The Top Real Money Online Blackjack Casinos of 2023 & Guide to Betting Real Money at The Blackjack Tables

While the game of 21 is relatively straightforward, it offers some incredibly fun and exciting betting options. Understanding them will help you maximize your next blackjack session.

• Hit - Should you choose to add another card and edge towards 21, you can hit.
• Stand - If you are content with your current standing and do not want additional cards, you stand.
• Double Down - If you want another card while doubling your original bet, you can double down.
• Split - If you want to break a pair of the same rank, such as two 7s or two 8s, you can split them into two separate hands. Note that you will need to place a wager that matches your original one.
• Surrender - You can, depending on the blackjack variant, surrender your hand. This returns half of your wager and takes you out of the action.
• Insurance - You can, depending on the blackjack variant, choose to take insurance when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. You are paid 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack, so a two-card hand totaling 21.

We understand the appeal that blackjack strategies have, especially when they promise the world. However, you should only rely on strategies and systems that are based on statistics. The most promising of these include:

• Split Pairs - If you are given cards of the same rank that are not 10s, split them. This will produce two decent hands that have more gambling potential. Remember to never ever split 10s, as they are almost the perfect hand.
• Double Down After Split (DDAS) - You can occasionally double down on your bet after splitting a pair. Make use of this feature when you have a favorable pair split, such as Aces or 8s.
• Resplitting Pairs - If you are dealt a card of the same rank after splitting, you can resplit the pair. This opens the door to more potential winning hands. We highly recommend it when you are dealing with low-ranked pairs, such as 2s or 3s.
• Soft Doubling - If you have a soft hand, such as a hand containing an Ace that is worth either 1 or 11, you can double down. Note that this is done when the dealer has a weak upcard, like 3 through 6.
• Hitting Soft 17 - This strategy actually involves the dealer taking action, not you. Certain blackjack variants force the dealer to hit on a soft 17, which can easily result in him going bust. It is, therefore, advisable to leave the dealer to his own devices and not interfere.
• Side Bets - While this is not a strategy that impacts the gameplay, it can help you garner bigger winnings. Side bets are option bets with a high house edge but generous payouts. Consider them as part of your wagering strategy.
• Card Counting - Contrary to popular belief, it is not illegal or frowned upon. You can card count as much as you please. However, most online blackjack games use multiple decks that make counting cards nearly impossible.
• Composition-Dependent Strategy - This strategy focuses greatly on your hand's composition. You, therefore, play a soft 15 differently depending on whether it consists of A-4 or A-3-2. Consult composition-dependent charts to learn more.

Understanding hand rankings can help you avoid misunderstandings and know precisely why each round ended the way that it did. Check out the following breakdown of blackjack hand rankings to learn more:

• Blackjack (Natural 21) - The highest-ranked hand that is formed by an Ace and a 10-value card, such as 10, Jack, Queen, or King. Note that there can only be two cards in your hand.
• 21 (Non-Blackjack) - If you have two cards that amount to 21 but do not form a blackjack, you have a strong hand that will win unless the dealer also has 21.
• Bust - If your hand exceeds 21, it goes bust, and you lose the round regardless of what the dealer is holding.
• Winning Hand (Under 21) - If you do not reach 21 but have a higher score than the dealer, you win.
• Push (Tie) - If your hand is equal to the dealers and not above 21, the round ends in a tie or push. Neither side wins, and your wager is simply returned.
• Losing Hand - If you have a smaller score than the dealer or a score above 21, you lose the round.

Blackjack is an unforgettable gambling experience that every punter should partake in at least once. The gameplay is simple, the payouts are superb, there are plenty of betting options, and you can claim a myriad of exciting bonuses. There is also room for plenty of strategies that rely on skill rather than luck. What is more, you can enjoy online blackjack at your regular online casino with full mobile gaming support. We invite you to check out our list of recommended online blackjack venues and join the action today.