Regarding card games, blackjack is one of the most popular in the world. The game has been around since the 1650s and is believed to have originated in France. Since the 19th century, it has been regularly played in the UK and today has become one of the most popular card games in the world. If you wish to play blackjack online, though, you need to know three things in particular:
Read on to find out the essential details you need to know about blackjack. The sooner you learn these essential details, the sooner you can start playing blackjack and have a chance at winning big both in-person and online.
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Blackjack rules: what you need to know
The aim of blackjack is very simple – you need to beat the dealer’s hand without the numerical value of your cards exceeding a total value of 21.
In blackjack, all cards retain their typical numerical value, i.e., one is worth 1, 5 is worth 5, etc.
However, it is important to note that ‘royal’ cards – Kings, Queens, and Jacks – are all worth the same value as a 10 card. So, two Queens would give you a value of 20.
The Ace card has its own unique value – a valuation of either 1 or 11, whatever you choose.
To begin playing blackjack, you need to place a wager on the betting areas either on a live table or online.
You and all other players are then given two cards, held face-down, and the dealer takes one card that is held face-up.
If your first two cards meet a valuation of 21, then you have reached blackjack and won – congratulations!
If you have any other total, you can do two things: stay or draw. This is sometimes called ‘stick’ or ‘twist’.
If you ask to stay, then you stick with the cards that you have. If you draw, then you are given another card by the dealer. You can keep taking cards until you are happy.
Once each individual has taken their turn, the dealer will draw another card for their hand that will sit face-down. The dealer must continue to draw until they reach a number of 17+.
Once all cards have been drawn and everyone is ready to continue, whoever has the closest valuation to 21 wins. If both hands are equal, then you tie with the dealer.
Double & split
There is another element to playing blackjack that you should know about: ‘double and split.’ This means you can double your original stake using any combination of two cards. If you do this, you only get one more card – you cannot continue to draw after this.
However, you might choose to ‘split’ any pair of cards instead. You place a bet equal to your original blackjack bet to do this. You are then given another card for each split card, giving you two hands. This is not always used when playing blackjack online, but it is common in casino settings.
Insurance & surrender
If you go down the Double & Split route, you can also use what is known as ‘insurance.’ You can offer This safe bet to the player when a dealer has an ace card. This means that if the dealer has blackjack, you at least have the chance to break even. Insurance will be offered before the dealer checks their face-down card.
Of course, you also have the option to surrender. This means that if you think the dealer will beat you, then you can surrender. You fold that particular hand, and you only lose half of it instead of losing your full stake. You can only surrender before you receive extra cards, so choose carefully!
The different Blackjack games available
Of course, given that blackjack has been around for centuries, it has many forms and variations. While some variations are more popular than others, four of the most common forms of blackjack include:
Spanish 21
This is arguably the most popular format of blackjack online. 10s are not in the deck, and it comes with a higher payout of 3:2 compared to the 1:1 payout you get elsewhere.
Single Deck
Single-deck blackjack is very popular; if you hit a blackjack, you get a 3:2 payout. The dealer must also hit a soft 17, which only uses one deck, meaning lower variance.
Double Deck
Double-deck blackjack is quite different, using two cards instead of one. This is typically a blackjack game reserved for intermediate players.
Pontoon
Pontoon is slightly different from normal blackjack, but it is still fun. Pontoon requires you to aim for a five-card hand, a pontoon, while being under 21, which is the best hand possible.
Where to play Blackjack online
If you want to try playing blackjack online for free, we recommend starting your journey by checking our best online casinos in the USA in 2024 page or our page listing the best sweepstakes casino depending on your location.
FAQ – How to play Blackjack
The easiest way to play blackjack at home is online. You can play blackjack online for free without any issues. It is easy to find online, including at the recommended casino platform.
It would be best if you only considered going for a split when you have been given two cards with a value of ten, i.e., a Jack and a Queen. Otherwise, you are very likely to lose!
You should consider doubling down when playing blackjack if you are holding cards with a total of 9, 10, or 11 without an ace. If you have an ace, consider doubling down if your cards total 16, 17, or 18. If the dealer has an ace, though, do not double down!
As recommended above, we recommend starting your journey by checking our best online casinos in the USA in 2024 page or our page listing the best sweepstakes casino depending on your location.