Playing Blackjack At A Casino

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Want to beat blackjack? It all starts with learning how to play. In this video, professional Blackjack players Colin Jones and 'Loudon Ofton' break down the. Blackjack is hands down the most popular casino card game at Newcastle Casino! You play against the dealer to get your cards to.

For fans of table games in the United States, Blackjack needs no introduction. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer without going over 21. So if you are ready to race to 21, our experts at CasinoUSA are happy to share some of the basics, strategies, tips, tricks and more. If you are looking to play Online Blackjack for Real Money jump straight to our expert guide from here to find out which are the best US real money casinos.

For the most part, Blackjack is an exciting game with the potential to win big money. However, that’s only if you play with a cool head and stick to the rules and basic strategies. If you want to learn how to play blackjack the first important thing is to understand the basics of the game.

Blackjack is easy and simple to understand. You need to learn when to place bets, strategies like card counting, when to increase bets, and much more. While a land based casino may seem a great place to take a shot at blackjack it is always prudent to begin your tryst with the game online or you can experience the same thing by playing at the live dealer online blackjack casinos.

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Online Blackjack Basics

Contents

  • Online Blackjack Basics

Understanding basic blackjack rules is essential for players to improve their game and increase their chances of winning.

Blackjack objective: to create a hand with a higher total than the dealer but not going beyond 21.

Players compare their hands with their dealer. In the beginning, each bet is placed in the betting box. Each player is dealt two cards face-up while the dealer receives one card face up. Once the players have drawn their cards the dealer’s hand is completed.

Howcast

Blackjack card values:

Ace – 1 or 11

2-9 – Same value

Jack, Queen & King – 10

If you have a hand (Ace, 3), the value can be 4 or 14. If the next card drawn is a 5, you will have a hand of (Ace, 3, 5). In this case, the Ace takes on the value of 11 to make a total of 19. If you drew 8 instead of 5, the Ace will take the value of 1 or else the total would be 22 and you will lose the bet.

Blackjack rules are fairly similar throughout the globe, except for a few variations. The dealer’s hand value is most important while the value of other player’s hands does not matter. Showing your cards to the dealer or other players does not pose a problem especially in a shoe game where the cards are dealt face up.

Blackjack Dealer Rules

  • The dealer deals in a clockwise direction starting with the player on his left.
  • Each player receives two cards while the dealer flips one of his cards to reveal its value.
  • Players’ cards are dealt face down in hand held games while they are dealt face up in shoe games.
  • Each player is allowed to pick up his or her initial cards with one hand while subsequent cards are to be left on the table.
  • The player to the left of the dealer will indicate how he wants to play his hand after the cards are dealt.
  • The dealer completes his hand after every other player finishes and then pays or collects the bets.

Another rule for the dealer is that he will have to Hit (draw cards) until the total value of his hand exceeds 17. The rule states that the ‘dealer stands on all 17s’. In the case of the dealer an Ace is counted as 11 unless the hand value exceeds 21.

Blackjack rules may vary where some may be good for a player and some not to his advantage. Some of the common variations include double downs after splitting pairs. It reduces the house advantage by around .13 percent.

Some casinos offer players the surrender option. An ‘early surrender’ is when a player takes the option before the dealer looks under a ten while a ‘late surrender’ is accomplished after the dealer peaks for blackjack. If you have a bad hand like a hard 15 or 16 against the dealer’s up-card of Ace or 10, the surrender can be helpful.

Another important aspect in blackjack is to understand the dealer’s role. When the dealer’s total exceeds 21, every player with a total of 21 or less win or else the dealer’s total points is compared with each player’s total.

Understanding payouts is also essential. Other than blackjack that pays 3 to 2, winning bets are paid even money. In the event of a tie (push), you keep your original bet.

Blackjack Player options

As a player, you have the option to Surrender, Hit/Stand, Double Down, Split, and get Insurance.

