Learn everything you need to know about the iconic game of Blackjack, including the game’s basic rules, the lingo used by seasoned players, and advanced strategies. In this comprehensive Blackjack guide, you come across a comprehensive game overview, all the information about different Blackjack variants, gameplay tips, free Blackjack variants, the best online casinos to play Blackjack for real money, low and high limit Blackjack table games, and more.
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Blackjack is not your typical online casino game, but one of the most popular casino games around the world which is equally enjoyed at land-based and online casinos. Commonly called 21, the game of Blackjack has unique exciting features that not many other casino games can offer, alongside an unrivaled gaming experience that many other games cannot match.
The major appeal of the game remains the same across all different Blackjack games. Three Blackjack features are particularly appealing including the game’s basic rules which are very easy to understand and learn. The goal of the game is always the same, to hand a winning hand with a total of twenty-one or very close. Thanks to the game’s very simple rules and gameplay, everyone can get to the grips with the rules, including casual beginner players. The game’s simplicity also means that the iconic game of Blackjack is easily transferred to online casinos without losing its essence and the thrill that goes with playing Blackjack in brick-and-mortar casinos.
Another major reason behind the game’s tremendous popularity is the fact that it relies on strategies and skills more than other casino games. Using the right strategy can significantly improve your winning odds. Moreover, in Blackjack, every single move matters. Fans of Blackjack are constantly looking for new ways to refine their winning strategies and sharpen their gaming skills. In the hopes of beating the casino, some employ counting cards and other techniques. The availability of different winning strategies adds to the game’s excitement, intrigue, and mystery.
Another reason for the game’s popularity lies in its different variants. Super Fun 21, European Blackjack, and American Blackjack are just some of the many other very exciting Blackjack games you can play online. While all variants follow the same basic rules, they have their unique features. Either way, the main goal is always the same, getting to twenty-one or as close to the mighty number as possible.
Playing different Blackjack games in online gambling environments is as equally popular as playing Blackjack in land-based casinos. Thanks to the game’s amazing popularity among online casino players, almost every iGaming site out there offers at least a couple of different Blackjack variants. All of these exciting games are neatly rendered with tremendous visuals and great graphics. Even though online Blackjack games cannot replace the thrill of playing Blackjack in brick-and-mortar venues, online casino content developers do an amazing job when it comes to ensuring an immersive online Blackjack experience for all Blackjack enthusiasts.
Everything you come across on this page provides valuable information on the most iconic casino game. One of the sections covers all the interesting facts regarding the history of Blackjack. Then, you have all the pros and cons, information about all the different online Blackjack variants, tips, and strategies to help you boost your winning odds. One of the sections also provides answers to the most frequently asked questions. All in all, you want to stick around as much more is coming.
One of the oldest casino games in existence has its roots deeply ingrained into history. Back in ancient France, a very popular card game Vingtetun (which translates to twenty-one) was widely played. This is the game that most experts believed inspired the modern game of Blackjack we enjoy playing today. Ancient France is also believed to be the birthplace of Blackjack. Historians also agree that the game of Blackjack was introduced to other parts of the globe thanks to migrants who traveled from Europe to America. Over the course of many years, the game of Blackjack has been enriched with new rules and features by taking inspiration from other card games, mainly those popular in Rome, China, and Egypt.
As previously mentioned, Vingt-et-un translates to twenty-one, so we know how the iconic game got its name at the very beginning. However, the modern game of Blackjack played today is not so similar to the variant played back in the beginning. In fact, the basic rules of the games have changed quite a lot. Historically, having a Blackjack meant that players have either a jack of clubs or a jack of spades. Essentially, players who had an Ace of Spades or blackjack, and in this case, they received a bonus payout of 10:1.
The game’s burst on the gambling scene was helped by the decision made by the Nevada Government to legalize most forms of gambling during the Great Depression. This decision came almost naturally as the government was looking for new ways to get extra revenues. In a relatively short time period, the game of Blackjack found its way to most Las Vegas casinos and later to other parts of the USA.
