The game of blackjack owes a lot of its popularity to pop-culture. Famous card counting and similar endeavors described in numerous books and movies have created a buzz that can only be compared to the poker boom of mid 2000s. Online blackjack inherited this popularity from its older brother and from the smoke-filled casino floors, the game has largely transitioned to the virtual felt.
Among numerous online casino games, blackjack stands out because it is one of the few games in which the player can actively work to diminish the casino’s edge and, depending on circumstances, even turn the tables on the house. The possibility of playing against the house while actually having an edge is the core reason why so many people play blackjack. For a gambler, there is hardly a better high than beating the casino in their own game – not to mention the money earned in the process.
| RULES | STRATEGIES AND SYSTEMS | TIPS & TRICKS | TERMS |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| All blackjack rules explained in detail. Learn how the game works, find out about special house rules, and discover how some of these can work to your advantage. | Over the years, numerous systems for beating blackjack have been developed. Some of them work better than the others: discover the best systems and learn how to win money using them while you play. | Further blackjack tips & tricks to take your game to the next level. Every small edge counts at the table and with these hidden strategies, you are guaranteed to increase your win rate. | Get familiar with the blackjack lingo. Learn what it means to split, push, surrender, and much more. |
| Adept More | Adept More | Adept More | Adept More |
Casino Comparison
For Blackjack
Not all online casinos were created equal. There are different places with different rules, game types and bonuses available. Regardless of whether you are just a novice or a serious player, you will always want to play with a casino offering the best possible playing conditions in every sense of the word. That’s why we analyzed a great number of different online casinos in our big Online Casino Comparison and came up with a few that represent absolutely the best pick for blackjack players when all these parameters are taken in consideration.
Casino comparison for roulette
| 1. Place |  | 100% up to £400 T&Cs Apply, 18+ | 10,0 / 10 | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2. Place |  | Up to £1500 welcome package T&Cs Apply, 18+ | 10,0 / 10 | More Info |
| 3. Place |  | 200% Up To £50 T&Cs Apply, 18+ | 9,0 / 10 | More Info |
| 4. Place |  | 100% up to £100 + Extra Spins T&Cs Apply, 18+ | 9,0 / 10 | More Info |
| 5. Place |  | 100% up to £200 T&Cs Apply, 18+ | 9,0 / 10 | More Info |
Beating the House
Play Blackjack for Real Money
Most casino games are moderately fun but what really brings the excitement to the table is the possibility of winning money. Playing blackjack for real money can be both exciting and gratifying experience if you know what you are doing.
While most blackjack strategies will only bring you relatively close to even, one thing that can really turn the tables and make you the favorite to win is counting cards. You can find more details about this concept by clicking on the link but, essentially, card counting will help you to play bigger bets when you know you are a favorite to win and limit your losses when the deck is cold, i.e. not favorable to the player.
Unfortunately, playing blackjack online, you will rarely be in a position to put your card counting abilities to good use. There might be a few live online casinos where you could take advantage of your knowledge but, for the most part, other strategies will serve you much better on the virtual felt. Online casino blackjack uses a random number generator, meaning the deck is virtually shuffled at the start of the each deal, putting all cards back in play.
More information about Blackjack card counting strategy
The Blackjack History
Three Centuries of Hits and Busts
It seems that Frenchmen were particularly inventive when it comes to gambling as numerous games have roots in France of 17th and 18th century. Blackjack is one such game as it is widely accepted belief that the game was first introduced in French casinos sometimes around the year 1700.
The early French version of blackjack was known as Vinget-et-Un which translates as “twenty one” and summarizes the goal of the game. Another similar variation of the game was known in Spain, but instead of 21, the goal was reaching 31.
Although these variations had rules somewhat different than the blackjack rules used today, there is little doubt that they were the ancestors of the modern game variation. Its popularity continued to grow when French colonists came to North America, becoming ever more popular among the people.
In 1931, Nevada became the first U.S. state to legalize gambling and numerous casinos opened their doors. Trying to attract more players to the ’21’ tables, some establishments started offering a special bonus: should a player reach twenty-one by receiving one of two black Jacks (a Jack of clubs or a Jack of spades) in combination with the Ace of spades, they would receive a 10 to 1 payout on their bet. Although this practice was abandoned rather quickly, the game became widely known as blackjack and that is the name that stuck to this very day.
Play Blackjack Online
Old Game in a New Apparel
Partially thanks to these early efforts by the casinos to popularize the game and in part due to the fact it is a fast and exciting game, blackjack tables have become one of the most frequented places in brick and mortar casinos. Picking up on these tendencies, online operators figured that the game would do equally well in a virtual setting – and they were right.
If you are looking to play blackjack online, you could register with the first casino that you happen to run in and the odds are, they will be offering several variations of this hugely popular game. That’s not to say that there is no difference as to where you decide to play, but every casino operator out there is well aware they simply must have blackjack in their offering of the games.
Blackjack Rules
Understanding the Game
Online blackjack is pretty straightforward game. You are playing against the house and, in order to win, you need to get as close as possible to 21, without going over that number. All face cards have a value of 10, while other cards have their designated values.
At the start of a hand, player places the amount he wants to wager and then both him and the dealer receive two cards. Players’ cards are usually face up while the dealer only shows one card; the second one remains hidden.
Based on the cards he was dealt and on the dealer’s visible card, the player makes a decision to either ask for another card (hit) or pass the action to the dealer (stand). If the player decides to hit and his total count goes over 21, then he is busted and automatically loses his bet.