  • Surrender: If you feel that the odds are against you and you have a losing hand then you can quit or ‘Surrender’. It is wiser to lose half your original stake than all your money. This option is available only before you draw the third card, split or double.
  • Hit/Stand: During the game you need to decide whether to draw (hit) another card or play with the two initial cards dealt (stand).
  • Double Down: If you think you have great potential to win you can double your bet. If the dealer has an open card of 4 or 5 and you have a 4 and 7, the chances of winning are greater. This option can be used before the third card is drawn.
  • Split pairs: Two initial cards with the same value can be split into two separate hands and played independently. There’s more on splitting pairs in the tips section. There is usually no restriction on the number of times a player can split but some casinos may have specific rules so make sure to read the house rules before you begin.
  • Insurance: The dealer offers ‘Insurance’ to players when his open card is an Ace since the chances of the dealer getting a blackjack or ‘natural’ is much higher. If you agree to such an offer you will need to place half your original bet. If the value of t he facedown card is not a 10-value card, your winning bet will be paid at 2:1 odds.

Online Blackjack Strategy

  • Make sure to understand the house rules, which can vary.
  • Stick to your budget and play safe by staking around 3 to 5% of your bankroll. This is a good way to protect your bankroll.
  • When on a total of 17 avoid drawing any more cards until the dealer gets to or exceeds 17. Let the dealer draw, not you.
  • Do not split if you have two cards with a face value of 10. This is because the dealer will find it hard to beat a total hand of 20. The going will be tough if you split and then land up with a 6 and 5.
  • Don’t split a pair of 5s. You could end up with a good hand if you have an 8 or higher. Split only if you have a pair of 8s otherwise you could be in a difficult spot with a total of 16. If you draw you will need a 5 or less to remain in the game.
  • It may not be wise to split if the dealer has a 10 since the dealer will have to draw until he gets to 17 or close. If the dealer will need to draw again if he draws a 6 and also face the prospects of losing since any value over 5 will hand over the game to you with your pair of 8s.
  • If you have two Aces then it may be prudent to split. You will make a blackjack if your next card is a 10. The dealer will have to match that. If the dealer pulls an ace you can buy insurance against the dealer making a blackjack.

Then again, there’s much more to playing Blackjack. From side bets to house edge, Blackjack etiquette, Blackjack strategies, and everything in between, we promise to keep you posted so stick around at CasinoUSA.com and you will soon beat the dealer at his own game more frequently than you reckoned for.

Online Blackjack FAQ

Whether you already have some experience with Blackjack in traditional casinos or are making your first steps with online Blackjack, having a clear idea of the basics of the online version is important for a good gambling experience. With that in mind, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Blackjack in online casinos.

Does Online Blackjack Really Offer the Best Returns?

Although there are some games that have a 0% house edge (in certain scenarios) theoretically Blackjack has one of the best odds in online casinos. However, this is not something set in stone, because your odds in Blackjack depend on your choices and the rules of the game. Some variations have better rules that can increase your advantage, while others don’t. However, all games will be more rewarding if you have mastered basic strategy.

Is Online Blackjack Similar to Traditional Casino Blackjack?

In general, yes. Both online and Blackjack variations played at brick and mortar casinos follow the same rules and style of play, as well as offer similar odds. However, there are some online versions of Blackjack that offer extra bets, or have slightly different rules that what you can find in traditional casinos. That’s why it’s always good to check the table rules before you join in a game.

Is Basic Strategy Important?

Blackjack is not a game of random guesses and haphazard decisions. The whole point of you playing Blackjack is to win money, which can never be done by relying on hunches. The basic Blackjack strategy is a strategy created with the help of mathematical calculations that have produced moves which have the best returns in the long run. When you drift away from basic rules and strategy, you only increase the casino’s advantage over you.

Can You Count Cards in Online Blackjack?

No, you can’t. The cards you get at an online blackjack game are determined by a Random Number Generator whose sole purpose is to produce an entirely random outcome on every bet. The decks are also shuffled after every played hand, which makes card counting literally impossible. This is mainly due to the advantage online players can get with all the available software resources for Blackjack.

Is there a Successful System for Winning at Blackjack?

One of the first things that many beginner players become interested in is finding out whether there’s a reliable system for winning money in Blackjack. If such a thing was possible, everybody would have already made a successful career out of playing Blackjack. The Martingale system is one popular choice, but this is just a misconception, as this system doesn’t really work with Blackjack.

Can I Play Online Blackjack For Free?

Most online casinos will offer the same games as demo versions on their website. You can play these games to test drive them and learn the rules before you spend any money, often even without having to create an account. You can also use free chips offers or no-deposit bonuses, although you should read the terms to see whether they apply to blackjack games.

How Do I Know The Casino Doesn’t Rig a Game?

