Blackjack Online: Game Basics and Popular Strategies
Blackjack online is one of the most popular gambling entertainment among Canadian players. The simplicity of the rules and the exciting gameplay are some of the reasons why this card game is so popular.
Blackjack’s main advantage over other casino games is one of the lowest house edges. In this guide, we explain in simple terms the game basics, the most popular strategies, and tips to help make the gameplay even more fun.
Understanding the Basic Rules of Blackjack Online
Each casino game has its own rules, without knowing which the gambler cannot play confidently and safely. So, let us start with the fact that from 5 to 12 participants can play at the virtual blackjack table at the same time. However, no one plays one against one but against the dealer. The task of each player is to beat the dealer by scoring as close to 21 points as possible.
The player wins the game if:
- Their hand exceeds the dealer’s hand, meaning the combination of cards is larger.
- The dealer scores more than 21 points.
- The combination of the first two cards dealt is worth 21 points, while the dealer’s hand is lower.
The player loses the round if:
- Scores over 21 points.
- At the end of the round, the dealer’s hand exceeds your hand.
Blackjack Online: Card Value
Blackjack online uses regular cards. In this game, the suit of the cards does not play any role. However, you need to understand the cards’ value to score 21 points or a number close to it.
- The value of cards from 2 to 10 equals their face value. That is, 2 is two points, and 8 is eight points.
- Face cards such as King, Jack and Queen are worth ten points.
- An ace can be worth one or eleven points. It depends on how many points are missing or how much the player or dealer has gone over.
Features of Blackjack Online Explaining
Having received two cards, the player can act according to several scenarios. Given their cards and the dealer’s up card, the gambler can take or refuse additional cards, split the cards into two hands and play with them, double their bet, play additional bets or give up. Below we have described in more detail the possible options for the player’s actions.
Player Can | Explanation |
|---|---|
Hit | The player draws additional cards until he exceeds 21 points and decides to stop or give up. |
Stand | Refuse additional cards, as your cards suit you. |
Double | The player can get an additional card by doubling his bet. |
Split | If a player has two cards of the same value in their hands, they can split them into two different hands and play like that. |
Surrender | If a player does not like the cards, they may ask to change them in exchange for half of their original bet. |
Insurance | The player can ask for insurance for half of their bet if the dealer’s up card is an ace. |
Side Bets | A player can make an additional bet to the main bet in most online casinos. |
Player vs Casino Odds
Even though blackjack is a game of chance, understanding the odds of winning is important. It is not enough just to understand the value of cards and the types of bets. Players must know their chances of winning. After all, having cards in hand, the player must understand what prospects await them.
Player Busting Probability
Let us start with the fact that if the player needs to draw another card, they run the risk of busting if the value of the two cards available is high. If your hand is equal to 11 or lower, the chances of you busting are 0%. This is because an ace in this situation can be considered 1 point, and the second highest card is 10 points. But if the player already has 21 points and they ask for an extra card, there is a 100% chance that the player will score more than 21. If the value of the player’s hand is between 12 and 21, the chances of losing increase.
Player’s Hand Value | Probability in Percent |
|---|---|
11 or less | 0% |
12 | 31% |
13 | 39% |
14 | 56% |
15 | 58% |
16 | 62% |
17 | 69% |
18 | 77% |
19 | 85% |
20 | 92% |
21 | 100% |
Dealer Busting Probability
As for the probability of a dealer busting points, these numbers may vary depending on the blackjack version. In some game variants, the dealer must score at least 17 points, or they lose. The dealer’s weakest hand is a combination of cards with a value of 6 points. In this case, the probability that the dealer will bust is from 42 to 44%.
Dealer’s Hand Value | Probability in Percent |
|---|---|
Ace | 17-20% |
2 | 35-36% |
3 | 37-38% |
4 | 40% |
5 | 42% |
6 | 42-44% |
7 | 26% |
8 | 24% |
9 | 23% |
10 | 23% |
Blackjack Online: Popular Among Gamblers Strategies
As we said earlier, blackjack online is popular due to having the lowest house edge of any gambling game. However, that is not all. Following a certain game strategy can reduce this figure even further to 0.2-0.5%. Our experts have analyzed some of the most popular strategies. Below we describe how they work. However, before proceeding to their description, we remind you that studying and practising strategies in demo mode is better.
Do not Divide a Pair of Tens and Fives into Separate Hands
Generally, splitting the cards into two hands gives the player a better chance of winning. However, with these two cards, it is the other way around.
Double Your Bet if You Have 11
The player decides whether to double down or not depending on their cards and the dealer’s hand. However, if you have 11, experienced players recommend doubling the bet.
Hold if You Have 16, and the Dealer’s Up Card is 10
If you have 16 points and the dealer’s up card is 10, then the best decision is to stand or give up.
If You Have 8 and the Dealer’s Up Card is 5 or 6 – Double the Bet
For the dealer, a hand of 5 or 6 is very low. Therefore, if a player has a card value of 8 or higher, they can safely raise their bets.
Split Two Hands a Pair of Aces and Eights
Experienced online blackjack players say that if you have a pair of aces or eights in your hand, you should split them into two hands to increase your chances of winning.
Free Blackjack Online Compared to Real Money Play
On the site of most operators, the punter can play their favourite game for free or select a mode for real money. It is impossible to say unequivocally which of the options is better since both modes offer the player many advantages and a unique gaming experience. Below we have outlined the top reasons why a gambler would want to play any of these versions of blackjack online.
Free Play
- A great way to learn the rules of the game and hone your skills without the risk of losing money
- No need to replenish the game account
- You can practice different game strategies
- Opportunity to try new variations of blackjack online
- Fun without investment
Real Money Play
- It is possible to win real money
- Experiences make the gameplay more fun
- It is possible to use bonus funds in the game
- Ability to play with a live dealer
FAQs about Blackjack Online
Perhaps if you had a very good memory, you would succeed in a physical gambling establishment. However, the game’s results and combinations of cards in online blackjack are generated by special software, so it is unreal to calculate the cards.
Experienced players do not recommend doing this. This type of betting usually has a much higher house edge.
There is no clear answer here. It all depends on the preferences of the player. Many true gamblers are sure that nothing can replace the authentic atmosphere of land-based casinos. At the same time, other players choose online sites because of the convenience and availability 24/7.
Although online blackjack is a game with a minimal house edge compared to other casino games, you can only beat the operator in the short term. Here, as in any other game, everything depends not so much on the knowledge of the rules and strategies but your luck.
Yes. Many gambling platforms provide two game options: demo mode and real money mode. To learn the rules and basics of the game, start with the free version. Then, having studied all the possible combinations and practising, you can move on to playing for money.