Once the action moves to the dealer, he will uncover his hidden card and, in the event he has a blackjack, he will either win or tie (push) with the player who also made the blackjack. The dealer must draw a card if his total count is under seventeen and must stop as soon as his total count becomes seventeen or higher regardless of what the player(s) is showing.
This is how the game plays in a nutshell. For more details and explanation of specific rules, like split or insurance, make sure to visit our blackjack rules page.
Online Blackjack Strategy
Turning the Tables
If you are playing blackjack for real money, it is only natural to look for the ways to increase your odds and put yourself in a better spot. Trying to do it using the method of trial and error is usually a very expensive approach and the one that often does not produce wanted results. Luckily, when it comes to blackjack, you don’t have to do it, because people have already devised and tested numerous systems and strategies so you wouldn’t have to spend your time and money trying to figure things out on your own.
Here we’ll run through a few of our popular betting strategies we find useful here. Alternatively you can jump into it straightaway by checking out our basic blackjack strategy.
More information about basic strategy
1-3-2-6 Blackjack Strategy
The only progressive system that you need to know
While the 1-3-2-6 betting system might look complicated on the surface — no doubt due to its name — it’s ultimately just a slightly more complex version of the Paroli system (made popular by roulette players). Basically you start by betting one chip, increase your bet to three chips in your second bet, then to two, up to six and so on.
- Based on a positive progression system –relatively simple to understand
- The perfect strategy for both beginners and intermediates — get started today!
- Much like the popular Paroli system, but with a different sequence
There are certain situations where you would change your strategy, based upon different outcomes. Not to worry, we’ve got all that covered and more in our guide.
Learn more about the 1-3-2-6 Strategy
Blackjack Tournaments Guide
Breeze tournaments day-in, day-out
Blackjack tournaments are a popular way to stretch your bankroll. During these events you’ll play multiple games with just one entry fee, where the aim is to build up the biggest bankroll in a certain period of time. You might be tempted to smash huge bets straight away, but of course, this isn’t the way. To find out more check out our blackjack tournament strategy guide.
Count cards like a pro
Make the MIT blackjack team look like novices
Card counting has been one of the hottest topics since blackjack strategy really took off in the 60s and 70s. The idea that a player can actually turn turn the tables and gain house advantage has been both lucrative and dangerous, depending on how skillful a player is. Here we delve deep into what card counting is and provide a few pointers.
Take advantage of the Fibonnaci system
As easy as 1+1+2+3+5…
Named after the mathematical sequence of the same name — the Fibonacci sequence — this progressive betting system uses the same method to manage your blackjack stakes.
As you might have guessed you start by betting one chip, then one again, followed by two, then three and so on…
- Ancient mathematical system known by man for centuries
- Appears in a grand variety of books, including the popular Dan Brown novels
- Can be used as a model for blackjack players
For more information on the Fibonacci system in blackjack check out our dedicated guide – The Fibonacci System
Online Blackjack Tips & Tricks
Every Bet Counts
It goes without saying that online blackjack for real money seems quite different than its brick & mortar counterpart. However, the difference is only superficial. It is still the same game and the same rules and mathematical equations apply. Here are a few useful tips and tricks to help improve your experience at the tables.
Learn the Basic Strategy
Although this has been beaten to death in the previous part, it simply can’t be overstated. You absolutely need to learn the basic strategy if you are serious about improving your blackjack game. There is no way around it.
Take Advantage of Deposit Bonuses
One important difference when you play blackjack online is that you will be able to take advantage of very generous bonuses offered by the casinos. You will not encounter such offers in physical card-rooms. Passing on the opportunity to double (or more) your starting bankroll will open the world of new possibilities and enable you to play much higher than you could otherwise. To find the bonus that best fits your particular requirements check out our casino bonus comparison guide. There are different offers suited pretty much for all types of players, from the high rollers to those only learning the ropes.
Start Playing Small Stakes
One of the biggest advantages of online casinos is that you can get involved in the action much cheaper than you could in a land-based establishment. If you are new to the game, you will easily find places where you can play blackjack online as cheap as $0.10 per hand. These tables are great for learning the ropes and testing your knowledge. The risk is virtually non-existent and you still get the thrill of playing for real money.
Finding Your Home
Where to Play Online Blackjack?
In the end of this extensive online blackjack review, one question still remains unanswered. What are the things to look for when deciding where to play blackjack for real money? Of course, bonus is one important factor, but you will also have to be weary of casinos that don’t really appreciate smart blackjack players.
There are certain places out there that tend to ban the players who display the knowledge of the game, often accusing them of a bonus abuse. Online casinos have the right to do this because it is a part of their terms of service but, as a blackjack player, you will want to steer clear of these places.
Luckily, our online casino comparison guide will help you find just the right place, so you don’t have to spend hours looking through dozens of different places, trying to figure out what is what. Of course, if there are ever any questions or ambiguities, you can turn to us directly or check out what other users have to say. After all, that’s what we are all about.
Conclusion
Blackjack Never Goes Out of Style
Even though the game has been around for some three centuries, blackjack is still going strong. The unique mixture of ability to gamble and the chance to use your intellect to increase your chances of winning have created a special blend equally attractive to regular punters and professional casino players.
The first thing you will need to do on your path to becoming a successful blackjack player is learning the basic strategy. It is truly the foundation upon which you can build further; without it, you are pretty much destined to fail.
Start small, learn as you go, and, most importantly, always try to have fun on your way up.