Blackjack Online

Welcome to the page that will answer all your questions about the well-known casino game Blackjack. Here you’ll find everything about online blackjack: rules, history, basic strategy, tips and tricks for playing, and last but not least the bonuses you can claim for playing blackjack at online casinos.

Blackjack (sometimes also referred to as “black jack”) is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Blackjack has simple rules, so any player can get into the game quickly, and it offers very favourable winning odds. These can be improved even further with different betting strategies. Because of this, blackjack is surrounded by various rumours and myths, as well as real stories that have become casino legends over the years. Let’s take a look at this brilliant game!

What is Blackjack and what cards are used in the game?

Blackjack is a card game played with standard playing cards. As one of the few gambling games, it isn’t based purely on luck, but also on players’ knowledge and skill. If you know how to play blackjack, you can increase your chances of winning. 

Blackjack is played with standard playing cards. Over the years, different versions of blackjack have emerged. They differ in their rules, mainly for the dealer; however, the fact that the casino has a long-term edge in these games doesn’t change.

Blackjack rules – How do you play blackjack?

The game starts by placing your bet. In an online casino, you choose in the user interface how much you want to stake and click on the relevant chip. At the same time, you must stick to the minimum and maximum bet limits (usually between £0.20 and £30). 

Once bets are closed, the dealer deals the cards. The first card is dealt to each player face up and finally the dealer deals one card to themselves face down (and therefore not readable for the other players). The second card is dealt in the same way, with the dealer receiving their second card face up in the second round. After the deal, each player has two cards on the table face up, while the dealer has two cards, one face down and the other face up.

If neither you nor the dealer has Blackjack after the deal, which means an Ace and one of the cards worth 10 points, then you have to decide how you want to play on. There are five options available:

• Stand – stay as you are and don’t draw another card
• Hit – draw another card (you can repeat this until you decide to stand, or until you go over 21 and bust)
• Double down – double your stake and draw one additional card
• Split – split your cards, i.e. place an additional bet on the second hand (you then play each hand separately)
• Surrender – give up and wait for the next round; in this case you get half of your stake back

Once all players have played their hand, it’s the dealer’s turn. Their actions determine the final outcome of the game. If the dealer goes over the set limit, you win. If they get closer to 21 with their total, you lose.

The game ends with winnings paid out according to the size of your bets and the pre-set payout ratio. 

What Blackjack variants are there?

The rules of this card game can vary depending on the variant being played. Besides the basic split into online blackjack and live blackjack, this card game is also divided into European and American versions. 

European vs American blackjack

The European and American versions differ in the dealer’s procedure when their upcard is an Ace. In the American version, the dealer checks the second card and, if it’s a 10-value card, reveals it. Otherwise, they keep the card face down and only reveal it when it’s their turn to act.

In the European version, the dealer receives only one card face up. They deal themselves the second card only once all players have finished their hands.

Blackjack by game rules

In addition to the basic European and American split, this card game is further divided by specific rules that govern both the dealer’s and players’ actions. As a result, there are several different types of blackjack. Let’s take a look at the most common ones.

Blackjack switch

This variant is designed for maximum tension and entertainment. It’s essentially two games in one: the player is dealt two hands and can then swap the second card between those hands. If the dealer goes over 21, you don’t win, but you get your stake back. If you hit blackjack, you’re paid at 1:1 rather than 3:2 as in classic blackjack.

Double exposure blackjack

Both of the dealer’s cards are face up, which gives players a significant advantage. That’s why the player can split only once, and blackjack pays only 1:1. What’s more, if the player has the same total as the dealer, they lose their bet. 

Perfect pairs

Standard rules are enhanced with the option to bet on a “perfect pair” (perfect pair). You win this bet if your first two cards form a pair, meaning they have the same value, such as two sevens or two eights. If the pair is also of the same suit, you’ll get an even higher payout. 

However, whatever the blackjack rules may be, you can always be sure the casino is set up in such a way that it makes money from the game in the long run. The only difference is whether it makes more or less.

The history of Blackjack – blackjack, or “Oko bere”?

