or when you have a soft hand, and the dealer's upcard is weak.
  • Splitting Pairs - When you have a pair of cards of the same rank, it might be beneficial to split them into two separate hands and hit those individually. This does not apply to a pair of tens, as splitting those is counterproductive.

Tips

You should always strive to maximize your online gaming, which is easier said than done. Check out the following handy tips to achieve that easily.

Kicking Things Off

Now that you have had a taste of what blackjack is like, we are sure that you are itching to play it. Check out the following crash course and start your blackjack gaming adventure in minutes.

1 Pick a Reputable Casino

The reason why you should always stick to proven online casinos is simply safety. Reputable casinos honor payouts, feature leading casino software solutions, and keep your personal information under lock and key. While you can join random casinos, it might end in you getting scammed. Check out our list of the best online blackjack casinos to join the best today.

2 Consider a Bonus

Online casinos offer a plethora of bonuses, including welcome, deposit, reload, cashback, free spin, and no-deposit ones. Pick the promotion that aligns with your preferences, and remember to always check the wagering requirements and eligible games.

3 Consider Opening an Account

This might seem like a silly thing to point out, but when you consider opening an account, you should evaluate the banking options that your casino features. These will be instrumental to all of your deposits and withdrawals. Moreover, make sure that you claim bonus codes during the registration process if necessary.

4 Pick Your Variant

There are countless blackjack variants out there, with the kings being Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, and Atlantic City Blackjack. Make sure to always pick the variant that you are most comfortable with.

5 Always Withdraw

Never hold funds in your gaming account. Withdrawing them puts them in a more secure place and prevents instinctive gambling. What is more, you can claim new bonuses when depositing before your next gaming session.

Terminology

The world of online blackjack is filled with various terms and phrases that vary in terms of understandability. We want you to have the best possible online blackjack gaming experience, which is why we have prepared an extensive library of slang and jargon terms. Check out the following blackjack glossary and speak like a blackjack pro in minutes!

Blackjack Glossary

Blackjack Game Variants

The internet is filled with countless blackjack game variants whose entertainment factor differs significantly. These titles feature various themes, game mechanics, and bonuses. Understanding their nuances can make or break your gaming session, which is why we have prepared this handy breakdown:

Classic Blackjack

Sometimes referred to as “Traditional Blackjack”, this is the variant that you will come across in every online casino. Your objective is simple: get as close to 21 without exceeding it while beating the dealer. Players can split pairs, double down, and take insurance against the dealer.

Live Blackjack

It is an immersive version of blackjack that is played with a real dealer who manages the entire game. His actions and reactions are streamed directly from a studio or brick-and-mortar casino. You can interact with the said dealer and even fellow punters in real-time.

Spanish 21

It is a unique take on blackjack that is played with a deck that does not include any 10s. The game does not allow for tied games, as a player that hits 21 wins no matter what. You can double down at any point and even resplit. There is also a “late surrender” feature, which gives you more maneuver space.

American Blackjack

A common blackjack variant in the United States. It is pretty similar to Classic Blackjack, with the main difference being that the dealer often checks for blackjack if the upcard is an Ace or a ten-value card. The entire gameplay is, otherwise, quite traditional.

Pontoon

A British take on blackjack that features distinct terminology and rules. Instead of hitting and standing, you twist and stick. While the objective of the game is the same as in the classic variant, the dealer’s cards are both face-down or hole cards. Five card hands also pay extra, which makes them a prime target.

Super Fun 21

Super Fun 21 is an exciting blackjack variant with slightly more liberal rules as opposed to traditional blackjack. It has unique features such as surrender at any stage and special payouts for certain hands, such as a diamond blackjack or a 6-card Charlie. You can even surrender after a failed double down, which is excellent for minimizing losses.

Blackjack Switch

Players are dealt two separate hands and forced to choose to switch the second card between them in order to forge the best possible hand. This twist adds a strategic element to the game and forces players to maximize winning potential when swapping cards.

Zappit Blackjack

The game's odd name derives from a feature called "zap", which allows players to discard their initial cards if the totals amount to 15, 16, or 17 points. They get two cards in exchange, which can produce much better hands. The zap feature adds another layer of strategy and excitement, as zapping can turn losing hands into winning ones. Note that winning when using the “zap” feature prevents you from getting the typical 3:2 payout.

Atlantic City Blackjack

A popular blackjack variant often played in Atlantic City casinos. It uses eight decks of cards with specific rules, such as late surrender. The latter is great for pulling away from a weak hand whilst retaining half of your bet. What is more, you can split your cards up to three times. Note that the dealer usually stands on all 17s.

European Blackjack

It is a blackjack variant that is very close to Classic Blackjack, with the main difference being that the dealer does not check for blackjack until players complete their turns. This means that you can lose additional bets that you make during your turn. Additionally, there are no hole cards, so the dealer deals his first card face-up and only deals the second one when the player has played their hand. There are also restrictions on doubling down, in the sense that you can only do it on hands worth 9, 10, or 11. You might also encounter limitations on card splitting.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

A blackjack variant that incorporates side bets that allow punters to wager on whether their initial hand contains a pair, such as two 7s of hearts. Different pairs offer different payouts, which adds another layer of fun to the game. Note that side bets can be made alongside main blackjack wagers.