If a casino holds a license, this means that the regulatory body that granted its license had inspected the casino’s Random Number Generator, but also their listed game RTPs. Once given a license, the casino can risk losing it if they modify their outcomes in any way.

There are also third-party audit agencies like eCOGRA and TST that conduct their own inspections and award certificates. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check for watermarks from auditors and regulatory bodies.

How Many Decks are Used in Online Blackjack?

Just like in land-based casinos, online blackjack can be played with a various number of decks. The standard games come with six decks and up, while there are also a number of single-deck games to choose from. If you’re a novice player, always make sure you use a strategy that’s adapted to the number of decks you’re playing with.

How Many Hands Can I Play?

There are both single-hand and multi-hand versions of online Blackjack. The multi-hand ones can go up to five hands per round but they will also be more expensive, since you’ll be making a bet per each hand. However, this also means that you’ll have better winnings.

What’s a Progressive Blackjack Bet?

Just like progressive slots, some Blackjack versions come with a progressive jackpot which can be won by placing a side bet. The jackpot is accumulated by funds from all players and can be won in part or in total by receiving a specific card combination.

Table Of Contents

Are you looking for the best blackjack strategy to maximise your winning odds when you play online? You'll love these tips.

Finding a way to get higher chances to win at blackjack shouldn't be so hard.

The basic strategy is the best way to play blackjack — and when you combine it with some strategy tips on bankroll management and what to do after you win, you have really reached the maximum you can.

In other words, if you are looking for the best blackjack betting strategy to increase your chances to win, you'll love this guide.

Casino

In the parts that follow you will find:

  • And lots more
Blackjack

We also put together a collection of the best bonuses to play online. This way, you can use those freebies to test the blackjack basic strategy and all the tips in this article.

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What this guide is NOT

  • A collection of tips to win at blackjack
  • A list of systems that promise to make blackjack profitable
  • The illusion that you can beat the game

Blackjack is a gambling game where the casino has an advantage. It doesn't matter what approach you take or what blackjack strategy you follow. In the long run, the casino always wins.

Why Follow a Blackjack Betting Strategy?

Let's face it - we have all been there. We have all looked for the best and the most effective strategy to win at blackjack after we lost our first hands online.

With the right blackjack strategy it's possible to increase your winning chances, and that's because blackjack isn't a gambling game like roulette, video poker, or slots.

If you follow the basic betting strategy and you learn how to use the information you have at your disposal, you can reach optimal play giving yourself the best chances to win include in the game.

Professional players have worked hard to 'solve' the game of blackjack and find how to play each hand to get the best winning odds.

They analysed how the number of decks in play affects your chances to win and how you can make the best decision based on the cards you see on the table.

  • That's what they call the 'blackjack basic strategy. A list of dos and don'ts where you find exactly how you are supposed to play each and every hand you are dealt.

This is the best strategy for blackjack.

The goal of the blackjack basic strategy isn't to help you win at blackjack every time you play. That's impossible. Instead, it is to help you maximize your winning chances and to minimize your losses.

That's also the goal of this guide. We don't list all the strategies for blackjack out there. Instead, we focus only on the best blackjack strategies that are known to work and should help you get better results when you play.

Learn How To Play Blackjack

Starting from the tips and tricks included in our cheat-sheet.

READ ALSO: How to play online blackjack with friends.

What Is the Blackjack Basic Strategy?

Knowing how to manage your money is as important in blackjack as it is in all gambling games. A correct 'bankroll management' is essential when you play — regardless of the blackjack strategies you apply to your games.

Knowing how to bet (and how much) and how to select the right game when you play online blackjack for real money is extremely important.

Once you have those basics covered, you can move into the basic blackjack strategy and learn how you are supposed to invest your money once the dealer gives you the initial two cards.

As soon as the cards reach you and the dealer opens one of their cards, you have to make your first choice. In a game of blackjack, that means you need to pick one of these options:

  • Stand
  • Hit
  • Double
  • Split
  • Surrender

Do you know why the basic blackjack strategy is also considered to be the best way to discover how to win at blackjack? Because it uses basic logic.

Would you hit if your first two cards gave you 20 points? Of course not.

Would you stand if your starting hand was worth five points? Not a chance.

While these choices are very simple on hands like the ones I use in my example, things get (a lot) more complicated with different cards on the table.

Let me give you a few examples.

