How to Play Online Blackjack

A brief overview of the game of blackjack

The game of blackjack was introduced to the world by the French sometime in the 18th Century. Someone from France also created the casino gambling games of baccarat and roulette. Why the French have influenced the global gambling industry is a mystery, but they have, and that’s all you need to know.

Blackjack is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. Each card retains its face value except for the Jacks, Queens and Kings, which have a value of ten, and the Aces, which can be one or eleven (more on this later). Most casino variations will use between four to eight decks of cards.

The object of the game is to get as close to a count of 21 as possible without going over 21. You can take as many cards as you like to make your total, but should you go over 21, you lose. Conversely, should you make a total of 21 with your first two cards (any ace and a ten), that is a natural or blackjack and is an instant win, except when the banker shows an ace or a ten. 

Equipment needed to play blackjack

To play the game of blackjack, you will require a few items of equipment. The good news is that you almost certainly have these already. 

Playing blackjack online at home

To play a game of blackjack snuggled up in front of the fire in your living room, you need three things.

1. A reliable internet connection (we like to call this wifi)

2. A desktop or laptop computer (you could also use your mobile)

3. A cup of tea and a digestive biscuit (almost any hot beverage or snack will do)

Other than an online casino account (which we will talk about later), nothing else is required to be able to play blackjack online.

Playing blackjack at the casino

For those of you with access to a vehicle and a desire to travel, a land-based casino may be your preferred option. Leaving aside the fact that it may or may not be raining and that gas prices are through the roof, casinos have more involved equipment requirements. The good news is that your chosen casino will almost certainly have purchased these in advance. 

1. A blackjack table (they usually come with seven seats)

2. One of the seven seats (that come with the blackjack table)

3. A casino dealer (these come in two types, male or female)

4. Four to eight decks of casino playing cards (unmarked)

5. A card-dealing device known as a shoe (this could be an automated shuffler)

6. A tray of casino chips of different denominations (these are what you bet with)

7. A discard holder to put the playing cards after every round

8. A valet who probably doesn’t serve tea and biscuits (cookies if you’re in the USA)

Now that you understand how much more time and effort, not to mention expense, is required for a trip to the casino, let's get back to talking about online blackjack.

An introduction to the rules of blackjack

The game is played by up to seven players plus a banker (the house), although an unlimited number of players can play online blackjack. 

Prior to any cards being dealt, the players (that’s you and me) place their bets in the betting boxes provided. Any bets must be within the minimums and maximums set by the house. For example, this might be a €5 minimum bet up to a €500 maximum bet. 

Players (you and me again) can usually play as many boxes as they like, although they may not always have the ultimate decision over how that box behaves. 

To begin the game of blackjack, each player is dealt an initial two cards face up from a dealing box known as a shoe. The banker, or the house, receives a single face up card; in some variations, the banker receives two cards, one face up, one face down.

As soon as the first phase (initial deal) of the game is complete, the decision-making process begins. At this stage, the choices you make (and, to an extent, the other players) will determine whether you win or lose the hand.

Decisions you get to make during a game of blackjack

• If you are happy with your hand, you should stand pat, meaning you don’t want to take any further cards. 

• On the other hand, if you’re not happy, you can draw another card. You may draw as many cards as you wish, but don’t go over 21.

• Under certain circumstances (receiving 9, 10 or 11 with your initial two cards), you may be allowed to double-down. This allows you to increase your bet by 2x if you believe you have an advantage.

• Should you be dealt two cards of the same value in your first two cards you will be given the option to split your hand. This means you can put down a further wager, equivalent to your initial bet, and receive two hands instead of one.

• If you are lucky enough to be dealt a natural blackjack (ace and a ten) as your first two cards, and the dealer is showing an ace, then you can take even money. This is a type of insurance, but unlike insurance, I recommend always taking even money.

• For any other two cards, against an ace showing for the dealer, you will be offered the chance to take insurance against the dealer's ace. It's not recommended, but some players do choose this option.

• Going over a count of 21 is going to cost you your wager. This is known as going bust and isn’t a decision; it’s an outcome.

• The only other possible outcome is if you end up with the same count as the dealer. This is known as a stand-off or a push, and neither wins nor loses.

Once you have made your decision, it is up to the dealer or the banker to make theirs. The only difference between your decisions and a dealer’s decisions is that the dealer does so according to a set of pre-determined rules. There are no such rules for you and me.

Dealer options

The dealer must stand on a count of 17 or higher. If the dealer holds a hand of 16 or less, then they must always take another card or cards until they reach 17 or bust.

Soft blackjack hands and hard blackjack hands

The only other thing you need to know is the difference between a soft hand of blackjack and a hard hand of blackjack. You will remember that earlier, I spoke about aces being able to have a total of one or eleven. Any two-card total that includes an ace is a soft hand. For example, an ace and a 7 is a soft 18. Conversely, a King and an 8 is a hard 18.

