How to Play Online Blackjack – a Beginners Guide

Online blackjack is a popular card game and one of the most sought-after table games at online casinos. The objective is to beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21 than theirs, without going over 21. While there are many advanced strategies claiming to help you beat the house, the most important step is to learn the game’s basics. Mastering a few simple rules will make you more than capable of playing blackjack at any table, whether online or in Las Vegas. This guide will help you progress from a blackjack newbie to a pro.

A Quick Overview To the Basic Blackjack Rules

Blackjack is a card game with a simple objective: beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without going over. Here's what you need to know to get started:

Objective: Get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding 21 ("busting").

# Card Values

• Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10
• Aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits your hand more

# Setup

Each player is dealt two cards, usually face up. The dealer receives two cards, typically with one face up (the "upcard") and one face down (the "hole card").

# Player Decisions

After the initial deal, players can:

• "Hit" (take another card)
• "Stand" (keep their current hand)
• "Double Down" (double their bet and receive one more card)
• "Split" (if they have a pair, they can split them into two separate hands)
• "Surrender" (in some games, give up half their bet and end the hand)

# Dealer Play

The dealer plays according to fixed rules, typically standing on all 17s (both hard and soft).

# Winning

• If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's, you win
• If the dealer busts (exceeds 21), you win
• If you get a "Blackjack" (an Ace and a 10-value card as your first two cards), you typically win 1.5 times your bet
• If both you and the dealer have the same total, it's a "push" (tie) and your bet is returned

# Payouts

• Regular wins pay 1:1 (even money)
• Blackjack usually pays 3:2
• Insurance bets (offered when the dealer's upcard is an Ace) pay 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack

5 Simple Blackjack Rules for Beginners

If it’s your first time playing blackjack, try to follow these five basic rules;

• Hit on totals 8 or lower
• Stand on totals of 17 or more
• Double down when you have 11 and the dealer shows a weak card like a 6
• Always split Aces and 8s
• Avoid splitting 10s and 5s

One you've learned the basics of the game continue to learn more about how to play your hand by following our tips below.

How a Round of Blackjack Works: Step-by-Step

A typical blackjack round follows a consistent flow that makes the game easy to follow once you understand each phase. Here’s how a complete round unfolds, broken down into 8 simple steps to follow:

1. Place Your Bet: Before any cards are dealt, you must decide how much to wager within the table limits. Place your chips in the betting circle in front of your position.

2. Deal the Cards: The dealer distributes cards clockwise:

• Each player receives one card face up
• The dealer takes one card face up (the "upcard")
• Each player receives a second card face up
• The dealer takes a second card face down (the "hole card"
• At this point, if you have a natural blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), you'll typically win 1.5 times your bet immediately, unless the dealer also shows an Ace or 10-value card.

3. Insurance Option: If the dealer's upcard is an Ace, you'll be offered insurance against the dealer having blackjack. This side bet costs half your original wager.

4. Player's Turn: Starting with the player to the dealer's left, each player takes their turn, choosing from these options:

• Hit: Take another card to increase your hand value. You can hit as many times as you want until you stand or bust.
• Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
• Double Down: Double your original bet and receive exactly one more card.
• Split: If you have a pair, divide them into two separate hands by placing a second bet equal to your original wager.
• Surrender: In some games, give up half your bet and end your hand immediately.

5. Dealer's Turn: Once all players have completed their hands, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must follow strict rules:

• If the dealer has 16 or less, they must hit
• If the dealer has 17 or more, they must stand
• In some casinos, the dealer hits on "soft 17" (Ace + 6)
• The dealer continues taking cards until reaching at least 17 or busting

6. Compare Hands: The final step is to determine winners:

• If you busted (exceeded 21), you lose regardless of the dealer's hand
• If the dealer busts, all players with valid hands (21 or less) win
• If neither busts, the hand closest to 21 wins
• If you and the dealer have the same total, it's a push (tie), and your bet is returned

7. Payouts: The dealer settles all bets:

• Winning hands are paid even money (1:1)
• Blackjack typically pays 3:2
• Insurance pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack

8. Next Round: The dealer collects all cards, and a new round begins with players placing fresh bets.

Understanding this process helps make the game feel intuitive and allows you to focus on strategy rather than procedure. After a few hands, this flow becomes second nature, enhancing your enjoyment of the game.