What started as a simple card game in France became one of the most integral parts not only of the American gambling scene but the gambling scene in general. Thanks to the advent of the internet, the game of Blackjack evolved to include many different Blackjack variants, such as live dealer blackjack, and others. Regardless of which Blackjack variant you play, the rules never change only the thrill gets bigger and better.
Popular Terms
Even though the game of Blackjack is a French game, the lingo and terminology used by Blackjack fans have been adapted over the years to fit the American style.
Blackjack: Having a hand made of an Ace, Jack or King, and Queen. Jacks are worth ten.
Bust: Having a losing hand with a total above twenty-one.
Double Down: Double Down is a unique feature that allows players to double up their original wager. When players Double Down, they also agree to quit after getting an extra card.
Hit: Hit is when players ask for an extra card.
Hole Card: Hole Card is the second card dealt by the dealer. Generally, Hole Cards are not turned until all players at the table have made their decision.
Insurance: When the dealer has an Ace, players have the opportunity to opt for insurance which is a cover for loss on the original wager. Insurance bets feature payouts of 2:1.
Push: When gaming rounds end in a tie.
Soft: Soft is when players have an Ace that is worth eleven.
Split: When players have two cards of the same value, they can divide these cards into two separate hands. They can continue playing with both of these hands at the same time.
Stand: When players choose to stand, they do not want to take extra cards.
Surrender: Players have also the option to quit the gaming round at any point during gaming sessions. When players choose to Surrender, they take half of their original stake. The Surrender option is not available at all casinos.
Upcard: The card that is facing up forming the dealer’s hand.
The main goal of the game is to get a hand with a total of twenty-one or as close as possible. Having a hand whose total is over twenty-one means you lose. All players at the same table compete against the dealer and the player who gets to the mighty number first wins. All cards in the deck have their value. All Jacks, Kings, and Queens are worth ten, while Aces can be either one or eleven.
The gaming round starts as soon as players have decided on their wagers. Following this, all players receive two cards from the deck. The dealer also takes two cards. The dealer’s second card is always the Hole Card which means players see the card after making their bets. Players can opt to get extra cards or stand. Split and Double Down options are also available. The gaming round continues until the dealer has a total which is over seventeen or until his total gets to twenty-one.
In the game of Blackjack, players can tie with the dealer, lose, or win. When there is a tie, players get their money back. However, the biggest payouts are reserved for hard Blackjack hands with the first hand featuring an Ace valued at ten. Payouts for hard Blackjack hands are usually 3:2.
Just like most other card games, the game of Blackjack involves some advanced mathematics and strategies. Many different permutations and combinations can happen in a single gaming round and players who can more focus on what is happening at the table are usually those with higher winning odds. The main focus should always be on the croupier’s hand. Some Blackjack players turn to card counting techniques to be in a better position later on in the game.
Beginner players should familiarize themselves with the game’s basic rules before they turn to some more complex winning strategies. One of the most important skills when playing Blackjack is actually knowing when to stop taking new cards and when to accept new cards. Equally important is knowing when to split the hand and when to double down.
In Blackjack, like in other games, the casino has the advantage. However, players still have the opportunity to win and take home substantial profits.
In the simplest terms, the game of Blackjack is generally about probability. If you can focus on what is happening at the table and if you know your numbers, you can win. If you lose focus, winning odds decrease. There are also several simple rules to follow. If you have a hand whose total is over seventeen, you should not accept new cards. If your hand’s total is between five and sixteen, you may opt to receive more cards. The game is even more thrilling when you split and double down. All in all, stay focused on the dealer’s hand and you will thrive.
These tips featured in the following sections will help you become an expert in playing online Blackjack.