This is useful to know as it means that if you hold a soft total, you absolutely cannot go bust. Does this mean you should always draw another card if you hold a soft total? No, not necessarily. Look at my basic blackjack strategy chart below to see what action to take in different situations.

So, now you know a soft hand is any total that includes an ace, using that ace as one or eleven. You cannot bust a soft hand. A hard total is any hand that does not include an ace and could potentially bust when taking further cards. A soft hand ceases to be a soft hand once it reaches a count of 12 or higher. Ace + 7 + 4, for example.

How to play blackjack online

Blackjack is a game of decision-making. Each player faces a new scenario every hand, and they live or die on their decisions. But blackjack is also a strategy game. You could always rely on feelings, or the phases of the moon, or even taking an I Ching reading, but I find that adopting a basic blackjack strategy works best. Of course, there are specific tips you should follow when playing blackjack, but don't forget the basics, either. Make sure that you're still following the gambling guide essentials no matter what game you decide to play!

Basic strategy blackjack

A basic blackjack strategy is a set of optimum plays based upon which cards get dealt to the player and to the dealer. Every possible scenario has been examined by people much smarter than me, and below is what they came up with.

Player's Hand	Dealer's Upcard	Action
8 or less	Any	Hit
9	3-6	Double Down
10	2-9	Double Down
11	Any (except Ace)	Double Down
12-16	2-6	Stand
12-16	7-Ace	Hit
17+	Any	Stand
Soft 13-15	5-6	Double Down
Soft 13-15	Any	Hit
Soft 16-18	2-6	Double Down
Soft 16-18	7-8	Stand
Soft 16-18	9-Ace	Hit
Soft 19-21	Any	Stand
Pair Aces/8s	Any	Split
Pair 2s, 3s, 7s	2-7	Split
Pair 4s	5-6	Split
Pair 5s	2-9	Double Down
Pair 6s	2-6	Split
Pair 9s	2-6, 8-9	Split
Pair 10s	Any	Stand
Hard 16	9, 10, Ace	Surrender
Hard 15	10	Surrender

Mastering this chart can help reduce the house edge and improve your chances of winning. If you’d like more details on any part of this strategy or have other questions, feel free to ask a question in the comments section below.

How to choose an online blackjack casino

To be able to play blackjack online you first need to choose a blackjack casino. Happily for you, I’m from CasinoTopsOnline and here to help. 

1. Check suitable online casino comparison sites. There are many sources out there that list the top online casinos for you to choose from. 

2. Take a look through recommended online casino lists. The best online casinos for 2024 would be a good place to start.

3. Satisfy yourself as to its reliability and trustworthiness. All our recommended casinos will have the appropriate licensing from commissions such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

4. Search for a suitable welcome offer. Choose between matched casino bonuses, free spins or a combination of the two.

5. Once you have found an operator you like, with a casino bonus you are comfortable with, you are ready to create an online account.

How to create an online casino account

If you thought choosing an online blackjack casino was easy, then creating an account should be a breeze. Follow my guide to opening an online casino account, and we’ll have you up and running in no time.

1. Begin by clicking the big blue Visit Casino button to be taken to your chosen casino landing page.

2. The next thing you need to do is click the Register or Sign-Up button, which is generally located in the hero section at the top of the page. 

3. Now, you will be prompted to give yourself a screen name and set a secure password. You will also be asked to supply details such as name, address, date of birth, etc. This may require you to provide a valid photo ID and proof of address.

4. Once you have completed these steps, you will be taken to the casino cashier. This is where you will come across your deposit options and be asked to enter a bonus code if applicable.

5. In the final stage, you fund your account with the amount of cash you feel comfortable with. You can do this with a casino payment method, such as a debit card issued by Visa or Mastercard, an e-wallet such as Neteller or Skrill, or a prepaid card like Paysafecard.

That’s pretty much all there is to it! You now have a fully funded online casino account and can begin playing your preferred online blackjack game.

Selecting an online blackjack game 

Playing blackjack online is not the same as playing blackjack at your local high street casino. There are two glaring differences. The first is that you have the option to play RNG blackjack online. This is electronic blackjack, where a random number generator determines the distribution of the cards. The second is that playing blackjack online means you have to get up and make your own sandwiches.

Crucially, you will also be exposed to a much greater range of blackjack variants online. I have already gone over the basics of the game of blackjack earlier in this article, but in recent years, new game variations have been introduced. Many of these blackjack variants are side bets that give you more chances to bet. These may be linked to a progressive jackpot. Others are completely new variations of the game and I will discuss some of these below.

First person blackjack by Evolution Gaming

First person blackjack is a superb RNG blackjack game by Evolution Gaming. Known predominantly for their live dealer casino games, Evolution now produces RNG casino games and slots. This visually appealing game has five betting spots and allows you to bet on one, several or all five hands. You are also given the option of two blackjack side bets, Perfect Pairs and 21+3.