  • How do you play soft 17 in blackjack?
  • When do you hit on a 16?
  • What to do with 15 in blackjack?

This is where the basic blackjack strategy comes in to help you get the best chances to win.

This collection of tips shows you the optimal play for every blackjack hands, calculating your winning odds in combination with the dealer's open card.

The basic strategy to win at blackjack has nothing to do with concepts like card counting or any of those tricks some 'clever' players adopt to beat the house.

This is a simple-to-use guideline that shows you exactly how you are supposed to play every possible hand of blackjack. Use it to know when it is recommended to hit, to stand, or to do something else.

Hard totals
Dealer's card >2345678910A
Player's hand
17-20SSSSSSSSSS
16SSSSSHHSUSUSU
15SSSSSHHHSUH
13-14SSSSSHHHHH
12HHSSSHHHHH
11DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhH
10DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhHH
9HDhDhDhDhHHHHH
5-8HHHHHHHHHH
Soft totals
Dealer's card >2345678910A
A,8-A,9SSSSSSSSSS
A,7SDsDsDsDsSSHHH
A,6HDhDhDhDhHHHHH
A,4-A,5HHDhDhDhHHHHH
A,2-A,3HHHDhDhHHHHH
Pairs
Dealer's card >2345678910A
A,ASPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSP
10,10SSSSSSSSSS
9,9SPSPSPSPSPSSPSPSS
8,8SPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSP
7,7SPSPSPSPSPSPHHHH
6,6SPSPSPSPSPHHHHH
5,5DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhHH
4,4HHHSPSPHHHHH
2,2-3,3SPSPSPSPSPSPHHHH

Key:
S = Stand
H = Hit
Dh = Double (if not allowed, then hit)
Ds = Double (if not allowed, then stand)
SP = Split
SU = Surrender (if not allowed, then hit)

A Blackjack Cheat Sheet

To make things even easier for you and help you follow the best betting strategy whenever you play blackjack, we created a quick cheat-sheet with the basic strategy explained in full.

Download the blackjack cheat-sheet (it's free) and print it or save it on your mobile phone to keep it always with you when you play.

The blackjack basic strategy cheat-sheet is 100% legal and you can use it both when you play online and at a brick-and-mortar casino.

A Conservative Blackjack Strategy

Don't play high-stakes games unless you feel ready for them and you have enough money to spend on online games.

If you are reading this blackjack strategy guide and you are a beginner, you should be afraid of high-stakes games.

When you spend too much money on your games, you risk getting the opposite of what you want. You play to have fun and to find out how to get more chances to win at blackjack - and you end broke and frustrated.

The best way to play blackjack is to start with what I call a conservative approach. Because finding the right way top handle betting in blackjack is key to long-term fun.

Like many blackjack strategies suggest, you should increase the stakes only when things go well and any potential losses are compensated by the money you have already won, not the one you might win if you get lucky.

In other words, raise your bet every time you win.

Many players believe wins and losses come in streaks. They think you might lose five or six times in a row — but when you win…you are not going to do it just once.

Obviously, that's not true.

Blackjack is a gambling game and there are no patterns for you to exploit or streaks that you can use to win more money every time you play.

There are, however, smart betting strategies like the basic blackjack strategy that can help you increase the chances of a victory.

With that in mind, a conservative blackjack strategy works like this:

  • Start from the lowest bet (e.g. $1)
  • Increase your bet by 1 unit only after you win
  • Go back to the original bet after you lose

When you use this blackjack strategy, you need to go back to the original bet as soon as you lose one hand. This is the best way to be in control of your money and end a gaming session in the black.

All you need to do is to make the right choices (use the basic strategy) and raise your stakes little by little - but only when you win.

READ ALSO: Bets sites to play live dealer blackjack online.

An Aggressive Approach to Blackjack: the Martingale Strategy

The Martingale betting strategy sits at the opposite side of the spectrum. This is the perfect blackjack strategy for those players who:

  • Play blackjack to win a lot of money
  • Can afford to lose a lot of money
  • Don't fear the swing of big losses

In other words, this is the perfect blackjack strategy for big spenders but isn't one that you should try if you are still a beginner who is looking for ways to learn how to play blackjack.

How Play Blackjack

The Martingale blackjack strategy is expensive. This is a blackjack system that will help you win often - but only when I have a lot of money to invest on your games.