Infinite Blackjack

It's an interesting take on blackjack that allows an unlimited number of players to sit at a single table. It incorporates unique features such as six-card Charlie rules and side bets. A six-card Charlie is essentially a hand of six cards that do not bust. It results in an instant win. Note that the side bets in question are any pairs, 21+3, hot 3, and bust it.

Progressive Blackjack

A clever twist in the form of a progressive jackpot makes this blackjack variant stand out from the rest. Specific hands will get you a substantial jackpot prize. However, most progressive blackjack games require you to place an additional side bet in order to qualify for the progressive jackpot. If you evaluate the additional anticipation and thrills, you will see that progressive blackjack is definitely worth it.

Double Attack Blackjack

A distinctive gameplay experience that lets punters double their initial bet after seeing the dealer’s upcard. This allows you to capitalize on advantageous cards in a dynamic way. The game also follows traditional blackjack rules, with the goal of beating the dealer to 21 without surpassing it. A natural blackjack gives you even money.

Lucky Blackjack

Lucky Blackjack brings side bets to the table, which allows players to wager on specific outcomes, such as the dealer busting or achieving exact hand totals. These side bets provide additional opportunities to win and add a great deal of excitement to the game.

Double Exposure Blackjack

A blackjack variant renowned for its transparency, as both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-up. While this gives players an advantage, the game compensates with select rules. A great example is the dealer winning on ties, except for when the player lands a blackjack. A blackjack pays out even money as opposed to the standard 3:2 payout.

21 Duel

21 Duel is a captivating blackjack variant with unique gameplay elements. Punters are given two communal cards, and they are forced to pick one and combine it with their two-card hand. The general objective is the same: getting as close to 21 as possible. Community cards make the entire affair slightly more unpredictable, which is great for having dynamic gameplay.

Triple 7s Blackjack

One of the most interesting progressive jackpot blackjack variants offers the chance to win a substantial jackpot prize by landing specific combinations of sevens. Note that you usually have to place an additional wager alongside your primary wager in order to qualify for the best rewards.

Vegas Strip Blackjack

A popular variant based on Las Vegas casinos that uses four decks of cards. It also features the ability to double down after splitting and when the dealer stands on all 17s. Note that counting cards is practically impossible because of the aforementioned four-card decks.

Big Five Blackjack

This blackjack offshoot is played with five decks and boasts unique features, such as the dealer hitting on soft 17 and surrendering early. The rules, otherwise, align pretty well with traditional blackjack. You can even place additional side bets.

Vegas Downtown Blackjack

A popular blackjack variant that uses two decks of cards and slightly different rules than traditional blackjack. Players are allowed to double down on any two cards, even after splitting. The dealer usually hits on a soft 17. You can even bet on up to 5 hands at the same time, which ups the ante to unbelievable heights.

Ante Up 21 Blackjack

Speaking of upping the ante, Ante Up 21 is an interesting take on blackjack that introduces an “ante” bet before the start of each round. Punters place the ante bet and then proceed with the regular blackjack gameplay.

Chinese Blackjack

Sometimes referred to as “21-point”, a popular Asian take on blackjack with unique rules and hand rankings. Your goal is to achieve a specific combination, such as a 5-card 21-point hand or a 6-card trick. These give you additional payouts, but the fun does not end there. You can also split all pairs, which allows for incredible gameplay possibilities. Note that the best hand is two Aces.

Blackjack Surrender

Blackjack Surrender allows you to surrender your hand and receive back half of your original bet. While this might seem a bit defeatist, it allows you to minimize losses whenever you deem your hand too weak.

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FAQ

Yes, you definitely can! Most online casinos offer mobile-optimized websites or even dedicated applications that give you access to blackjack games. You can play whenever and wherever you want when using various Android and iOS devices.

Yes, you can! Some casinos feature demos or free blackjack games that you can use as practice runs for the real McCoy. These are great for testing out the quality of your studies and various strategies.

If you are a high roller who wants to risk larger sums on individual rounds, then sure! However, we highly recommend that you check out our high-limit online blackjack guide before you start your adventure.

Yes, you can! We actually highly recommend it to beginners, as it is the perfect way to ease into low-limit online blackjack action. There is a low-limit blackjack table out there for everyone, regardless of your budget.

The best blackjack games are hosted by reputable, licensed, and regulated online casinos. The best of the best are featured on our list of recommended online blackjack casinos.

A soft hand refers to a hand that contains an Ace, which can be counted as either 1 or 11 points. The perfect example is an Ace-6 hand, which can be counted as either 7 or 17.

Two tens amount to 20 points, which is the perfect starting hand in blackjack. Splitting them simply breaks a strong hand into two weak ones. You should stick to standing on the tens.

Yes, you definitely can! There are plenty of VR blackjack games out there, with the best ones offering unmatched immersion and gaming fun.

Yes, you sure can! There are hundreds of live dealer blackjack games that are streamed directly from brick-and-mortar casinos and dedicated studios. They are an unforgettable adventure, which is sadly rarely available to low-stakes punters.

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