Blackjack originated from the French card game “vingt-et-un” (or “twenty-one”). This game started appearing in French casinos around 1700. Under the name “21”, it’s also played in UK circles to this day.

Blackjack in UK online casinos

Even though this game doesn’t have as strong a tradition in the United Kingdom as it does in the USA, you’ll find it in almost all UK online casinos. These casinos offer at least one blackjack game:

• Videoslots
• LeoVegas
• Betway Casino
• Hyper

In most online casinos, Multi Blackjack by Easit is available.

Blackjack basic strategy

Basic blackjack strategy tells us what to do in any given situation to achieve the best possible outcome. This strategy is known as “Perfect Blackjack”. It was created with the help of a computer, which determined the best move for every situation. 

If you play according to the Perfect Blackjack strategy, the advantage of the online casino should practically disappear. The house edge (casino advantage) with this strategy reaches a maximum of 1%, which is really low and your chances are very high. Playing Blackjack with this strategy offers one of the most favourable ways to compete with the casino. 

Blackjack chart – how to play as advantageously as possible? Use the Perfect Blackjack strategy!

The foundation of the Perfect Blackjack strategy is a chart. It clearly shows exactly how you should play in any situation at the table. You can print the chart from our website. There’s no rule against using it during play, but ideally you’ll memorise it. During the game there’s little time to decide, and knowing the correct play for each situation will pay off – you won’t make unnecessary mistakes and you won’t feel stressed.

Let’s take a look at three charts that are worth following when you play.

Perfect Blackjack chart for hard totals

A hard total means that none of your cards is an ace, which can count as either 1 or 11 points. The value of your hand is therefore fixed and unchanging.

Legend for the Blackjack chart for hard totals

In the left column you’ll find the value of your hand, and in the top row the value of the dealer’s first upcard. The chart gives you the ideal solution for every situation – based on your hand value and the dealer’s first card, you’ll find the square that tells you what to do. Below you’ll find explanations of the individual actions.

– HIT: If the chart shows the letter H, take another card.

– STAND: If you see the letter S, don’t take any more cards and wait for the result.

– DOUBLE HIT: Double your bet (DOUBLE); if you can’t, take another card (HIT)

– SURRENDER: If possible, surrender – this combination isn’t favourable

Blackjack chart for soft totals

A soft total means that one of your cards is an ace. This card counts as 1 or 11. The value of your hand therefore isn’t fixed – you can choose.

Legend for the Blackjack chart for hard totals

In the left column you’ll find the value of your hand, and in the top row the value of the dealer’s first upcard. The chart gives you the ideal solution for every situation – based on your hand value and the dealer’s first card, you’ll find the square that tells you what to do. Below you’ll find explanations of the individual actions.

– HIT: If the chart shows the letter H, take another card.

– STAND: If you see the letter S, don’t take any more cards and wait for the result.

– DOUBLE HIT: Double your bet (DOUBLE); if you can’t, take another card (HIT)

– DOUBLE STAND: Double your bet (DOUBLE); if you can’t, don’t take any more cards (STAND)

Blackjack chart for pairs

More than once during play, you’ll find yourself dealt two cards of the same value. With these combinations, you can often grow your bankroll even more. But be careful – it’s not always an advantage, which is why there’s another chart here.

Legend for the Blackjack chart for pairs

In the left column you’ll find the value of your hand, and in the top row the value of the dealer’s first upcard. The chart gives you the ideal solution for every situation – based on your hand value and the dealer’s first card, you’ll find the square that tells you what to do. Below you’ll find explanations of the individual actions.

– HIT: If the chart shows the letter H, take another card.

– STAND: If you see the letter S, don’t take any more cards and wait for the result.

– DOUBLE HIT: Double your bet (DOUBLE); if you can’t, take another card (HIT)

– SPLIT: Split the cards. You’ll continue playing each card separately, giving you the chance to win more than once.

Of course, the Perfect Blackjack strategy will also vary depending on which type of blackjack you’re playing. Each set of rules comes with different specifics and may therefore require a slightly different play. In general, though, it’s fair to say that if you follow the Perfect Blackjack strategy in any variant, you’ll be better off than playing without a strategy. The Perfect Blackjack strategy has a noticeably positive impact on your results, so don’t forget it!

