Online Blackjack Rules
Online blackjack rules closely resemble the rules of traditional blackjack. The only difference between the two games is that the deck is shuffled after every hand in online blackjack. Getting started with online blackjack is a good idea because you can move at your own pace and practice the rules before diving in head first at a live casino. You can also get an online blackjack bonus up to $2000.
Online Blackjack Basics
The goal in online blackjack is to get a points total as close to 21 as possible without going over (going “bust”). At the same time, the dealer also tries to get as close to 21 as possible. Whoever gets the closest between you and the dealer wins the bet. There are also additional payouts for hitting exactly 21 points on the first two cards.
Number cards in blackjack are worth points equal to the rank of that card. Deuces are worth two points, 3s are worth three points and so on. Face cards are all worth 10 points each. Aces are worth either 1 point or 11, whichever is the most beneficial to the player.
How to Play Online Blackjack
Each hand of online blackjack begins with you choosing an amount to bet. After you place your bet, you and the dealer each receive two cards. Both of your cards are dealt face up but only one of the dealer’s cards is dealt face up.
Next, you may choose to receive another card (hit) or stop receiving cards (stand). You may hit as many times as you want, but remember that if you go over 21 points, you lose the hand. After you finish playing your hand, the dealer then hits or stands according to the rules of the casino. In most cases, this means hitting until his hand total reaches 17 or higher.
If you get closer to 21 than the dealer or the dealer goes bust, you win even money on your original bet. If the dealer beats you or you go bust, you lose your original bet. In instances of ties, the bet is considered a push and nobody wins or loses.
If your first two cards total 21 points exactly, you have what is called a “blackjack.” This is an automatic win unless the dealer also has a blackjack, in which case the hand is declared a tie. Any time you win a hand with a blackjack, you receive a bonus payout of 3:2. This means that if you bet $10 on your hand, you’ll be paid $15 on top of your original bet.
Advanced Blackjack Bets
Once you get the hang of blackjack, there are several other in-game betting options that you can use to increase your win rate.
Double Down – After you receive your first two cards, you always have the option to double down. If you choose to double down, your original bet is doubled and you receive exactly one more card. After you get that card, you have to stand. This bet is good when your first two cards indicate a win is likely.
Split a Pair – If your first two cards are worth the same number of points, you can choose to split them. If you do so, your cards are separated and you place an additional bet on the table. You then play each card as a separate hand.
Surrender – This option is available immediately after all the cards have been dealt but before you have made any other decision. If you don’t like the looks of your hand, you can forfeit half your bet and surrender the hand. Most casinos offer “late surrender,” which means the dealer checks for blackjack before you surrender. If the dealer does indeed have a blackjack, you lose the full bet.
Every once in a while, you’ll find a casino that offers “early surrender.” In this variation, the dealer does not check for blackjack first. This gives you an advantage because it lets you get out with half your bet even if the dealer does have a blackjack.
Even Money – Some casinos offer an even money bet when you have a blackjack and the dealer is showing an Ace. If you accept the even money bet, you are guaranteed to win an even money payout on your blackjack even if the dealer ties you. Some casino players see this as a safe way to lock in a win but most blackjack strategies tell you to avoid this option.
