Slots have remained one of the most popular online casino games, however, there’s more out there for avid casino players and online blackjack is that.
Blackjack is available both online and offline in almost every online casino and land-based casino establishment. It's one of the most exciting games offered at casinos and allows players from all over the world to enjoy great action while offering one of the best chances of winning.
Playing Blackjack online has its advantages, and you can play for real money or for free. Some online casino websites offer many different variants of Blackjack that can provide a different twist on this classic casino game.
How to play Blackjack?
Unlike most table casino games where players compete against each other, Blackjack is a game where the player takes on the dealer/house. The goal of this highly thrilling game is to get the closest hand to 21 without going over that amount and therefore going bust. At the beginning of each Blackjack hand, the dealer and the players will be dealt two cards of which they are allowed to pick up and look at discretely. Players are at a slight disadvantage in Blackjack as if both the player and the dealer go bust, the player will still lose the bet.
Blackjack is a fun and easy to understand game of chance that can be enjoyed by all casino players, however, the first step to a successful Blackjack game is understanding strategy. The basic blackjack strategy is to know which move gives you the best chance of winning based on the cards you and the dealer are showing. Generally speaking, you have a better chance of winning if fewer cards are dealt from the deck. However, there are still a number of strategies to bring you ahead of the dealer.
Understanding Blackjack Terminology
As with any casino game, when you're laying down your own money and there's a gamble involved, it is recommended that players understand exactly what's going on and that means understanding the terminology.
Outlined below are the most common Blackjack terms that you're most likely to come across when playing Blackjack at an online casino.
Bust: When the player or dealer's hand is greater than 21
Double: The player is given the option to double up the original bet amount in exchange for one final card. This may be done if a player is confident with their current set of cards and believes the next card could bring them closer to 21 or at 21.
Hit: This is when the dealer deals another card to the hand, at the player's request.
Insurance: An insurance bet can be placed when the dealers exposed card is an Ace and therefore is insurance for the player in the event that the dealer reveals a natural Blackjack. It is independent of the original bet and pays 2:1.
Natural 21 Blackjack Hand: A natural Blackjack is when a player or dealer receives an Ace and a 10-point card (K, Q, J, 10) as their original two cards and therefore has 21. This is known as a "Natural 21" or "Blackjack".
Split: A split option is made available when the first two cards dealt are of equal value. Therefore, the decision is offered for the player to split into two hands.
Stand: The player can choose to stand if they do not wish to receive a card from the dealer on their turn. This is usually done when the card value is close to 21 and therefore at the risk of busting.