Card Counting in Blackjack

Card counting is now a legendary betting strategy that has helped plenty of people win big money. One famous example is the MIT team, which at one point was making millions of crowns a week in Las Vegas casinos. But because of these legends, casinos started to defend themselves against card counting too. It has to be said: fairly successfully. 

Rain Man – the most famous film about card counting

Card counting in blackjack was also featured in the popular film Rain Man starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. Take a look back at the card-counting scenes in the video below:

How do you count cards in blackjack?

In principle, card counting is very easy. However, if you want to put it into practice, you can hit a wall. Counting cards in blackjack in a busy casino environment is mentally very demanding and requires maximum focus and quick thinking. 

When counting cards, players assign a value to each card that is dealt. They then add each value from the cards that have already been dealt to a running total. Once that running total shifts in the desired way, they start placing higher bets. At that point, the remaining cards are set up in such a way that the player has a better chance of hitting a win.

Hi-Lo card counting system

Hi-Lo is the simplest and also the most commonly used system for counting cards in blackjack. Under this system, we assign the following values to the cards:

2-6 = +1

7-9 = 0

10-Ace = -1

Once the total count goes above +5, the game is in your favour, so your main goal should be to play as much as possible and bet as much as possible. Of course, this applies when playing with a single deck of cards (i.e. 52 cards). If you’re playing with 6 or more decks, then even a count of +10 won’t give you an edge over the casino.

How do casinos protect themselves against card counting in blackjack?

To stop players from turning the advantage in their favour by counting cards, casinos started using multiple decks during play. The more decks used at a table, the lower the probability that players will run into a situation where the cards are in their favour. That’s because even after many hands have been played, there are still plenty of random cards left in the shoe, which keeps things balanced. 

In addition to using more decks, land-based casinos train their staff to spot professional players and teams who can exploit even the smallest weakness in the system. These people are then banned without hesitation from playing – and even from entering the casino. For these reasons, a database of professional players has even been created, which casinos share and develop together. So if a player is banned in one casino, there’s a good chance they won’t be able to play in any other land-based casino either.

Tips and tricks for playing blackjack

Blackjack is a fairly straightforward game, and most players understand the rules right away. However, if you want to play with the lowest possible house edge (i.e. in the most favourable way), you need to take care of a few additional things too. And that’s not such an easy task. That’s why these basic tips and tricks for playing blackjack will definitely come in handy.

The right strategy increases your chances of winning

The basic rules of blackjack don’t change, but some game details and related rules can vary, such as what the dealer must do if they draw a total of 17. 

If, in this specific case, the dealer must stand (i.e. they won’t take any more cards), the rules are slightly in your favour. However, if the dealer must take another card on 17, the rules will work against you. It’s important to pay attention to these small differences and always handle them properly. 

Side bets are poor value

This card game can sometimes put you in a situation where certain side bets (so-called “side bets”) are offered. Whatever these bets relate to, avoid them. Side bets are always designed to increase the casino’s advantage.

Among the most popular side bets in blackjack are:

• Perfect pairs
• Bonanza Blackjack
• Royal Match
• Bet the Set
• Over/under 13

Insurance is poor value

Just like in the previous point, insurance is poor value, no matter when casinos offer it. The only exception is when you’re counting cards and you’ve just gained a significant edge. But that won’t happen to you – at least when playing blackjack in an online casino.

Stick to the basics of proper bankroll management

Proper bankroll management is just as important when playing casino games as using a profitable betting strategy. Bankroll management ensures that, in all circumstances, you stake exactly the right amount: one that maximises your edge, while also keeping you in the game long enough for that edge to show over time.

Blackjack hub – learn everything about Blackjack:

• Free online blackjack + rules
• Blackjack bonuses
• Blackjack variations
• Hand signals in Blackjack
• Card counting in Blackjack
• Insurance in Blackjack
• Blackjack for real money
• Winning odds in Blackjack