The game of blackjack has been a favorite among casino goers for decades, and with the rise of online gambling, it has become more accessible than ever before. However, playing blackjack online requires a different set of skills compared to traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.
To truly excel in this virtual version of the game, one must learn the strategies and techniques used by professional players. In this beginner’s guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information on how to play blackjack online like a pro.
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The Basics: What is Blackjack?
In simple terms, blackjack is a card game where players aim to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without going over it. It is also known as 21 in many countries. The game is played with one or more decks of 52 cards, depending on the variant being played.
The objective is to defeat the dealer by either:
- Hitting blackjack (getting an Ace and any card worth 10 points);
- Forcing the dealer to go bust (exceeding 21 points).
- Getting a higher hand value than the dealer;
To start off each round, players place their bets before receiving two cards face up while the dealer gets one card face up and another face down. Players can then choose whether to hit (get another card), stand (keep their current hand), double down (double their bet and receive one more card), split pairs (if initial two cards are equal in rank) or surrender (forfeit half their bet). The dealer must follow specific rules when playing, and their actions are determined by the cards they have been dealt.
The Advantages of Playing Blackjack Online
While playing blackjack in a traditional brick-and-mortar casino has its charm, there are many advantages to playing it online. Here are some of them:
- Better Odds and Lower Betting Limits: Since online casinos have lower overhead costs than land-based ones, they often offer better odds and lower betting limits on blackjack games.
- Variety: Online casinos offer a wide range of blackjack variants, each with its own unique rules and features. This allows players to choose the one that suits their preferences best.
- Convenience: With online blackjack, you can play from anywhere at any time as long as you have an internet connection. You don’t need to travel to a physical casino or worry about opening hours.
- No Distractions: When playing blackjack online, you can focus solely on the game without any distractions from other players or loud noises that may be present in a physical casino.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Playing Blackjack Online
To improve your chances of winning at blackjack, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when playing online:
The Do’s
- Do Practice Before Playing for Real Money: If you’re new to blackjack or trying out a new variant, it’s always advisable to practice first with play money or at a casino that offers free demo versions of the game. This will help you get a feel for the rules and build your confidence before playing with real money.
- Do Understand Basic Strategy: Familiarize yourself with basic blackjack strategy before placing any bets. This will help you know when to hit, stand, double down, split pairs or surrender based on your hand value and the dealer’s upcard.
- Do Manage Your Bankroll: It’s essential to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Always bet within your means, and if you’re on a losing streak, don’t chase after your losses by betting more than you can afford. There are numerous Best Bookmakers For Betting On Esports that offer a wide range of options and competitive odds for those looking to place bets on esports events.
- Do Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions: Most online casinos offer bonuses and promotions to new and existing players. Take advantage of these offers, but make sure to read the terms and conditions before claiming them. Until recently, many people were limited in their online casino options due to lack of Mastercard acceptance. However, with the rise of Mastercard casinos in the UK, players can now enjoy a wider variety of games and deposit options. For more information on Mastercard casinos in the UK, check out the full posting.
The Don’ts
- Don’t Drink While Playing: Online casinos may not serve alcohol like traditional casinos do, but it’s important to avoid drinking while playing blackjack as it can impair your judgment and lead to poor decision-making.
- Don’t Play at Unlicensed Casinos: To ensure the safety of your funds and personal information, always play at licensed online casinos that are regulated by reputable authorities such as eCOGRA or the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
- Don’t Rely on Luck Alone: While there is an element of luck involved in blackjack, it is primarily a game of skill. Relying solely on luck without understanding the basic strategy can lead to unwise decisions and ultimately result in losses.
- Don’t Forget to Read the Rules: Before placing any bets, make sure to read the rules of the specific variant you’re playing. Each variant has its own unique rules, so what applies in one game may not apply in another. Until recently, RTG casinos were not widely available in the UK market.
The Best Blackjack Variants for Beginners
As mentioned earlier, online casinos offer a wide range of blackjack variants to cater to different preferences and skill levels. Here are some of the best ones for beginners:
American Blackjack
This is one of the most popular blackjack variants found at online casinos. It uses six decks, and players can double down on any two cards or after splitting pairs. The dealer must stand on soft 17, making it slightly more favorable for players compared to other versions.
European Blackjack
In this variant, only two decks are used, and the dealer does not receive a hole card until all players have completed their hands. This means that if the dealer gets blackjack, you’ll lose your initial bet before getting a chance to hit or stand. However, doubling down is allowed only on hand values of 9, 10 or 11.
Pontoon
This version of blackjack is very similar to traditional blackjack but has some slight rule variations. All tens are removed from the deck, reducing the total number of cards from 52 to 48. Instead of blackjack, getting an Ace and a face card or ten-value card is called pontoon. Doubling down is allowed on any hand value, and players can hit as many times as they want with no maximum limit.