One of the most important tips we can give you is to be aware of the odds and this is equally important when playing online and at land-based casinos. Rules of the game always remain the same, but payouts differ from one casino to another. For instance, some casinos offer 6:5 payouts for a hard blackjack instead of the usual 3:2 payout.
Experts in playing online Blackjack always advise new players to practice for free before they play for real money and we have to agree. Thankfully, many online casinos offer free Blackjack games you can play without investing a dime. This way you get that much-needed practice so you have a great foundation to increase your real money winning odds.
Composure is the key, just like in other classic table and card games. If you are angry or fueled with some other emotions, you should not play for real money until you regain your composure. One of the most likely scenarios when playing while fueled with emotions is a greater risk of losing money. Being composed and calm will help you keep your focus, think straight, and ultimately make smarter decisions.
Knowing the game’s rules is crucial from every point of view. To learn more about the game and its rules, you can watch movies, such as 21 and Rain Man which have done an amazing job when it comes to explaining the mathematics and probabilities involved in the game. If you are up for a comedy movie with some Blackjack action, Hangover is a great choice.
Now that you know everything about the rules of the games, you probably want to start playing online. Before you do so, make sure you check out our tips for getting started.
When looking for an online casino, you want to pick an iGaming site that has an impeccable reputation. Choosing a reputable casino means choosing an online casino that is regulated and licensed by a well-known iGaming authority. Since these casinos operate according to rigorous rules and regulations, their casino games, including blackjack, guarantee fair results. Their bonuses are also attached with favorable playthrough requirements. We have a list of the best casinos that offer real money Blackjack games, so make sure you first check those.
Before you find your seat at a blackjack table, you should invest some time in learning the game’s rules. Once you are familiar with all the rules, invest some time in learning about different Blackjack variations. Also, keep in mind that different Blackjack games have some unique rules and features.
Once you have familiarized yourself with the game’s rules and everything else, find yourself a blackjack table to place your first bet. Finding a free blackjack table will not be an issue and this is one of the biggest advantages of playing Blackjack online.
Once you get your cards, you need to place your wager. Keep in mind that betting limits vary between different Blackjack games, so it is always a good idea to check these limits before you start playing.
The paytable in all different online Blackjack games is very easy to understand. Having a hand with a total of twenty-one means you win. The highest number you can get without going over twenty-one is twenty. You have the highest number with two face cards, two tens, or a Ten accompanied with a face card. Having a total above twenty-one means you lose.
If you have played the game of Blackjack in a land-based casino or you just witness others playing, you have probably heard different terms and jargon used by seasoned Blackjack players. If you are not familiar with these, you may feel like they are speaking another language. Fortunately, we have a list of the most commonly used terms by Blackjack players to help you understand what is happening at the table.
Learn moreBlackjack is a simple game on the face of it, but has countless different versions you can explore. At the leading casino brands, you can find many different blackjack games and take your pick. Thesre are a few of the most commonly played versions of blackjack found in online casinos:
Blackjack is one of the simplest card games around that has managed to hold the attention of millions of people. Long before the game was given its modern game, players understood the main goal, getting to twenty-one as close as possible without going over. Thanks to online casinos, you get to play many different Blackjack variants.
Live Blackjack allows you to enjoy the thrill, sounds, and sights of Blackjack gaming sessions played at land-based casinos from the coziness of your home. When playing Live Blackjack, you play against real dealers in real time. With Live Blackjack, you can interact with other players at the table which makes Live Blackjack perfect for players who want to benefit from playing online, while at the same time enjoying the authenticity of playing at brick-and-mortar casinos.
Spanish 21 is a fun game that has kept all of the classic Blackjack rules but also incorporated something different. However, unlike Classic Blackjack games that use standard fifty-two-card decks, Spanish 21 uses forty-eight-card decks. Spanish 21 does not feature ties, so you win if you have a hard blackjack even if the dealer has it also.
