Want to try your hand at one of the world’s most popular card games? Unlike other popular casino classics such as roulette and slots, the outcome of your game doesn’t entirely depend on chance. That’s right – with enough practice and a little bit of luck, you could play your way to some big wins playing online blackjack. If you’re completely green behind the ears, let us take you through the ins and outs, from the basics to the variations available at the best online casinos today.
Everything you need to know about online blackjack
The Basics
While there are several variants of this casino classic, the core premise remains the same. To win online blackjack, you must go head-to-head with the dealer and end the round with the better hand of cards. The winning hand is the one with a value closest to 21.
The Rules
A game of blackjack begins with the player placing a wager. The wagering limits will vary depending on the table limit you are playing. You can play low limit games for as little as 10p a hand or go for the high-roller VIP tables which go up into the thousands of pounds for each hand.
Once you’ve placed your wager, four cards will be dealt. You and the dealer will receive two cards each. Yours will both be face up, while one of the dealer’s cards will be face down. Your next move depends on the value of your card.
The card values are as follows:
- Numbered cards 2-10 are worth their face value
- Aces count as 1 or 11
- The jack, queen, and king are worth 10 points
Based on the value of your cards, you must decide on what action to take next. If the value of your hand amounts to 21, you’ve got blackjack – a winning hand. Landing blackjack pays out at 3 to 2.
If your cards total less than 21, you must either:
- Hit – take another card
- Stand – stick with the cards you already have
Once you have completed your turn, assuming you didn’t bust (score 22 or more), the dealer will play their hand in an attempt to land a hand equal or closer to 21. If both hands are of equal value, the hand is pushed, which sees your stake returned.
You can also double your bet in some instance. Here, you’re increasing your stake by 100 per cent. In most online casinos, ‘doubling down’ is allowed on any two original cards. However, a few casinos restrict this option to hands that hold a value of 9, 10 or 11.
If you’re dealt two cards of the same value, this is called a pair. Being dealt a pair gives you the option to split them into two separate hands. Each hand is played as usual, but you now have two chance to beat the dealer. Many blackjack players have rules and strategies surrounding the split bet, with several claiming that knowing when to split is vital to becoming a successful blackjack player.
How to play online blackjack for real money
- Choose a top online casino
The first action before beginning your blackjack adventure is to select where you want to play. Our list on this page is a good point of guidance for you as we only partner with UK Gambling Commission licensed casinos, so you know you’re in safe hands. You’ll also discover some top casino bonuses and blackjack promotions on the internet at Compare.bet. The sites on our list are a mix of familiar faces and brand new online casinos, so you’re spoilt for choice. - Sign up, deposit and claim your bonus
Now that you’ve decided where to play, you can register an account and become eligible for your welcome bonus by following our link. This will redirect you to a registration page complete with details of your welcome bonus offer. Once your account has been verified, you’ll need to deposit to claim your bonus – unless you’ve grabbed a no deposit bonus offer. Simply head to the cashier and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll be able to choose from a number of banking options at the top online casinos, from debit card to e-wallets like PayPal and Neteller. Your bonus will usually be credited almost immediately after you’ve made your first deposit. - Hit the practice tables
Now you’ve signed up and funded your account, you’re probably ready to get stuck into your first game at your new casino. Before you head off to a real money blackjack table, we’d recommend getting some practice on free demo blackjack tables. This is a great way to get familiar with different variations of the game, as well as the rules, controls and features that may differ across each version. It’s also a useful tool for players who would like to fine-tune their blackjack strategy. Once you’re comfortable, you can switch over to a real money game within seconds! - Choose your blackjack game
A quick look through the games collection at a top online casino will reveal a number of blackjack variants, as well as tables with different staking limits. You’ll need to choose a table with betting limits that match your bankroll. There are tables to suit all kinds of players, from newbies on a tight budget to experienced high rollers. - Try live dealer blackjack
Looking for a more realistic game with a human touch? Live dealer casino is the option for you! You can go head to head with a real croupier at live dealer blackjack tables. Expect HD live streams with superb audio quality, two-way communication and friendly, professional croupiers – all brought to the table to enhance your blackjack experience.
Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack presents you with several opportunities to land wins based on your own decisions. Naturally, this has lead to several ‘expert’ blackjack players developing a number of strategies and rules, with varying levels of success. Popular tips include ‘never hit on a 17 or above’ and ‘double your wager if you’re dealt a total of 11’. While there are several strategies that provide sound advice, it’s important to remember that it’s impossible to consistently predict the cards that are dealt to each side. Therefore, no strategy is foolproof.
Time to Play!
Blackjack is an excellent option if you’re looking for the perfect blend of simplicity and strategy. Now that we’ve shown you the ropes, you’re probably eager to try your hand against the dealer. Looking for a top online casino? We’ve put together an awesome lineup just for you. The casinos featured provide players with some of the best bonuses, amazing promotions and of course, offer the chance for you to win big on a number of blackjack games! Simply compare and sign up to start playing today!