How To Play Blackjack Online
How to Play Blackjack for Beginners The goal of reaching 21 is fairly easy to get to grips with, but there are still a few rules you need to know about before you play for real cash. Free Online Blackjack: Play for Free or Real Money in 2021. Online blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Not only is it simple to play, but the best online blackjack games offer.
Blackjack entices and excites millions of people all over the world as a staple at most casinos. It has also made a smooth transition into the world of blackjack online casinos, where playing blackjack online for real money becomes more popular by the day. Our guide to online blackjack will have you covered in every possible way.
Walk into any casino and you’re likely to see a very busy blackjack section. That can be intimidating if you don’t know the rules, the protocol, or even the etiquette of how to play blackjack at a casino, let alone playing blackjack online.
The good news is that it’s not that hard to learn how to play blackjack online, which people sometimes call “21” due to rules of blackjack. Once you learn how to play blackjack online, you’re going to find out that it’s a game that actually provides solid payback to those who play it with the right strategy.
On top of that, playing blackjack online is something you can do from the comfort of your own home. Just settle in with your connected device and play blackjack for real money online.
In our guide to online blackjack, we have sections that will talk about the history of the blackjack and how to play with proper strategy. We’ll also be looking into how you can play blackjack games online for free and for real money. Click on one of the buttons below to get started learning about online blackjack.
The Origins of Blackjack
As is the case with many types of online casino games, there’s no clear path that shows how blackjack began then traveled through the ages. Yet there are some examples in history of games that certainly had an influence on the various types of online blackjack as we know it today.
Depending on your source, you might find Italy, Spain, and France all listed as possible sites where modern blackjack originated. In the case of the Italians, they featured a game where the goal was to reach a value of 31 without going over, which is similar to blackjack. There are references to this game that are over 500 years old.
All of these games had similarities to what we now know as online blackjack, but there were many differences as well. It wasn’t until the 20th century, when casinos took hold in America, did the modern rules of blackjack develop.
As for the name blackjack, well, that came from the early 20th century practice of casinos offering 10 to 1 odds for any hand where 21 was reached with a jack and the ace of spades. Eventually, those rules were fine-tuned to create the version of modern blackjack online we all love today.
How to Play Online Blackjack
When asking someone about how to play blackjack online, you’ll hear many people make the mistake of saying that the goal of blackjack is to have the value of your cards reach as close to 21 as possible without going over. But that’s technically incorrect. The goal of blackjack, which is to win money in return for what you wager, can only be achieved when you beat the dealer.
Keep in mind as we give you these online blackjack basics that there are many different blackjack games, in casinos and on the internet, that have slightly different characteristics. But for the sake of these instructions, we’re going to stick to the most common version of the game as you learn how to play online blackjack.
Blackjack Card Values
First, it’s important to know the point value of each card you can receive in a hand of blackjack online. Let’s take a look.
- Two = 2
- Three = 3
- Four = 4
- Five = 5
- Six = 6
- Seven = 7
- Eight = 8
- Nine = 9
- Ten = 10
- Jack = 10
- Queen = 10
- King = 10
- Ace = 1 or 11
Online Blackjack can be played with just a single gambler at a table against the dealer. Most tables house spots for as many as seven players.
In the case of land-based casinos, the dealer will deal cards to each player from a “shoe,” which is a kind of automatic card dispenser holding multiple decks. Each player receives two cards face up, while the dealer gets one card face up and one face down.
Winning or Losing a Blackjack Hand Online
There are three ways you can win a hand of blackjack.
- End up with a value in your hand higher than the dealer without exceeding 21
- End up with 21 based on the two cards that you’ve dealt before the dealer can make 21 with more than two cards
- Have the dealer go over 21 with the value of his cards
When #1 or #3 occur, you’ll win the value of your bet. If example #2 occurs, which is known as a blackjack, you will be paid off at odds of 3 to 2. A “blackjack” can only occur with an ace (11 points) and a ten, jack, queen, or king (10 points) as the two cards you’re dealt.
