Corner Bet Place the chip in the cross where learn to be a blackjack dealer four numbers meet. You should be able to pick from a number of distinctive games at a net poker room including Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Holdem, and even Triple draw. Plus: MIT Blackjack Team member Andy Bloch teaches us to count cards.
- Poker Guide
- Learn to Play Poker: Getting Started
- Poker Game Variations
- Texas Hold ‘em Guide
- Learn to Play Texas Hold ‘em
- Hold ‘em Gameplay
- Texas Hold ‘em Strategy
- Beginner Hold ‘em Strategy
- Intermediate Hold ‘em Strategy
- Blackjack Guide
- Learn to Play Blackjack
- Blackjack Dealing
- Blackjack Strategy
- Blackjack Resources
- Roulette Guide
- Learn to Play Roulette
- Roulette Strategy
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- Slots Guide
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Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around the world because it is both fun and easy to play. The game saw a boom in the 1960s when information about how to gain an edge over the house was revealed. Today, blackjack is so popular that more people play the game than roulette, craps and baccarat combined. In blackjack, the house always has a slight advantage because it is the last to play. While you’ll need to become a very skilled blackjack player to consistently beat the house, you can still have fun and improve your chances of winning by mastering the basics.
What is Blackjack?
Learn How To Be A Poker Dealer
It is a common misconception that the object of the game of blackjack is to get as close to 21 points as possible without exceeding that number. In reality, the goal is to beat the dealer. This is accomplished by putting together a hand that contains more points than the dealer’s hand. However, it is still true that you want to get as close to 21 as possible – if the value of your hand surpasses that number, you automatically lose. Blackjack is a unique game in that it is a combination of skill and chance. Having a clear understanding of the basic strategies behind when to hit, stand and double down will help you narrow the house advantage and become a better player. But first, you will have to learn the rules of the game.
The Rules of Blackjack
If you are going to play blackjack, it’s best to start with the basics. While there are many variations of the game, multi-deck is most popular. Here are the rules:
A third card will be laid on top of the first two cards when hitting.
Card Values: In blackjack, face cards (J Q K A) are each worth 10 points. Cards 2 through 8 are equal to their face values. Aces are worth either 1 or 11 points, it’s up to the player. Jokers are removed from the deck.
Getting Started: The game of blackjack begins after each player has placed his or her bet in his or her respective betting circle. When playing multi-deck blackjack, the dealer then deals each player two cards face up. The dealer receives one card that is face up and one that is face down. The player to the left of the dealer will act first. Players make their decision about how to play the hand based on their own cards as well as the dealer’s card that is facing up. Players have six options:
Hit: If you take a hit, the dealer will give you a third card. If the total of your cards exceeds 21 points after hitting, you’ve gone “bust” and automatically lose. If your total has still not reached 21, you can elect to take more cards until you are satisfied or go bust.
Stand: If you stand, you draw no more cards.
Double Down: When doubling down, you can double your original bet but can only receive one more card regardless of its point value.
Split: If the first two cards you were dealt have the same point value, you have the option to split the pair and make a second bet that is equal to your first bet, with each card being used in a separate hand.
A losing hand (showing 12) and a winning hand (showing 21 or Blackjack).
Insurance: If the dealer’s face-up card is an ace, players may take insurance. This means you are betting that the dealer’s face-down card is worth 10 points, creating a blackjack (21 points). If you win the insurance bet but lose the hand, you come out even.
Surrender: Some casinos and gaming websites will allow you to surrender, declaring your hand dead and giving up half of your bet.
End Game: Once all of the players have completed their hands, the dealer then flips over his or her face-down card. Dealers must then play according to set rules. If the dealer has a total of 16 points or less, he or she must draw cards. If the dealer has 17 or more, he or she must stand. Players who have less points than the dealer lose. If a player has the same amount of points as the dealer, it is a push (neither of you win).
Blackjack Tips
While blackjack is partially a game of chance, there are still some basic strategies you can use to increase your odds of beating the dealer. These strategies are based on math, but you don’t have to be a mathematician in order to decipher them. Keep these basic rules of thumb in mind and you will be well on your way to being an expert blackjack player.
- Always assume that the dealer’s face-down card is worth 10 points.
- If you have a stiff hand (the total of your first two cards is worth between 12 and 16 points), that means you could go bust with a hit.
- If you have a stiff hand and the dealer also has a stiff hand (the card facing up is a 2 through 6), stand.
- If you have a stiff hand and the player has a pat hand (the card facing up is a 7 through ace), hit.
- If the total of your first two cards adds up to 17 or more, it is called a pat hand. If you have a pat hand, you should stand.
- If you have a pair of aces or 8s, split.
- If you have a total of 10 points and the dealer’s face-up card is a 9 or lower, then it’s a good idea to double down.
- If you have a total of 11 points and the dealer’s face-up card is a 10 or lower, then you should double down.
- If your first two cards amount to 8 points or less, always hit, no matter the value of the dealer’s face-up card.
- If your first two cards amount to 17 through 21 points, always stand, no matter the value of the dealer’s face-up card.
Welcome to BlackjackOnline.com. I’d bet that you’re here because you want to learn more about the game of blackjack, including how to play, what strategies to use and what casinos you should play at online.I have good news for you. That’s exactly what this site is all about.
Our goal for BlackjackOnline.com is to become the go-to resource for whenever you have a question about blackjack. But we don’t want to just tell you what to do, where to play or what strategies to use. That’s what the “other guys” do. We will tell you why, too. Why you should use this strategy, bankroll management technique or play at this online casino. That way, you’ll get the most out of our advice and information.
So, how does that sound? Are you ready to get started?
Great!