How to Play Your Blackjack Hand

Playing your hand in blackjack involves making decisions based on the cards you have and the dealer's upcard. Here are some general guidelines to help beginners understand the thinking process:

1. When to Hit

If the total value of your hand is 11 or lower, you should always hit. This is because the probability of getting a card that will make your total greater than 21 is low.

If you have a hand value of 12-16, the decision to hit or stand becomes more complex and depends on the dealer's upcard:

• If the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher, it's generally recommended to hit.
• If the dealer shows 2-6 (often called "weak" upcards), hitting on 12-16 is riskier because the dealer has a higher chance of busting.

2. When to Stand

If your hand has a value of 17 or more, it is usually best to stand. This is because the risk of busting (going over 21) is high.

There's an important distinction between:

• Hard 17+: When you have a 17 or higher without an Ace counted as 11, you should almost always stand.
• Soft 17: A hand that includes an Ace counting as 11. Some strategies suggest hitting on soft 17, as the Ace can then count as 1 if you draw a card that would otherwise cause you to bust.

3. When to Double Down

Doubling down means you double your bet and receive one more card. This is typically done when your hand total is 9, 10, or 11, and you believe that you have a good chance of hitting 20 or 21 with one more card.

This move is particularly advantageous when the dealer shows a weak upcard (4, 5, or 6), as they have a higher probability of busting.

4. When to Split

If you have a pair, you can choose to split them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to your original wager. General guidelines for splitting:

• Always split: Aces and 8s
• Never split: 5s or 10s (including face cards)
• Depends on dealer's upcard: For pairs of 2s, 3s, 7s, and 9s, the decision to split is particularly dependent on what card the dealer is showing.

5. When to Surrender

Some games offer the option to surrender, which means you give up half your bet and end the hand immediately. This is typically done when you have a weak hand (like 15 or 16) and the dealer's upcard is a 10 or Ace.

Be aware that surrender isn't offered at all casinos, particularly many online casinos, so this option may not always be available to you.

6. Insurance

When the dealer's upcard is an Ace, you'll be offered insurance, which is a side bet that the dealer has blackjack. For beginners, it's generally recommended to decline insurance, as the odds favor the house on this bet.

7. Basic Strategy

There are mathematically optimal plays for every combination of player hand and dealer upcard. This is known as "basic strategy." While it may seem overwhelming at first, many beginners find it helpful to use a basic strategy chart (easily found online) while playing until these decisions become second nature.

Remember, these are general guidelines. As you gain more experience, you'll develop a better feel for the game and might adjust these strategies based on specific situations or variations of blackjack.

Order of Operations: Making the Right Decision Every Hand

When it's your turn to act on your hand, following a consistent decision sequence will help you avoid costly mistakes. Always evaluate your options in this order:

First: Consider Surrender (if available)

• Before making any other decision, determine if your hand is weak enough to surrender
• This prevents the common mistake of hitting a hand that should be surrendered

Second: Evaluate Splitting

• If you have a pair, decide whether splitting is appropriate before considering other options
• Once you hit or double, you lose the opportunity to split

Third: Consider Doubling Down

• After ruling out surrender and splitting, determine if doubling is advantageous
• Remember that doubling commits you to taking exactly one more card

Finally: Decide to Hit or Stand

• If none of the above actions are appropriate, make the fundamental hit/stand decision

This methodical approach to decision-making forms the foundation of basic strategy and will significantly improve your results at the blackjack table.

Understanding Blackjack Odds

As a beginner, it's helpful to understand that not all blackjack games are created equal. The casino's advantage (known as the "house edge") can vary significantly depending on the rules of the game. Here are some factors that affect the odds:

Blackjack Payouts: Games that pay 3:2 for a natural blackjack offer much better odds than those paying 6:5. Always look for 3:2 payouts.
Number of Decks: Generally, fewer decks favor the player. Single-deck games typically offer better odds than eight-deck games.
Dealer Rules: Games where the dealer stands on soft 17 (rather than hitting) give players a slight advantage.
Table Rules: Look for tables that allow doubling after splits, re-splitting aces, and late surrender options.