In that case, you get your bet back but no real money winnings. That will occur also if you and the online dealer both have blackjack with your two-card deals.
You will lose your online blackjack wager if you end up with a lower point value than the dealer with neither of you going over 21. In addition, you’ll lose if the value of your cards eventually goes over 21, which is known as a bust.
Playing Your Blackjack Hand
When you receive your two cards, you’ll add up their value. For example, if you receive a king and a three, the value is 10 + 3, or 13.
After receiving the two cards, you’ll have several options to complete the hand.
- Hit: You could add to your point total by asking for another card. Keep in mind that you can hit multiple times and keep doing this as long as you don’t go over 21 and bust.
- Stand: You can refuse any other action on your hand and stick with the point total you have. A stand, also sometimes called a stick or a stay, can happen after your two-card deal. Or you can stand at any point after you’ve just hit in a game of online blackjack.
- Split: If you receive two cards with the same point value on the deal, you can split them into two different hands. This requires doubling your original bet. When you split, you’ll receive another card for each of these two new hands then continue to play out the hands in any manner you wish.
- Double: You can double the size of your initial real money blackjack bet for the hand you’re playing. When you do this, you will receive just one more card from the dealer to complete your hand.
- Insurance: This is a separate wager of up to half of your original bet that guards against the dealer having 21 on his first two cards. An insurance bet pays off at 2 to 1.
- Surrender: This allows you to recoup half of your original wager and surrender the other half. You might surrender if you thought you had a poor hand compared to the online blackjack dealer.
Find out more about blackjack surrender and insurance here.
What the Online Blackjack Dealer Does
Once you’ve made your decisions and played out your part of the hand (and all other players at the table have too), the online dealer will complete their hand. The dealer’s only options are to hit and to stay. This process will begin once the dealer flips over the hidden card in their hand.
If the online dealer’s cards add up to less than 17, they must hit. At any point that the dealer’s cards add up to at least 17, they must stay. The dealer could bust as well if their value goes above 21 following a hit, in which case, you would win your hand as long as you haven’t busted yourself.
Keep in mind that the dealer can’t split, double, or do any of the other things open to the player. The dealer gains their advantage in online blackjack from the fact that the players don’t know the value of the hidden card. And the dealer also gets to play last, which means that they can win the hand based on the player’s busting first.
Online Blackjack Strategy and Tips
Blackjack Strategy Charts
When you play blackjack online with proper basic strategy, you greatly increase your chances of winning real money. Basic blackjack strategy is derived from computer simulations which show the ideal plays for every possible deal. This information is crucial when learning how to play blackjack online and winning more often.
These charts recommend whether you should hit, stand, or commit to any of your other options based on the two cards you receive on the deal and what card the dealer has showing. If you can memorize the information on these charts, you can improve your online blackjack odds and decrease the house edge.
Card Counting
Many blackjack players want to go beyond basic blackjack strategy. If you want to take this a step further, you might want to consider learning how to count cards in blackjack.
While counting cards does not always apply to every version of online blackjack, the idea behind card counting is that the gambler’s chances improve once certain cards with lower values have already been played and are out of the deck. By contrast, the dealer’s chances improve when more face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) and tens have been played.
Card counting only improves potential payback slightly and only if you do it right. Casual players might not find much use for learning how to count cards. But it can be a valuable tool for those who plan on making blackjack their regular casino game.
Online Blackjack Bankroll Management
You should also consider bankroll management in online blackjack to be an important part of your strategy. The smartest players know good online blackjack betting strategy and how much of their digital bankroll to devote to a given session. They also know when to call it quits, either because they’ve made a satisfying profit or because they’ve lost a certain amount.
Pick up Some Tips From Our Casino Blogs
Blackjack Betting Online
Become a more well rounded online blackjack player by picking up some tips and tricks from the world of casino gambling. We have a wide variety of different casino blogs that are often related to playing blackjack online. Find out how to gain an edge over your favorite games today.