What you’ll find below are multiple sections that cover different blackjack needs; one for beginners, one for getting started online and another for blackjack strategy. Find the one that best meets your needs and the information and links will take you deeper into our site to learn more.
- Offers live dealer blackjack along with a variety of online blackjack games
- Bet365 is one of the most trusted online casinos and our editors top choice
- Along with a casino, Bet365 offers a sportsbook and poker site.
Blackjack Strategy ›
Learn how to count cards, use systems, decrease the house edge and more in our strategy section More ››
Free Blackjack Games ›
Play a variety of free blackjack games right on our site. No download or registration needed. More ››
Real Money Blackjack ›
Are you ready to play real money games? Find out which casinos have the best options here. More ››
Blackjack Q & A ›
Our FAQ guide answers the most frequently asked questions regarding blackjack and playing online. More ››
Where to play blackjack around the world
Most casinos have an app or a mobile version of the game allowing you to play on your Android or iOS phone or tablet.
Learn How To Be A Blackjack Dealer
Check out our mobile blackjack section to find casinos compatible with your device.
Playing Blackjack Online: Beginner Resources
Blackjack Strategy
If you’re completely new to blackjack, then this is the place to start. Below you’ll find beginners resources that will take you from confused to a knowledgeable blackjack player. More ››
How To Learn To Be A Blackjack Dealer
Blackjack History
In this section we’ll teach you more about the game of blackjack. Learn where “21” originated, when it made it’s way to the states, how it got started in brick and mortar casinos, as well as online. More ››
Blackjack Variations
In this section, you’ll find all the variations of blackjack. Starting with the original, we’ll explain to you where the game came from, how to play and how it’s different from your traditional game of blackjack. More ››
Glossary of Terms
Before you hit the casinos you’ll want to visit this page to familiarize yourself with the terms used in blackjack. We cover more than 100 different blackjack terms and what they mean. More ››
Card Counting
How To Play Blackjack
This section covers card counting and how to count cards. Learn why it is legal, the most popular systems created, how to use it and view real hand examples. More ››
Playing Blackjack Online: Getting Started
We get a lot of questions about how to get started with online blackjack. Things like legal issues, safety, what casinos to play at and more. So we thought we’d answer those questions here, and then link to pages on our site where you can learn more.
Can you play blackjack online for real money?
Absolutely. Real money casinos have been around for almost 20 years. And when there is a casino, there is a blackjack game.
I live in (North) America. Can I play online blackjack for real money?
Unless you are in New Jersey or Delaware, you are unable to play online blackjack for real money. We suggest you play our free online blackjack game that offers real vegas style blackjack.
Blackjack Dealer Training
Can I play blackjack for free?
Yes. Most casinos offer a free version of their real money software.
What are the differences between online and live blackjack?
There are a number of differences. For example:
- You don’t have to travel to play online.
- Lower stakes can be found online — as low as $1 per hand!
- Brick and mortar casinos usually come with other tourist-y stuff to do.
- There are less crowds online.
- You lose the comradery of playing live.
- Better bonuses are available online.
Ultimately it depends on your preferences. If you like the bright lights, crowds and sightseeing, then live blackjack will probably suit you better. However, if you don’t, then online would be the way to go. There’s nothing wrong with doing both either.
Can I play on my Mac / phone / tablet (iOS/Android)?
Yes.
In the case of Macs, most online casinos have a no download (flash) version of their software. So you’ll play blackjack from your browser. Some casinos have downloads, too.
For mobile blackjack, it will depend on the casino, but you’ll usually download an app to your phone or tablet. It will depend on the casino and the type of device that you have.
Is playing blackjack online safe?
In general, yes. It’s as safe as browsing the internet or buying books from Amazon.com.
However, there are bad sites out there, just as there are bad websites and online stores. The trick to avoiding them is to read reviews and do your due diligence. BlackjackOnline.com is a great place to start. We only recommend sites we play at ourselves. We would never recommend a blackjack casino that would cheat you out of your money.
For more information we recommend you visit our reviews page. If you have more questions you can also visit our Common Blackjack FAQS page.
Playing Blackjack Online: Learn How to Win
If you’re here then you’re already familiar with blackjack. You know the rules of the game and the best casinos to play at. But perhaps you’re not winning at blackjack.
This is the section for you.
Here are the options you have for improving your blackjack skills.
- Basic strategy chart. These are charts that you can print out and use while playing. They tell you when to stand or hit, depending on the exact game you’re playing, when the dealer hits, what cards you and the dealer have.
- Books. There are a number of books out there that will teach you different point count systems, betting strategies and how to play with teams.
- Find the best casinos. Finding a casino that has regular promotions, 2-1 blackjack payouts, early surrenders and so on, will increase your chances of winning.
- Learn advanced blackjack strategy. Learn how to count cards, the different count systems there are and how to use them, and how to avoid casino detection. Counting cards isn’tillegal, or even cheating, but the casinos don’t like (or allow) card counters.
The one thing that we do want to stress is that for the majority of blackjack players, the best you’ll be able to do is minimize the house edge. You won’t be able to eliminate it altogether. But that’s not such a bad thing if you’re just looking for a couple hours of entertainment. Knowing how to minimize the house edge will do just that.
And although we don’t condone it, we do have a section on cheating, too. This section covers blackjack cheating in general, including the most famous cheaters, how they did it and the consequences of cheating. Then we go into each method in more detail. I want to stress that we didn’t cover cheating to teach you how to win unethically, but to be more aware of it, so that maybe you can spot cheaters trying to take advantage of you and the casino. Always remember that there are plenty of ways to win ethically, and if you put in the time and effort, you too can become a player that every casino fears having at their blackjack tables.