When playing with perfect basic strategy at a table with favorable rules, the house edge can be as low as 0.5% - making blackjack one of the best-odds games in the casino. Even with beginner-level play at standard tables, the house edge typically stays under 2%, which is better than most other casino games.

Expert Tips on Blackjack Odds

Rule Variations and Their Impact

While the core rules of blackjack remain consistent, casinos often implement variations that can significantly impact both the house edge and optimal player strategy. Understanding these variations is crucial for making informed decisions about where and how to play.

Key Rule Variations to Watch For

• Blackjack Payout Ratios:
  • Traditional 3:2 payout means a $10 bet wins $15 on blackjack
  • The increasingly common 6:5 payout reduces your $10 win to just $12
  • This seemingly small change increases the house edge by about 1.4% - a massive difference that costs players significantly over time
• Dealer's Action on Soft 17:
  • When dealers stand on soft 17 (S17), it reduces the house edge by about 0.2%
  • When dealers hit on soft 17 (H17), it increases the casino's advantage
  • Always check this rule before sitting down at a table
• Doubling Down Restrictions:
  • Some tables restrict doubling to only certain hand totals (typically 10 or 11)
  • Being able to double on any two cards improves player odds
  • Being able to double after splitting pairs further reduces the house edge
• Splitting Rules:
  • The ability to re-split if you draw another same-value card
  • Whether you can double down after splitting
  • Whether you can split Aces more than once
  • Whether you receive only one card per Ace when splitting Aces
• Surrender Options:
  • "Late surrender" allows you to forfeit half your bet after checking if the dealer has blackjack
  • "Early surrender" (rare) lets you surrender before checking for dealer blackjack
  • Having surrender as an option reduces the house edge by about 0.08%

Impact on Strategy and House Edge

The combination of these rules can swing the house edge dramatically:

• A single-deck game with liberal rules might have a house edge as low as 0.15%
• An eight-deck game with restrictive rules and 6:5 payouts could have a house edge over 2%

These variations also affect optimal strategy. For example:

• In H17 games, doubling down on soft 17 against dealer's 2 becomes correct
• In games with no surrender, you'll hit hands you might otherwise surrender

Finding the Best Games

Before playing, always check:

1. The blackjack payout (3:2 is strongly preferred)
2. The number of decks (fewer is better)
3. Whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17
4. Doubling and splitting rules

The difference between playing at a table with favorable rules versus unfavorable ones can be the difference between a profitable session and quickly depleting your bankroll.

Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Blackjack

As someone who has been playing a lot of blackjack, I want to share the three common mistakes that many players make. These errors can be costly so it's important to be aware of them;

1. Ignoring Strategy: You don't need to become an expert, but it's crucial to remember that blackjack is a game of skill. Even when playing online, where games utilize a random number generator, there are specific strategies you should follow (see the beginners rules above).

2. Frequently Taking Insurance: I can easily spot a beginner by their tendency to take insurance. While it may seem like a smart move, insurance actually favors the house.

3. Ignoring Your Budget: Always set responsible gaming limits before placing your first bet. If you are playing for free, set time limits in your responsible gaming toolbox. If you are gambling for money, set a spending limit and stick to it. These rules apply whether you are playing online or at a physical casino. In a physical setting, there is no automatic block on your pending once you reach your limit so it's wise to leave your credit card at home and only bring the cash you can afford to lose. Don't borrow money to continue gambling and consider discussing your limits with firends before you start playing.

Table Etiquette and Signals

When playing blackjack at a physical casino, proper table etiquette and hand signals are important. While online blackjack uses buttons for actions, live casinos rely on standardized gestures to communicate with the dealer. Understanding these signals will help you transition confidently from online to live play.

Common Hand Signals

• To Hit: Tap the table behind your cards with your finger. Online equivalent: clicking the "Hit" button.
• To Stand: Wave your hand horizontally over your cards, palm down. Online equivalent: clicking "Stand."
• To Double Down: Place an additional bet equal to your original wager next to your current bet, then hold up one finger. The dealer will understand you want just one more card.
• To Split: Place a second bet equal to your original wager, then make a "peace sign" (two fingers forming a V) pointing toward your cards.
• To Surrender: Draw an imaginary line behind your bet and say "surrender" (verbal notification is required as this signal isn't as standardized).