Ways to Play Blackjack Online
As we mentioned above, blackjack has become one of the most popular of all online gambling games. You can wager and win real money and enjoy gameplay that’s exactly the same as you would if you were in the casinos. Check out some of your options below.
Real Money Online Blackjack
You’ll find no shortage of blackjack online casinos offering up the chance to play blackjack online for real money. These online blackjack casinos often allow you to play the game through a browser, while some others might require a download. In any case, you should always check the rules for each particular online blackjack game to make sure you’re playing with the right strategy.
Blackjack Apps for Real Money
It’s a mobile world these days, and blackjack apps can provide you with the ultimate in gambling convenience. They allow you to play as long as you have a phone, tablet, or another connected device with you. You’ll find that both apps provide blackjack tips, offer free blackjack games, or are tied into blackjack online casinos that allow you to play for real money.
Live Dealer Online Blackjack
Many online blackjack games use simulated dealers that reshuffle the decks after every single deal. But games with live dealers who interact with players online are becoming more and more prevalent. Expert blackjack players prefer this style because card counting can be utilized.
Playing Blackjack Online in the US
Blackjack, for a long time, has been one of the most popular casino games in the United States. Whereas once upon a time that meant you’d have to go to Las Vegas or Atlantic City, that’s not the case anymore.
In the past few decades, most other states in the United States have legalized casino gambling. That means there’s probably a live blackjack table not too far away from where you live waiting for you.
As far as playing blackjack online for real money, that’s a bit trickier. Laws seem to be always changing concerning whether or not blackjack online casinos in the US are okay.
The most important thing you have to realize as a gambler is that you will not get prosecuted for gambling at blackjack online casinos. Instead, the hosts of the sites are the ones who assume legal responsibility for real money blackjack games.
At worst, you might find that your preferred method of payment is denied as you try to use an online blackjack casino. But since most legal casinos in the United States now have online operations as well, you really shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a real money online blackjack game that takes care of all your gambling needs.
FAQs About Playing Online Blackjack
Can I Play Blackjack Online Without Knowing a Lot of Strategy?
You can definitely play the game of blackjack online even if you don’t know too much about when to hit, when to stand, or any of the other options. And the great thing is that, in a short session, you can still get a lucky streak that can help you overcome your lack of blackjack strategy. But in the long run, you should really try to learn all the right plays if you want to maximize your potential real money winnings.
What Are Some of the Differences Found in Online Blackjack Games?
Depending on where you play, either online or in a casino, the game you find might have slightly different rules for blackjack that can affect play. Differences include:
- The amount of decks in play
- Varying blackjack split rules
- Whether you can double on any two-card deal
- Whether the dealer has to use to stay on a “soft” 17 (one achieved with an ace valued at “11”)
- Whether a reshuffling machine or program is used
These are just a few of the differences you might encounter. Each will have a slight impact on your blackjack odds online and in the casino.
Blackjack card counting is technically not illegal in the sense that you won’t be arrested for it. In the case of land-based casinos, they are within their rights to try to stop you from doing it, either by shuffling the decks more often or simply asking you to leave. You have to know how to be subtle with your counting efforts to avoid this happening to you.
Start Playing Blackjack Online Today
We hope that this blackjack guide will get you started on the road to many hours of gambling enjoyment with this game. You’ll find blackjack games online are not too difficult once you get the hang of it. But more important than that, you’ll start to realize just how lucrative the game of online blackjack can be if you, quite literally, play your cards right.
On the surface, blackjack may look like a simple card game. That’s partially true, and accessibility is a big reason for blackjack’s widespread popularity. But beneath the baseline rules of the game, learning how to play blackjack is important. It is a nuanced and complex gaming experience that both welcomes beginners and challenges skilled players to continuously improve.
You can play blackjack online for free almost anywhere, for real money online in some jurisdictions, and at casinos and card rooms. No matter where you play, it’s incredibly helpful to have a firm grasp on how blackjack works.
