Blackjack is a massively popular card game, with millions of enthusiasts worldwide playing it online. The fact it is so simple to play is one of the key reasons for its appeal. Browse the casinos below to find your Blackjack house!
Blackjack is possibly the most popular table game at both online and land-based casinos. Because Blackjack is as popular and available as it is worldwide, it's understandable that so many players are unsure whether they should play online Blackjack or live dealer blackjack.
What Is Blackjack and How to Play It
One of the most played casino card games in brick-and-mortar and online casinos is Blackjack, usually referred to as 21. Blackjack has very straightforward rules, which is one of the main factors in its continued popularity.
Blackjack is played on a semi-circular table in land-based casinos, with the dealer's side facing the straight edge and the round portion facing the players. Online casinos use the same setup and gameplay principles.
We've seen tables that only allow 5 players and some with 12 spaces, but the most typical tables have room for 7 players (or seven "spots"). The players sit on one side of the table while the dealer stands behind the table and chip rack.
Rules of Blackjack: How to Play Blackjack Online
There are numerous blackjack rules, rule variations and several deck counts in blackjack games. Blackjack is dealt from a 6-deck or 8-deck "shoe" in its most popular form (a plastic, card-dispensing device). Even though not all casinos that provide Blackjack will feature single and double-deck games, they are still very much in existence. As a result, "shoe games" are somewhat more prevalent.
As our example, we'll use the steps for the most popular six-deck blackjack game. The fundamental outline of a game of Blackjack is as follows:
- Player purchases chips
- The player places a bet.
- The dealer deals cards.
- Player makes a play on the hand.
- Dealer makes a play
- Payouts
Another thing to keep in mind when trying to win at Blackjack is that, unlike in poker, the cards held by your opponents have no bearing on whether or not you win. You and the dealer are the only participants in this transaction. Don't be fooled into thinking that "it's a team sport"; it's not.
Most Popular Types of Blackjack
By reading about them below, find out what makes a few of the most popular types of Blackjack different. If you find a blackjack type that agrees with your preferences, learn more about how to play it, and start enjoying it at one of our selected online casinos on this page.
Classic Blackjack
The most popular variation of the game, along with European Blackjack, is American Blackjack (commonly referred to as Classic Blackjack).
The moment the dealer takes his hole card during each game is one of the first distinctions you'll notice. Before a player decides how to play their hand in American Blackjack, the dealer receives their hole card, which is the card that remains face down.
Regarding key aspects of the game, like splitting and doubling down, there are various significant differences between the two forms.
European Blackjack
In European Blackjack, the dealer's hole card doesn't get handed until after the player has decided how to use the cards that have been dealt to them.
As a whole, there are more limitations than in American/Classic Blackjack on numerous gameplay elements.
Face Up 21
Face Up 21, often called Double Exposure or Dealer Disclosure is a variation of Blackjack in which both the dealer's and player's cards are dealt face up, providing players with two pieces of info to play their hands. Face Up 21's conventions fundamentally alter our approach to the game; card counting and hole-card hunches are no longer important aspects to consider; if you don't like what you see, play accordingly.
Naturally, this variation adds further rule modifications to make up for the tactical shuffle and favour the dealer. As a result, Face Up 21 has a higher house edge than standard Blackjack, but if you find it at your preferred casino, you can win a game if you modify your technique and play correctly.
The goal of 21 is still the same as it is in Blackjack: defeat the dealer and come as close to 21 as you can without exceeding it. But all of the cards are dealt face up during the game. That's all there is to the main difference between the two.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
An instance of a side bet that has gained so much traction that it is frequently regarded as a unique variation of the blackjack game (see also Blackjack 21+3).
Before cards are given, players can place a side wager on Perfect Pairs. They have a pair, and the side bet wins if their first two cards are face cards or the same value.
There are three different kinds of pairs:
- A mixed pair has a face card with the same value but a different suit and colour.
- A coloured pair has the same number or face card value but a different suit.
- A perfect pair consists of the same number, face card value, colour, and suit.
Before any cards are dealt, players must choose if they want to participate in the Perfect Pairs side bet. According to the house regulations of the land-based or online casino where you're playing, the side bet will then be settled before the main blackjack game is played.
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a fun variation on regular Blackjack that gives you more ways to win and a whole new way to play since the 10s are taken out of the deck. Spanish 21 is an excellent game for people who like Blackjack but want to try something different.
In Spanish 21, player 21 wins for sure, and a player blackjack invariably beats the blackjack dealer. Naturally, without 10s, it's much harder to get a blackjack. In European Blackjack, the dealer will hit on 16 and stand on 17. In some games of Spanish 21, the dealer might hit a "soft 17." (a 17 with an ace).
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is a casino game that Geoff Hall created and got a patent for in 2009. It is similar to Blackjack, but each playing position gets two hands instead of one, and the player can first switch the top two cards between hands.
Even though you won't find Blackjack Switch in many real-life casinos, playing it online is a great way to shake things up. Making a few minor changes to the rules makes the game more exciting and gives smart players a chance.
Playing Live Blackjack Vs Online Blackjack
Online Blackjack uses random number generators (RNG) to imitate traditional Blackjack to the letter. All decks in a shoe are reshuffled between each hand, making it more challenging to be on a "hot streak" than when playing strategically at a live dealer table.
ONLINE BLACKJACK ADVANTAGES
- Always available.
- Lower stake limits.
- Larger variety of games.
- Lower house edge tables.
- You can play and practice Blackjack for free.
ONLINE BLACKJACK DISADVANTAGES
- It's not a "real", brick-and-mortar casino.
- You don't get your winnings instantly.
The best of both worlds is available without deciding on just one. Make a trip to your local casino, sit comfortably in your chair, and click on your favourite online casino to play and practise online.
Online Blackjack Bonuses
You can participate in a promotion with casino bonuses and play the game to win free money. These promotions are a fantastic method to increase your bankroll. Numerous welcome packages include the well-known game in their wagering contribution table, while a few casinos offer particular promotions.
The top-rated blackjack casinos listed on this website provide the safest online gambling venues and the finest promotions.
Playing Free Blackjack vs Real Money Blackjack
The majority of free blackjack games are played against the computer. You can experience live dealer games, which let you compete against other players if you decide to move on to real money play.
The game is fundamentally the same. Most online blackjack sites use random number generating software, which is confirmed to be used in fair games.
The most significant distinction is that while playing Blackjack in person, you may be able to select your seat at the table deliberately so you can observe the cards being dealt before you take a turn.
Blackjack Tips: Online Blackjack Payouts and Odds
Live dealer blackjack and digital Blackjack often have the same or very similar average return to player (RTP). On the other hand, live dealer blackjack is played with a six- or eight-deck shoe that is shuffled between hands instead of between each hand.
This means that you can technically count cards when you play Blackjack with a live dealer, but it's not a good idea. If you raise your bets when there are more tens in the deck or lower your bets when there are fewer tens in the deck, you could be banned from the online casino, just like you could be at a real-life casino.
Still, there's no denying that the odds are better when you play live dealer blackjack with a lot of tens in the shoe than when you play digital Blackjack, where the shoe always has the same cards. Digital Blackjack, however, is better when a live dealer's shoes give out cards with low values.
But if you know that, you can switch between the two versions whenever it suits you. This means that the fact that live dealer blackjack is available means that you have better odds.
What will surely put the odds in your favour is knowing blackjack strategy charts, or atleast having them open while playing as it can help you tremendously. By using them while playing you will have a higher chance of maximising your play because those charts can tell you what you should do and when.
When it comes to payouts, most of the best online casinos offer a 3:2 payout, which gives the house a 0.5% edge. However, this isn't always the case. Some sites pay out 6:5 or, in some cases, even money when you get Blackjack. This can change the house edge in a big way.
Most online casinos do not include the blackjack 5 card rule as it can tip the scales into the player's field. Even if the player manages to get 5 cards once in 50 rounds it still won't be profitable for the casino. All online casinos that are respectable and licensed do not rig their games, and neither do they rig blackjack, however the casinos still want to have the odds in their favour which is why the 5-card Charile is not present at most casinos. Even when it is there are some different rules that tip the favour back to the house.
Online Blackjack Tournaments
Blackjack tournaments are ideal for those who enjoy the game. Blackjack tournaments take place in both land-based and online casinos and are a lot of fun. Players are pitted against each other instead of the house in this arrangement. A cash-prize competition is a great opportunity for gamblers to get together and compete against one another.
Casino Blackjack
- Your goal is to win money
- Play against the house/dealer
- Bankroll management affects your bets
- No one wants to see the dealer beat the table
- Unlimited win and loss potential
Blackjack Tournaments
- Play against the dealer and other people
- Sometimes you want the dealer to win
- You can lose chips and still win the round
- The current standings affect your bets
- Capped losses and wins
As with other casino competitions, blackjack tournaments are available in various formats. The number of participants, the progression of the game, and even how points are awarded can all vary.
Explore More Card Games
Blackjack is, without a doubt, one of the most well-known and popular card games in the world. However, if you wish to learn more about other types of card games, feel free to read up on different card games and try something new. Good luck!