American Blackjack is a very popular Blackjack variant and here the main goal is the same, to get as close to twenty-one as possible without busting or going over. However, in American Blackjack, the dealer gets two cards, one hole card facing down and another card facing up.
Pontoon is a Blackjack variant that originates from the UK. The rules of the game are the same as the rules of standard Blackjack games, but the terms and jargon used are different. In Pontoon, one of the players at the table also acts as the banker or takes the dealer’s place. When the banker has a total of twenty-one, a pontoon is announced and the banker gets double the amount that every player has wagered.
Super Fun 21 has a couple of rules that make it different from classic Blackjack games. For instance, when splitting Aces, players can Hit or Double Down. Players also have the option to surrender after Doubling Down, as well as, Split pairs (Aces as well) up to four times. In Super Fun 21, there is the six-card Charlie rule. Players with a six-card hand whose total is less than twenty-one win automatically.
When playing Blackjack Switch, you get two instead of one hand. When the initial four cards are dealt, you can switch your second (top) card from every hand to boost your winning odds. Also, in Blackjack Switch, you need to make two equal wagers.
The rules of Zappit Blackjack are in line with the rules of other standard Blackjack games. However, when playing Zappit Blackjack players have the option to remove two cards they have received and replace them with two new cards. The only downside of doing this is not being awarded a blackjack when you have a total of twenty-one that came after replacing cards.
Atlantic City is another interesting Blackjack variant which born at casinos in Atlantic City. When compared to the standard game of Blackjack, there are some differences between the two. For instance, in Atlantic City Blackjack the croupier is allowed to check players’ hands and permit them to stand with a total of seventeen. In Atlantic City Blackjack, you can also split cards up to three times.
The rules of European Blackjack are almost the same as the rules of the Classic Blackjack game. However, the format of gameplay is slightly different. First of all, hole (face down) cards are not used. The croupier gets his first face-up card and then gets the second card after all of the players have played their hands. In European Blackjack, there are also some Double Down restrictions. More specifically, players can only Double Down if their hand’s total is eleven, ten, or nine. There are also restrictions on Splitting cards.
In its essence, Perfect Pairs Blackjack is the same as the standard game with one big difference. In Perfect Pairs Blackjack, side bets are allowed. Perfect Pairs side bets involve wagering on the dealer getting a pair or players getting two same cards. Players win their side bets when they get a perfect pair, colored, or mixed pair. Perfect Pairs Blackjack is one of the games with the highest winning odds.
Infinite Blackjack is one of the most innovative Blackjack games out there. Aside from standard betting options, this variant also features four side bets, including Bust It, Hot 3, 21 + 3, and Any Pairs. With side bets, you increase your winning odds. Infinite Blackjack has also a six-card Charlie rule which means you win when you have a six-card total of under twenty-one.
What adds to the overall excitement of Progressive Blackjack is the attachment of a progressive jackpot. Aside from this, the game follows the traditional rules. To be eligible for a progressive jackpot, you are generally required to place an extra ante bet.
Double Attack Blackjack borrowed rules from the iconic Spanish 21 game. In Double Attack Blackjack, players have the opportunity to make their initial wagers after seeing the dealer’s face-up cards with double attack blackjack. With this option, players get a natural blackjack that pays even money.
Lucky Blackjack is doubtlessly one of the most unusual games of this kind. Lucky Blackjack is played between one player and the dealer. Only the croupier receives two cards. Players place their wagers on how close the croupier’s hand will come to twenty-one. When players guess correctly, they get payouts of nineteen times their original stake.
Double Exposure Blackjack provides a twist on the classic game. In Double Exposure Blackjack, the croupier gets two facing-up cards. This provides players with an advantage. In this game, having a natural blackjack pays even money instead of the usual 3:2 payout.
21 Duel combines the best of Texas Hold’em and Blackjack, while the main goal of the game is the same as in other Blackjack variants. Moreover, both the croupier and the player have the option to use community cards to make their hands stronger. This is what makes the game similar to Texas Hold’em.