How To Play Blackjack
When you play blackjack, your overarching goal is to beat the dealer. Even though you aren’t trying to beat the other players at your table (whether virtual or real), it’s important to watch what they do. Your decisions can affect their game and vice versa.
To beat the dealer, you want to get a hand worth 21 points or as close to it as possible without going over. If your hand totals more than 21, that’s called a bust and you automatically lose your bet.
Playing Blackjack Step By Step
In blackjack, one round of play is considered a hand. You place a bet on each hand and attempt to beat the dealer. Here’s how a hand plays out.
Step 1: Bets Are Placed Cards Are Dealt
First, each player places bets. The main bet in blackjack is on yourself to beat the dealer. Sometimes side bets are available, but the chances of winning are very low and give more advantage to the house.
Next, the dealer will hand out two cards to each player at the table. All player cards will be face-up, but the dealer will have one card face up and one face down. This gives the casino an edge in the game.
Once you have your cards, add up the points based on each card’s value (we have a table for this below). This will help you determine what action you should take on your turn.
Step 2: Player Action
Once hands are dealt, each player takes a turn deciding what to do next based on the value of their cards. Your options are usually: hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender. We’ll define each of these actions below.
Hit and stand are the two most common actions. If you hit, it means you receive another card in an attempt to get closer to 21. If you stand, it means you keep your hand as is.
Step 3: Dealer Action And Wins Paid
For the final step, the dealer flips his face down card and either hits or stands based on the rules of that specific table. Some tables, for example, require a dealer to draw another card if their hand totals less than 16. These rules vary slightly depending on where you’re playing.
Bets are then paid based on each player’s hand in relation to the dealer’s total. If you’re closer to 21 than the dealer, you win. If you tie, it’s a push, and if you lose, you forfeit your bet.
Blackjack Card Values
In blackjack, each card has a specific point value that you use to calculate the value of your hand. This table lays out the value of each individual card. Suits and colors don’t make a difference; blackjack is purely about the numeric value of each card.
| Card | Blackjack Point Value |
|---|---|
| 2-9 | 2-9 |
| 10 | 10 |
| Jack | 10 |
| Queen | 10 |
| King | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11 |
As you can see, card values are pretty straightforward. 2s through 10s are worth face value, face cards are all worth 10, and aces can be either 1 or 11. When you’re dealt an ace, you choose which value to use, and it can change mid-hand based on new cards you receive.
Blackjack Payouts
A blackjack occurs when you hit 21 points with the two cards the dealer first gave you (one card worth 10 points plus an ace). When you hit blackjack, you automatically get paid the amount of your bet plus a bonus (unless the dealer also hits blackjack, which then results in a push).
Blackjack typically pays 3 to 2, which means that you’ll get paid the amount of your bet plus half, or 1.5 times your bet. As an example, if you bet $10 and get blackjack, you’ll win $15.
Some casinos and sites offer tables that pay 6 to 5 when you hit blackjack. Essentially, this means you get paid less for every blackjack you hit. On a $10 bet where you hit blackjack, you’d receive $12 instead of the $15 a 3:2 table would give you.
To maximize your potential wins, steer clear of 6:5 tables. They feature the exact same game rules but pay you less on a blackjack.
Important Blackjack Terms
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Hand | Can refer to your specific cards as a set or one “round” of play in blackjack. |
| Stand | Keep your hand as is and receive no additional card. |
| Hit | Receive another card. |
| Split | If you are dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands (placing an additional bet in the process) and play them as though you were dealt two hands. |
| Double down | Double your bet to receive exactly one extra card from the dealer. |
| Even money | Offered to a player with blackjack when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. An even money bet means the player is guaranteed a 1:1 payout on blackjack instead of a push (if the dealer has blackjack) or a full payout (if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack). |
| Bust | A bust occurs when a hand totals more than 21 points. The dealer or any blackjack player can bust. |
| Upcard | The dealer’s face-up card. |
| Hole card | The dealer’s face-down card. |
| Surrender | Give up your hand after the initial cards are dealt and receive half of your bet back. This is a rare option offered by few blackjack tables. |
| Insurance | Offered to a player without blackjack when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. Insurance is a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer does not have blackjack, the player loses the side bet. |
Five Options When Playing Hands Of Blackjack
When it’s your turn to take action in blackjack, you usually have up to five options, depending on your hand.