Perfect Pairs

Perfect Pairs is a blackjack side bet as opposed to a whole new version of blackjack. Essentially, you bet on being dealt a pair (same denomination) in your first two cards. 

• Pair of any denomination of different suits and colour pays 5 to 1.

• Pair of different suits but the same colour pays 10 to 1.

• An identical perfect pair of the same suit and colour pays 30 to 1.

You will notice that the payouts are quite significant. However, this does not reflect the true odds of this type of occurrence. The house edge on this blackjack side bet is 10.7%.

21+3

Another side bet popular with players (although I recommend you avoid it) is 21 plus 3. In this blackjack side bet, your initial two cards combine with the dealer’s hole card to make a three-card poker hand. If your initial dealt cards are both Hearts, and the dealer hole card is also a Heart, you will have made a Flush. This effectively combines two completely different card games into one. 

In truth, I’m not a fan. However, plenty of online blackjack players do wager on the chances of making three-card poker hands such as a straight, flush or full house, etc. They do so because the opportunity exists to win up to 100x your bet. The downside is that the house edge is significant and ranges from 13.30% in a one-deck game down to 2.74% in an eight-deck game. Anyway, you pay your money, and you take your chance!

Fun 21 Blackjack by Evolution Gaming

If you’re looking for fun, fun, fun, and infinite variations in a single game, then Infinite Fun 21 Blackjack is where it’s at. In this variation, you can double down at any time, which is a huge departure from the recognised rules of blackjack. Should you make a hand of 21, using three cards or more, then you will also win against a dealer 21 (other than blackjack) and not a push.

This version of the game allows for an infinite number of players, with each able to make independent decisions. There are also four blackjack side bets available, including 21+3, which gives you a chance to receive up to 50x your bet. 

Quantum Blackjack Plus by Playtech

A revised version of the original Quantum Blackjack, this version has random multipliers, much like some slot games. The downside is that if the dealer busts on a three-card hand, it is considered a push or a stand-off against a player’s winning hand.

Blackjack X by Pragmatic Play

Blackjack X is an RNG blackjack game from Pragmatic Play. It has some cool features, which I like, that include 8 decks, cutting card tracking and shoe reshuffle, and auto decision-making. It also has a multiplayer mode, live chat and a variety of blackjack side bets.

This version of online blackjack doesn’t differ much in terms of blackjack rules, but it does find favour with many online blackjack casinos in the UK. This is due to the ease with which this game can be branded to give you a unique experience.

7 blackjack strategy tips you may find useful

In this section, I am going to give you seven little nuggets of information that come from a lifetime of playing blackjack online and at land-based casinos. This may help you win online blackjack, but I can’t promise that you will win millions of euros or even that you will win at all. However, they may help you to manage your bankroll and enjoy your time at the tables.

1. Learn basic blackjack strategy. Earlier in this article, I provided you with a useful chart. Read it! Basic blackjack strategy may vary slightly depending on the type of blackjack game and the number of decks in play. However, getting to grips with the basics of blackjack will go a long way to helping you avoid crippling losses. You can try playing online blackjack for free first before risking real money.

2. Avoid blackjack side bets. They may appear attractive, and they may offer incredible odds, but the house edge on this type of bet can be huge. These bets will wipe out your bankroll faster than Max Verstappen can get his tyres changed.

3. Never surrender! In much the same way, Winston Churchill inspired a nation to never give up, and neither should you. Do not exercise the surrender option, no matter what your significant other may tell you.

4. Don’t take insurance either. Just because it is written in large letters in the middle of the table, or even despite it, doesn’t make it a good play. The house edge varies from 5.8% for a single-deck game to 7.5% for an eight-deck game. 

5. Take frequent breaks. Playing blackjack for hours can do your head in. Stay fresh, remain alert, and get a cup of tea! Seriously though, because blackjack is a decision-making game, it pays to use your brain in short spurts and avoid lengthy sessions. This will help make sure that you are continuing to follow responsible gambling practices.

6. Manage your bankroll effectively. No matter what anybody tells you, nobody ever won a million euros playing blackjack from a hundred-euro buy-in. Your goal should be to win approximately 20-25% of your total bankroll during any session. This means that if you sit down with €500 and find yourself €100 in front, that is the time to walk away. 

7. Don’t be afraid to change tables; it’s a good strategy. Should you find yourself seated at a table where you (and others at the same table) are experiencing consistent losses, go find another table. Playing blackjack online is like doing your laundry; it goes in cycles!

So there you go then, that’s all I’ve got for you. If you require more information, you may need to do more research or wait for my book to come out. In the meantime, I am going to leave with you a couple of frequently asked questions about blackjack that I get asked all the time.