A Beginner’s Guide to Online Blackjack Games
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games worldwide, originating from a game known as Twenty-One. Online blackjack, with its convenience and accessibility, has allowed players of all levels to enjoy this classic game from the comfort of their homes. Let’s dive into the key components of the game.
1. Understanding Blackjack and its Rules
Blackjack, also known as twenty-one, involves a simple concept: beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total of 21. Here’s the rundown on how to play 21 and the main blackjack rules with house edge details:
- Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value. Kings, Queens, and Jacks (face cards) are worth 10, and Aces can count as either 1 or 11.
- Players are dealt two cards, as is the dealer. One of the dealer’s cards is dealt face up.
- Players can ‘hit’ (take another card), ‘stand’ (take no more cards), ‘double down’ (double the initial bet and take one more card), or ‘split’ (if both cards have the same value, separate them into two hands).
- If the player’s hand total exceeds 21, they ‘bust’ and automatically lose.
- If the player’s hand total is higher than the dealer’s or the dealer busts, the player wins.
- If the player and the dealer have the same total, it’s a ‘push,’ and the bet is returned.
2. Blackjack Basic Strategy
The basic strategy in blackjack provides the best decisions for a player to make based on a mathematical understanding of the game. Basic strategy varies depending on the number of decks used, the dealer’s card, and the player’s hand, but there are some general rules:
- Always split Aces and 8s.
- Stand on a hand of 17 or more.
- Hit on a hand of 11 or less.
- Double down on a hand of 11 if the dealer’s face-up card is less than 11.
- Never take insurance; it’s statistically a losing bet.
A blackjack basic strategy chart can provide more specific advice based on different situations.
Basic Strategy Success Rates
| Dealer’s Upcard | Player Hand | Best Move | Success Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 12-16 | Stand | 35.3 |
| 3 | 12-16 | Stand | 37.5 |
| 4 | 12-16 | Stand | 40.3 |
| 5 | 12-16 | Stand | 42.9 |
| 6 | 12-16 | Stand | 42.2 |
| 7-Ace | 12-16 | Hit | Variable |
| Any | 17-20 | Stand | High |
| Any | 11 or lower | Hit | Variable |
| Any | Ace, 8 | Split | Variable |
Please note that the success rates are general estimations and the best move can change based on specific game conditions, such as the number of decks being used.
You can practice perfecting your basic strategy understanding & skills at Hard Rock Blackjack a free 21 social casino games website.
3. Card Counting Systems
While frowned upon by casinos, card counting is not illegal and can be effective when playing blackjack, especially in live casinos. Card counting involves keeping track of the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck. The most common systems are:
- Hi-Lo System: High cards (10s and Aces) are given a value of -1, low cards (2-6) a value of +1, and 7-9 are 0.
- Omega II System: More complex, assigns values of +1, -1, or 0 to each card, but some cards are assigned a value of +2 or -2.
- KO System: Similar to Hi-Lo but does not consider the number of decks in play.
4. Bankroll Management
Successful blackjack playing also requires solid bankroll management. Here are some blackjack bankroll management tips:
- Set a budget for each gaming session and stick to it.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set win limits and loss limits to protect your bankroll.
5. Gambling Responsibly
Remember, blackjack is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. It’s essential to play responsibly:
- Never chase losses.
- If you feel you may have a gambling problem, seek help. Many organizations, such as Gamblers Anonymous, can provide support.
- Set time limits for your sessions and take frequent breaks.
- Never skip work or family time/gathers so you can gamble
- Never go to the pawn shop so you can play at the casino
Key Blackjack People & Dates
- The game of blackjack is believed to have originated in France in the 1700s, where it was known as “Vingt-et-Un” which translates to “Twenty-One”.
- Edward O. Thorp, a mathematician, is considered the father of card counting. His 1962 book, “Beat the Dealer,” revolutionized the game of blackjack by mathematically proving that card counting could give the player an advantage.
- The probability of getting a blackjack, with an Ace and a 10-value card, in a single deck game is approximately 4.83%.
- Online blackjack games typically use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure that card dealing is completely random.
- In traditional casinos, dealers generally have to stand on 17. However, some online variants allow dealers to hit on a ‘soft 17,’ a hand containing an Ace valued as 11, adding an extra layer of strategy.
- The largest recorded blackjack win in history is by Don Johnson, who won $15 million from three casinos in Atlantic City in 2011.
- As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, it’s estimated that there are over 1000 different online blackjack sites.
VIDEO: How to Play Blackjack: The Expert’s Guide
Blackjack Terms
- Blackjack: Also known as twenty-one, the goal is to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding 21.
- Bust: A hand total that exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss.
- Double Down: Doubling the initial bet in exchange for committing to stand after receiving one more card.
- Split: If you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands.
- Stand: To not take any more cards, essentially passing your turn.
- Hit: Requesting another card from the dealer.
- Push: When the player’s and dealer’s hands tie.
- Surrender: Some variations of blackjack allow the player to surrender their hand and get back half of their bet if they believe they’re likely to lose.
- Card Counting: Keeping track of the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck, used to adjust betting strategy.
- Basic Strategy: The statistically best decisions a player can make, considering their hand and the dealer’s face-up card.
- Soft/Hard Hand: A soft hand contains an Ace valued as 11, while a hard hand contains an Ace valued as 1 or no Ace at all.
- Insurance Bet: “Insurance” is a side bet offered when the dealer shows an Ace, betting that the dealer’s face-down card is a 10, resulting in a blackjack.
- House Edge: The statistical advantage that the casino has over the players.
- Random Number Generator – online blackjack games powered by iGaming software use a RNG (random number generator) to randomly create the outcome of the game play to ensure fairness for online gamblers.
At its essence, playing blackjack online can be an fun and exciting experience. By understanding the rules, implementing a basic strategy, and managing your bankroll, you can enhance your chances of success. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the game and gamble responsibly.