Blackjack - Rules, Tips | Online Blackjack Casinos

Blackjack Guide

• How to Play
• Types
• Variations
• Tips
• Where to Play

How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular games played in casinos around the world. A player needs only to beat the dealer in this game and does not compete against other players at the table. The objective of the game is to attain a card count as close to 21 as possible without 'busting' it. By developing a playing strategy and a card skill, a player can achieve a level of play that increases his chances of winning. Online and real casino blackjack games are similar, the major difference being that in online blackjack the dealer shuffles the deck at the start of every round.

Types of Blackjack Games

These are the more common versions of blackjack: European, Multihand, Atlantic City, Double Exposure, Vegas Downtown, Vegas Strip, Atlantic City, Spanish Blackjack, Super Fun 21 and Bonus Blackjack

Blackjack Variations

Some of the variations offered in casinos relate to doubling rules, surrender options, bonuses for 5 card 21 and different deck amounts. Players should experiment with the different variations to see which one works best for them.

Blackjack Tips

• When the dealer’s ‘up’ card is a 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, he stands a greater chance of busting. When his ‘up’ card is a 7, 8, 9, 10, a face card or an ace he stands a greater chance of completing his hand.
• When the player is dealt an ace as his first card, he holds a 52% advantage over the casino.
• When the player is dealt 7’s or 8’s and the dealer’s ‘up’ card is equal or lower in value, the player should Double down, i.e. increase his initial wager in return for being dealt one more card if he thinks that he has a good chance of beating the dealer. As a general rule, a player should not Double down on face cards, 10s or 5s.
• A player stands a better chance of winning if he splits on aces and 8s, regardless of what the dealer’s ‘up’ card is. A player should also split 2’s and 3’s against the dealer’s 4, 5 or 6.
• A player may use the “Expert Mode” and take advantage of the default strategy provided or alter the strategy to his own preferences if he is not confident with his own Blackjack tactics.
• ‘Card counting’ has no value in online blackjack because the deck is usually shuffled with every round.