Hit
If you hit, it means you’re asking the dealer for another card. Typically this means your two initial cards are fairly low in value and you want to get closer to 21. If your initial hand totals lower than 17, you’ll often want to hit. It’s usually advisable to hit until you have a hand totaling 17-21 to give yourself a chance to beat the dealer. However, there are some scenarios where standing on a total of 12 can be beneficial.
You can hit as many times as you’d like until you’re happy with your hand or you bust.
Stand
When you stand, you keep your hand as is without taking any new cards or additional actions. Standing is usually best when your initial hand totals 17 through 21, especially if the dealer’s upcard is a 2, 3, 4, or 5. Many strategic players like to assume the dealer’s face-down card is a 10 and make choices based on that assumption. If the dealer’s upcard is a low-value card, there’s a higher chance they’ll draw a 10 and bust.
Double Down
If your initial hand totals 9, 10, or 11, then you may choose to Double Down. This means you double your wager (place another bet equal to your first one) to receive exactly one card. You won’t be able to hit again after receiving the extra card.
If you win on a double down hand, you win both bets. If you lose the hand, you lose both bets. It’s a high-risk high reward strategy that’s best used when the dealer’s upcard gives them a chance to bust.
Split
If you receive two cards with the same value (two 8s, two 9s, etc.), you may choose to split. This separates each card into the beginning of a new hand, and you must place another bet equal to your first. You then play each hand one at a time as you normally would, hitting or standing as you see fit. If you hit and receive another card of the same value, you’re allowed to split again.
Each hand is paid individually based on whether or not it beats the dealer’s total.
Surrender
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Surrender is a rare option in blackjack. If your table has a surrender option, it means you can sacrifice your initial hand and receive half of your bet back, with the other half going to the casino. Think of it as “folding” your hand.
Blackjack Strategy
Because there are so many possible outcomes in a game of blackjack, there are various scenarios in which a player can win, lose, or push.
You, the player, win if:
- You hit blackjack and the dealer does not
- Your final hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s
- The dealer busts and you do not
You and the dealer push if:
- Your final hands total the same point value
- You both hit blackjack
You lose if:
How To Play Blackjack Online For Money
- The dealer hits blackjack and you do not
- The dealer’s final hand is closer to 21 than yours
- You bust
How To Play Blackjack Online With Friends
Naturally, blackjack players use a lot of intricate strategies. But there is some conventional wisdom for newcomers or beginning players on what to do and when.
When To Hit Or Stand
Most players like to assume the dealer’s face-down card is always a 10 and work from there. For example, if the dealer’s upcard is an 8, you would assume they have a total of 18. Most blackjack tables require the dealer to hit on anything below a 16, but the dealer doesn’t take action until every player has taken their turn, so assuming a total is necessary for strategic gameplay.
It’s usually smart to hitif:
- The dealer’s upcard is a 7-10 or an ace and your hand totals lower than 15
- Your hand total is lower than 17
Your goal is to reach 21 or as close to it as possible, so hit with that in mind.
It’s typically good to stand if:
- Your initial hand totals 17 or higher
- The dealer has a solid chance to bust (upcard of 2-5)
In some cases, it makes sense to stand on a low-value hand and hope for the dealer to bust.
For a more detailed strategy overview, head to our Blackjack Strategy guide.
Where To Play Blackjack Online
There are a number of different ways you can play blackjack online.
Free To Play Blackjack
How To Play Blackjack Poker
Free blackjack is accessible anywhere you can get an internet connection and is legal across the US. There’s no real money involved in any capacity, and it’s a great way to get more familiar with the game.
Our free blackjack guide has two games right here on our website. The first one is single-player and allows you to play up to three hands at once. You can get a feel for the game and how one player’s choice can affect other players’ hands.