Tips and Strategies for Playing Online Blackjack Like a Pro
To improve your chances of winning at online blackjack and play like a pro, here are some tips and strategies you can use:
Familiarize Yourself With Basic Strategy Charts
Basic strategy charts provide a set of rules that determine when you should hit, stand, double down or split based on your hand value and the dealer’s upcard. These charts have been developed using mathematical calculations and are proven to be the most optimal way of playing blackjack. By immersing yourself in the world of live roulette online gaming, you can enjoy the thrill and authenticity of playing a classic casino game from the comfort of your own home at Fairwater Head Hotel. Make sure to have a basic strategy chart handy when playing online so you can refer to it whenever needed.
Avoid Insurance Bets
Insurance bets may seem tempting, but they offer poor odds for players. An insurance bet is offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, and it allows players to bet on whether the dealer has blackjack or not. Insurance bets pay 2:1 if the dealer does have blackjack, but since there are only four ten-value cards in each deck compared to nine non-ten-value cards, it’s not worth risking more money on this bet.
Don’t Split Pairs of Tens Or Fives
If you’re dealt two tens as your starting hand, you already have a hand value of 20 which is very strong. It’s best to keep this hand as it is and stand rather than splitting them into two weaker hands. The same goes for pairs of fives – instead of splitting them, double down on your initial bet if allowed by the rules.
Know When to Surrender
Surrendering in blackjack means forfeiting half your bet instead of potentially losing all of it if you continue playing with a weak hand against a strong dealer upcard. Some variants allow late surrender (after checking for blackjack), while others allow early surrender (before checking for blackjack). If surrender is available and you have a hard 16 against a dealer’s face card, it’s advisable to surrender instead of hitting and potentially going bust.
Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
We mentioned earlier that managing your bankroll is one of the do’s when playing blackjack online. It’s important to set a budget for each session and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and make sure that you have enough money to play another day.
Practice With Free Demos
Many online casinos offer free demo versions of blackjack games where you can practice without risking any real money. Make use of these demos before playing with real money as they allow you to get comfortable with the rules, features, and gameplay of different variants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Blackjack Online
Even experienced players can make mistakes when playing blackjack online. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
Betting Based on Intuition
One of the biggest mistakes new players make is betting based on their gut feeling or intuition instead of following basic strategy charts. While luck may be on your side sometimes, it’s best to stick to proven strategies rather than relying on chance alone.
Taking Insurance Bets
We mentioned earlier that insurance bets should be avoided due to poor odds for players. However, many beginners fall into this trap, thinking they’ll win more money if the dealer has blackjack. When searching for the best deals at Virgin Bet Casino, make sure to keep an eye out for the latest promotional codes and bonuses to maximize your gaming experience.
Inconsistent Bet Sizes
Sometimes players may increase or decrease their bet sizes based on recent wins or losses, leading them down a dangerous path known as chasing their losses. It’s essential to have consistency in your bet sizes and not let emotions control your decisions.
Not Knowing the Rules
This mistake applies mainly to beginners who jump straight into playing without understanding the specific rules of the variant they’re playing. Each variant has its own unique features and rule variations, so it’s crucial to read through the guidelines before placing any bets.
Final Remarks
Playing blackjack online can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s essential to know the rules, strategies, and tips for playing like a pro. By understanding basic strategy and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be able to improve your chances of winning and make the most out of your online blackjack sessions. Remember to always play within your means and have fun while playing this classic card game!
What are the basic rules of playing blackjack online?
To play blackjack online, you first need to find a reputable online casino or gaming site that offers the game. Once you have registered and deposited funds into your account, you can join a virtual table. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting a hand closer to 21 without going over. After placing your bet, you will be dealt two cards and can choose to hit (draw another card), stand (keep your current hand), double down (double your bet and receive one more card), or split (if you have two of the same cards). The dealer will also be dealt cards and must follow specific rules for drawing additional cards. Even those new to online casinos will find try this selection of Pragmatic Play games at Fairwater Head Hotel impressive and enjoyable. If your hand beats the dealer’s or they bust, you win. However, if the dealer’s hand is closer to 21 than yours or you bust, you lose. Online blackjack also allows for side bets and other variations such as progressive jackpots, but the basic gameplay remains the same.
Are there any strategies or tips for winning at online blackjack?
There are several strategies and tips that can help increase your chances of winning at online blackjack. It is important to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and strategies of the game. You should also consider using a strategy chart to make decisions on when to hit, stand, double down or split. Managing your bankroll and setting limits for each session can help you stay in control of your losses. Practice and patience are also key elements in becoming a successful online blackjack player.