Learn How to Play Blackjack Online

Blackjack or twenty-one is a thrilling card game offering both strategy and money-making. This simple card game is, in fact, the most popular casino game in the world.

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is a classic casino game where players aim to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Players do not compete and instead attempt to beat the dealer. When playing blackjack online, players can play traditional online blackjack. This is sometimes known as RNG (random number generated) blackjack. They could also choose live table blackjack.

History of Blackjack

Blackjack’s predecessor was the English version of the French Vingt-Un, or 21. Researchers believe that the game came from the card games Chemin de Fer. These were popular in French casinos in the 18th Century. Despite evidence stating that blackjack originated in France in the 18th Century, there is a theory that the Romans invented it. The Romans’ love of gambling gives this theory a degree of credibility, but it has not been proven.

Blackjack Terminology

Before jumping into playing online, beginners need to understand the terminology to be successful.

Bust: A bust is when your hand goes over 21.
Hit: When during your turn, you choose to add another card to your hand.
Stay: When during your turn, you decide to stick with your current hand.
Fold: When you choose to remove yourself from the game because you know that you will lose.

How Do You Play Blackjack Online?

Blackjack, both online and in-person, is popular because it is simple and easy to pick up. When it comes to blackjack for beginners, there are only six steps.

Step 1: Buy Chips  : If betting with money, the first step is to buy chips. However, the exact process may vary depending on your online casino of choice.
Step 2: Make Your Bet : Next, you make your bet. Different online casinos may have a different minimum bet, so always check before you play.
Step 3: Dealer Deals Cards : After the players have placed their bets, the dealer will deal one card, face up to every player in a clockwise pattern, and then one card, face down, for themselves. The dealer will then deal the second card for players and finish by dealing themselves a face-up this time.
Step 4: Playing Hands : Once the dealer has dealt the cards, the players need to decide how to play their hands. To start, add the value of the two cards together, then decide whether you want to add new cards or stick to your current hand.
Step 5: Dealer Plays : Once the players have taken their turns, the dealer then plays their hand.
Step 6: Pay-Outs : Once the dealer has played their hands, one of two things will happen. First, if the dealer goes bust, they will pay out to hands still on the table. If the dealer makes a hand (between 17 and 21), who has the highest hand is a battle. When the dealer has the highest hand, they take the bets. If the player has a higher hand, the dealer will pay one time their wager. If the player and dealer have the same total, they will keep their money, but they will not be paid on the wager.

Blackjack Rules for Beginners

Blackjack is played in a clockwise fashion, starting from the player to the left of the dealer. On the dealer’s turn, they must hit if their total is 16 or less and must stand on a total of 17 through to 21.

Number cards in blackjack are counted as per their face value. For example, all picture cards are counted as 10, and the ace can be counted (depending on the player’s choice) as 1 or 11. Card suits have no meaning in blackjack. If a player goes bust, they lose their wager. Players win when the total of their hand is more than the dealer’s hand. They also win if their hand is worth 21 or less when the dealer goes bust.

Basic Blackjack Strategies

To win at blackjack, players need to play their hand in an optimum way, and the exact strategy they use will depend on the dealers up card. If the dealer’s upcard is a 7, 8, 9, 10 or ace, for example, the player should not stop drawing new cards until they reach a total of 17 or more.

If the dealer’s card is a poor one, such as a 4, 5, or 6, the player should stop at a total of 12 or higher. The intention here is to let the dealer hit and hopefully go bust.
The general strategy for players with a soft hand, however, is a little different. A soft hand contains an ace. Here, the general strategy is to keep hitting until they reach a total of 18.

How to Make Money Playing Blackjack Online

Playing blackjack online requires patience, sticking to good blackjack strategies, and knowing when to stop. If you want to play blackjack online to make money, make sure that you choose a reputable online casino, and make sure that you can make good bets on any hands you play. Players need to also go into the game with a cheerful outlook. If you come into the game thinking you will lose, that is exactly what will happen.

In addition to the wager on the hand itself, players can make side bets in most blackjack online games. However, this will depend on the casino. Example side bets include the perfect pair, a straight, a flush, three of a kind, and a coloured pair. As you can see, beginners can pick up blackjack easily and learn strategies that will improve their game. By taking your time to learn the ropes and considering your options as you play, beginner blackjack players can make real money playing online blackjack.