The second game allows you in play with up to two friends, adding a social element to the mix.
Sweepstakes Blackjack
You can play sweepstakes blackjack at any state in the US except for Washington. At sweepstakes sites, you purchase in-game currency and use that to play casino games. Chumba Casino is the most popular sweepstakes casino, and it has a blackjack game. Sweepstakes sites also give you a chance to win cash prizes.
Real Money Casino Blackjack
New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania currently have legal and live real money online blackjack. You can place bets and play against real players. You bet with real money and have a chance to win, too. Real money online blackjack brings the casino experience to the digital space.
Some online casinos even have live dealer blackjack games, where a real dealer doles out cards via live stream and the computer settles hands and bets. Check out the liver dealer games at DraftKings Casino or BetMGM depending on what state you are in. They offer real money online blackjack and live dealer games.
Types Of Blackjack Games
Thanks to its popularity, blackjack has spawned a number of spin-off games and variants that bring fresh concepts into the mix.
Atlantic City Blackjack
In Atlantic City Blackjack, players can double down on any two cards. Plus, the dealer always checks for blackjack if their upcard is an ace. That way, players don’t risk doubling down on a dealer blackjack.
European Blackjack
In standard blackjack, the dealer is dealt two cards: one face-up (upcard) and one face-down (hole card). European blackjack changes that rule; the dealer does not receive a hole card. Instead, the dealer receives a second card only after all players have taken their turns. This is a risky variant because players have a chance to up their bet (by splitting or doubling down) before knowing whether the dealer hits a blackjack.
Blackjack Switch
In Blackjack Switch, each player is dealt two hands instead of one. Players can switch the top card between the hands if they wish. Because of this player advantage, if the dealer hits a 22, all hands push except a natural blackjack (a blackjack dealt before a switch). The switch element adds new strategic layers to the game, making it a great choice for experienced players.
How To Play Blackjack – Common Questions
How old do I have to be to play blackjack in the US?To play blackjack for real money, either at a legal online site or at a land-based casino, you need to be 21 or older. At some tribal casinos in the US, it is possible to find 18+ casinos. If you’re 18 or above, you can play sweepstakes blackjack. Anyone can play free blackjack because there’s no real money involved.
Where can I learn to play blackjack for free?We have a full page dedicated to free online blackjack. One game is single-player, and lets you hone your skills by playing up to three hands at once. The other is multi-player, so you can face off against friends to learn the game.
Is it legal to play blackjack online?This depends on where you’re located. Only Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have legal online real money blackjack.
Every state except Washington allows sweepstakes blackjack, which is completely legal. You can play sweepstakes blackjack online at Chumba Casino.
Free blackjack is accessible to anyone, but you can’t play for real money or win any cash prizes.
You can play at legal online casinos in New Jersey, Delaware, or Pennsylvania. A few other states have legislation in the works to allow online blackjack for real money, but they’re not live yet. Check out the online blackjack offerings at DraftKings Online Casino.
To win cash prizes, you can play at a sweepstakes casino.
In blackjack, an ace is worth either 1 point or 11 points. You assign the value based on whichever number is more advantageous to you. For example, if you have a queen and an ace, the ace would be worth 11 to give you a blackjack. If you have an ace and a 6, your hand is worth either 7 or 17 points, and you could stand with the 17 or hit for a chance at a higher total.
How much are face cards worth in blackjack?Face cards are all worth 10 points in blackjack. This includes jacks, queens, and kings.
If you receive two face cards, they’re both valued at 10 points, so you could split them for a chance at two winning hands. This is risky, though, because your two face cards are worth 20 points–a solid hand especially if the dealer’s upcard is a 9 or lower.
If the dealer’s upcard is an ace, players have the option of placing an insurance bet. Insurance is a way to mitigate losses if a dealer has blackjack. If you take insurance by placing the side bet and the dealer reveals that they have blackjack, you win 2:1 on the insurance bet. If the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, you lose the side bet.