General Table Etiquette

• Handling Cards: In games where cards are dealt face-down, only touch them with one hand, never both (this prevents card switching).
• Placing Bets: Wait until the previous hand is complete before placing your bet for the next round.
• Chip Stacking: Keep higher denomination chips at the bottom of your stack.
• Buying Chips: Place your cash on the table (not in the dealer's hand) and say "change please" when you want to buy chips.
• Tipping: While optional, tipping the dealer (usually by placing a small bet for them) is customary when you're winning.
• Phone Usage: Keep phone use to a minimum; many casinos prohibit phones at the table.

Remember that these protocols help maintain game integrity and smooth play. Dealers are generally understanding with newcomers, so don't worry if you forget a signal—they'll guide you through the process.

14 Different Types of Blackjack Available Online

Blackjack has a straightforward objective: beat the dealer without exceeding 21. However, the game features 14 different variations, each adding its own twist to the classic rules. Here are some of the most common types of blackjack you may encounter when playing online:

• American Blackjack: This is the most standard version, where the dealer receives two cards upfront (one face-up, one face-down). The dealer peeks at their hole card if their upcard is an Ace or 10, allowing for early detection of a blackjack and reducing unnecessary player losses.
• European Blackjack: Unlike American Blackjack, the dealer only gets one card at the beginning and draws their second after all players act. This increases risk for players, as you must decide your moves without knowing if the dealer has a potential blackjack.
• Spanish 21: Spanish 21 removes all tens from the deck, which seems to favor the house, but it compensates with flexible rules like late surrender, double down after split, and special bonus payouts. Importantly, your 21 always wins, even against the dealer’s 21.

Pontoon: This version adds a twist of mystery and terminology, both dealer cards are face-down, and you’ll “twist” or “stick” instead of hit or stand. A Pontoon (Ace + 10) beats a regular 21, and players often have more opportunities to split and double down.

To learn more about these and other blackjack types see our complete guide to 'Exploring Different Types of Blackjack'.

Why American Blackjack is Best for Beginners

For someone who has never played blackjack before, American Blackjack is hands-down the easiest and best version to start with. Here’s why:

• Simple Rules: It sticks closely to the basic blackjack format, making it perfect for learning the core mechanics of the game.
• Familiar Setup: The dealer deals two cards to each player (one face-up, one face-down), which aligns with most blackjack tutorials and guides.
• Predictable Gameplay: The dealer checks for blackjack early, so you won’t risk betting heavily only to find out the dealer had blackjack all along.

Blackjack Essential Terms To Learn

Understanding some standard blackjack terms will help you feel more confident when playing blackjack at a live casino or a real physical casino table. Here are some of the terms you should be familiar with;

# Betting Spot: This is where you put your money to place a bet

# Dealer’s Shoe: This is the container that holds and gives out the cards

# Natural Blackjack: This is when you get 21 points with your first two cards, which are an Ace and a card worth 10 points

# Push: This happens when you scroe is the same as the dealer's score. In this case, you get your money back

# Bust: When your hand exceeds 21 points, resulting in an automatic loss.

# Hit: To request another card from the dealer.

# Stand: To keep your current hand and end your turn

# Split: When you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to your original wager

# Double Down: To double your original bet after receiving your first two cards, in exchange for committing to stand after receiving exactly one more card

# Soft Hand: A hand that includes an Ace counted as 11 without exceeding 21 (e.g., Ace-6 is a "soft 17")

# Hard Hand: A hand without an Ace, or where the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting

# Insurance: A side bet offered when the dealer shows an Ace, protecting against the dealer having blackjack

# Table Minimum/Maximum: The lowest and highest bets allowed at a particular table

# Hole Card: The dealer's face-down card

Choose a Blackjack Casino

Want to put your knowledge to the test? Head to your favorite online casino and start playing today. Here are some of the best casinos for playing blackjack: