While online poker might have the most variants, online blackjack is quickly catching up, and is giving online poker and other table games a run for their money. Call it Ving-et-un or simply 21, playing online blackjack has never been more available and affordable with online casinos. This guide is written by actual blackjack players to take your game to the next level with useful tips and strategies.
Choose the Online Casino Wisely
With so many online casino options available on mobile and desktop play, it is easy to forget rule number one – only play a reputable or licensed site. Playing at a vetted, licensed, and reputable online casino gives you player protection, including fair and transparent gameplay.
Know the Rules
Of all the table games, players flock to blackjack because of its simplicity and betting odds. Unlike poker, where you have to out-bluff the competition, playing live blackjack, like playing in person, has you going against the dealer. The game is called 21 because the player strives to have a playing hand worth 21 points or one higher than the dealer to win.
While it is possible to get a natural blackjack with the first two cards, that is not likely to happen too often. The key to online blackjack is to understand these playing fundamentals:
Hitting
If the first two cards don’t equal 21, you have the option of hitting, which means drawing an additional card.
There’s no limit to hitting. However, any hit runs the risk of busting. Busting means having a playing hand worth over 21, which is an automatic loss. Conventional wisdom calls for players to hit if their playing hand is worth eleven points or less because it is impossible to bust.
Another indicator of when to hit is based on the dealer’s upcard. In most blackjack games, the dealer’s upcard is the one that players see, while the second card is face down. If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, you have the option of taking the insurance bet.
The insurance bet is a way to hedge your losses in the great likelihood that the dealer is sitting on 21. As a result, the insurance bet costs 50% of your original bet. The issue with that is if you still win, you can ultimately lose 50% of your bet-taking insurance.
Standing
To stand means not to draw an additional card during the playing round. Players have the option of standing after their first two cards. The issue is, if you stand with a weak playing hand, usually less than thirteen points, you run the risk of the dealer moving past you. In blackjack, the dealer must hit until they get to seventeen or higher. Seasoned blackjack players usually stand somewhere between thirteen and sixteen points.
Doubling Down
Double down is like hitting; however, you only draw one final card for that round. To double down means matching your original bet. Of course, it’s possible to bust trying to double your winning bet. However, doubling down too early can also lead to losing twice your bet because you can’t anymore during that playing round.
Seasoned blackjack players like to double down with a playing hand worth eleven to twelve points. While it’s possible to bust with a twelve, there is a great chance that you can finish the playing round with an extremely high hand.
Splitting
Most online blackjack games support players splitting pairs into two separate playing hands. Always split Aces because you won’t bust with the next card, and the odds of finishing with two blackjack hands are on your side. Blackjack hands pay 3:2, so imagine winning that twice over.
Conclusion
It’s common for new online blackjack players to start with a strategy chart. Having a strategy chart helps beginners figure out when to hit or stand. With the rise of online casinos, you have more bonuses available to add to your bankroll. Even social casinos offer fantastic daily bonuses. For example, with the Spree no deposit bonus, new blackjack players have 24/7 access with 1 million Gold Coins and 2.5 Spree Coins for cash prizes.