Triple 7s Blackjack plays like other classic Blackjack games but it comes attached with a progressive jackpot. The goal of the game is the same, to reach twenty-one. In addition, having certain hands gets you a bonus and to qualify for bonuses you need to place an extra bet, alongside your original stake.
Vegas Strip Blackjack is another variant that follows the standard rules. Vegas Strip Blackjack uses four decks that are shuffled following each hand. One of the biggest differences between Vegas Strip Blackjack and other Blackjack variants is that the croupier can peek for Blackjack when he has a Ten or an Ace. The dealer wins the round when he has a blackjack.
Unlike Vegas Strip Blackjack, Big Five Blackjack uses five decks. In this variant, the croupier hits on soft seventeen. This game also offers an early surrender option. Aside from this, the rules are the same rules followed by the classic Blackjack game.
In Vegas Downtown Blackjack, two decks are shuffled after each hand is used. In this Blackjack variants, players can wager up to five hands at the same time and each hand compares with the dealer’s hand separately. The dealer has two cards, one facing down and the other facing up. If the card facing up is an Ace, players have the option to take insurance.
Ante Up 21 Blackjack combines certain Blackjack features with poker. Still, the game is more focused on the features of Blackjack but it has extra betting options that relate. More specifically, players get into a two-card poker contest with the croupier.
Chinese Blackjack, also known as ban-luck, ban-nag, and 21-point) uses most of the rules from the standard Blackjack game. However, winning combinations and payouts are slightly different. Unlike standard Blackjack games, the best hand in Chinese Blackjack consists of two Aces and this is called ban-ban. The second-best hand in Chinese Blackjack is a card worth ten and an Ace. This is called ban-nag.
Blackjack Surrender is also played as the classic Blackjack game. However, in this variant, players can surrender even if the first two cards have been dealt. With the surrender options, players can get back half of the amount they have wagered.
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At the start of each round, the croupier deals two cards to all players. The main goal is to have your card total as close to twenty-one as possible without going over. You do so by hitting or asking for more cards or standing and playing with the cards you already have. You win if you have a total of twenty-one or if your cards’ total is higher than the dealer’s.
Yes, many online casinos offer great selections of Blackjack games you can play for free. Playing free online Blackjack games is an excellent option for all beginner players who want to sharpen their skills and learn the game’s rules without investing their money. However, keep in mind that playing free Blackjack games does not make you eligible for real money winnings.
No, online Blackjack games featured at licensed, reputable online casinos are not rigged in any way. These casinos operate according to rigorous regulations and they cannot offer rigged games. When you choose a licensed, reputable online casino, you can rest assured that respectable iGaming authorities are keeping an eye on all the games to make sure they deliver fair results. Essentially, no need to worry about rigged games for as long as you are playing at licensed casinos.
You essentially do not need much. If you have a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile device connected to the Internet you are all set.
This depends on your chosen online casino. If you choose an online casino that requires downloading its software to play, you need to get the software to get started. However, most online casinos are instant-play gaming platforms which means you get to play your favorite games without downloading any software. What you need to do is to register for an account to play for real money.
There are no laws that are strictly against card counting. However, card counting is not very practical when playing at land-based casinos and it is impossible when gaming online considering the fact decks are reshuffled after each hand.
While all online casino games are based on luck, the game of Blackjack has a certain degree of skill and strategy involved. When you use the right strategy, you can reduce the casino’s edge and increase your winning odds.
Since the rules of the game remain the same, regardless of your chosen gambling establishment, there is not much of a difference in your winning odds when playing online or at land-based casinos. However, certain online Blackjack games feature slightly higher winning odds mainly thanks to generous bonuses and promotions.
The odds of getting certain Blackjack combinations vary due to the game’s nature. For instance, getting a card with any value has a probability of 7.69%, while the odds of getting a card that is worth ten (Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings) is around 30.7%.
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