If you can't spend at least $500 on your games - the Martingale is not the best blackjack strategy for you.

How To Make Money Playing Blackjack At A Casino

But if you do — continue reading to discover how to use this betting strategy to increase your chances to win.

In short:

Strategy For Playing Blackjack At A Casino

The Martingale strategy is the exact opposite of the conservative approach to betting in blackjack we have just seen.

When you follow this strategy, you need to double your bet every time you lose. Which, in case of a losing streak, can become very expensive very quickly.

The rationale of this audacious blackjack betting strategy is that you will need only one win to go back to square one and recoup all your losses in one hand.

Rules Of Playing Blackjack At A Casino

The caveat is: your bankroll needs to be deep enough for you to play and play until that one win comes.

Again, this isn't a betting strategy for beginners. If you decide to try it, make sure your bankroll covers at least 10 consecutive losses from the hand #1.

1-3-2-6 Blackjack Betting System

The 1-3-2-6 blackjack betting strategy is not as exciting as the Martingale strategy, and that's a good thing. This betting strategy doesn't require a huge bankroll and is a lot more suitable for players looking for a way to have better chances to win at blackjack without investing a fortune in the game.

The numbers in the strategy's name indicate the way you should bet after you win a hand of blackjack.

How To Play Blackjack At A Casino And Win

You first winning is the trigger that starts the sequence while your first losing hand is the one that ends everything.

This blackjack betting strategy is built to get the most value out of winning streaks. If you are lucky enough to use it at the beginning of a four-hand winning streak, you are in for a treat.

READ ALSO: How to play blackjack for beginners.

How to Win More Often at Blackjack: A Few Important Tips

Tips On Playing Blackjack At A Casino

We all want to win at blackjack every time we play, but we also know that's impossible.

What is possible, however, is to maximise your chances to win and get better winning odds when you play blackjack online. All it takes a few simple tips.

Follow them carefully, as these blackjack tips are as important as the best blackjack betting strategy.

  • Don't spend money on the 'insurance'. The insurance bet is a money-draining option created to confuse beginners. All the best blackjack strategies fail to mention is for one simple reason: no real blackjack player will ever spend their money on it.

  • Think about the house edge. Like we said when we went through some of the game's best betting strategies, you can't expect to win at blackjack every time you play.

    Like all other casino games, the house edge is what makes sure that the casino has an advantage over the players in the long run. With that in mind, the next of our blackjack tips is one that can make a great difference for you.

  • Set a budget and abide to that. Experienced blackjack players know that you need to set a losing and a winning limit before the first hand is dealt.

    Stop playing as soon as you hit one of them. If you lose and hit your lower limit, take a break and end your session.

    If you win and you hit your highest limit, collects your winnings and leave the table. You can continue to play if you want, but you'll need to set a new bankroll and establish new limits first.

  • Don't miss the rules sheet. Trust me, there are more blackjack variations that you will ever play. All of them are based on the same core gameplay — but adopt rules that could break you if you aren't ready for them

    One of the best parts of playing online is that the rules are always available at the table. If you are not sure you know everything about the game you want to play, click on the 'info' icon and read the rules.

  • Choose 3:2 over 6:5 payout. Different casinos have different payout policies - and not all of them are great for you.

    Make sure you read the payout table before you begin to play a hand of real money blackjack and always choose the games with the 'regular' 3:2 payout. These are a much smarter choice compared to the 6:5 payout blackjack games you find at some online casino sites.

Use Bonuses to Find Your Favourite Blackjack Strategy

Now that you know what are the best blackjack strategies, there is only one thing left: play a few games online to find out which one works best for you.

Here's what you should fo to get the best results:

  1. Base all your decisions on the basic blackjack strategy
  2. Pick the betting strategy that suits your bankroll
  3. Follow all the blackjack strategy tips above to maximise your chances to win

To help you find the right games and the right betting strategy, we created a list of the best blackjack bonuses on the market.

All the sites you find in the list are licensed, pay winnings fast, and offer lots of blackjack games. Pick the ones with the best offers, register an account (it's always free), and sit at the blackjack table to start an epic battle with the dealer!

The promotion presented on this page was available at the time of writing. With some Casino promotions changing on daily basis, we suggest you to check on the site if it still available. Also, please do not forget to read the terms and conditions in full before you accept a bonus.