If you’re a fan of strategic gameplay with some luck elements, you might be interested in playing blackjack online. This allows you to replicate this legendary casino game on your gaming device.
Most online casino games are based entirely on luck. However, online blackjack requires a combination of both luck and skill, which is one of the main reasons why it’s become a crowd favourite game. In fact, online blackjack is even more popular than online poker, which highlights just how fun it is to play.
So, what can you expect from this online blackjack guide? Here’s what you can read about:
- How to play online blackjack
- The advantages of playing online blackjack
- Online blackjack strategies
- Real money blackjack vs free blackjack
- The most popular variations of online blackjack
- Online blackjack cheat sheet
- Online blackjack FAQ
If you’re interested in this, great! By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to become a blackjack pro.
Play Blackjack Online in the UK Now
How to Play Online Blackjack?
Playing online blackjack in mobile casinos is easy to do. Many people report that it’s actually easier to play online than in person because of the simple fact that everything is on a screen in front of you, whether you’re playing on a PC, Android, or iPhone. We think that you’ll agree.
Firstly, let’s discuss how to play blackjack online. Here’s how the gameplay works:
- Enter the online blackjack lobby and join a table
- Place your bet (e.g., £5)
- You’ll be dealt 2 face-up cards, and the dealer will have 1 card face-down and 1 card face-up
- You must then decide: HIT, STAND, DOUBLE DOWN, SPLIT, or INSURANCE
- The hand with the highest total wins
The most important rule of blackjack UK online is that your hand total cannot go over 21. If you go over 21, then your hand is automatically “bust,” and the dealer wins. This is the fun part of playing online blackjack — you have to think carefully and follow a strategy. Otherwise, it’s easy to go “bust,” and you won’t get many wins.
Hit: A “hit” is when you take another card from the dealer. For example, if you have a hand total of 12, you might want to take a “hit” so that you can push closer to 21. There’s no limit on how many “hits” you can take.
Stand: When you “stand,” this means you decide to stick with your hand. At this point, your hand will be compared with the dealer’s to see who has the best hand.
Double Down: You have the option to “double down” by matching your original wager and then receiving 1 extra card from the dealer. However, if you decide to “double down,” you can’t take any other “hits.” It’s a risky move, but can ultimately come with big rewards if you win.
Split: If your 2 cards are both the same (e.g., two 7s), then you can “split” them into 2 separate hands. You’ll then be dealt another card for each hand.
Insurance: If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, you can make an “insurance” bet. This is an optional side bet where you bet half of your original wager that the dealer’s face-down card will make a natural blackjack (a total of 21).
Normally, the 2 most common moves you make in online blackjack are “hit” and “stand.” However, in some cases, you’ll decide to “double down,” “split,” or even make an “insurance bet” — but these moves are less common.
In the case of a “tie” in online blackjack, which is where you and the dealer have equal-value hands, your original bet will be returned without adjustment. In other words, nothing happens. You’ll get repaid and then have the option to play again if you’d like to.
Advantages of Playing Online Blackjack
If you enjoy playing normal blackjack, you might be wondering what the advantages of playing online blackjack are. It’s a natural question to have — and we’re here to provide you with the answers.
When you play blackjack online using the best gambling sites, here are some of the perks and benefits that you’ll get to experience:
- Play on multiple devices (PC, mobile, tablet)
- Play from any location at any time
- Experience the convenience of having all the touchscreen controls in front of you
- Enjoy the different variations of online blackjack
- Practice as much as you like without having to leave home
- Activate online blackjack bonuses (e.g., free cash bonuses)
As you can see, there’s a lot to enjoy and plenty of room for flexibility. Whether you’re at home or travelling in a different country, you can easily fire up online blackjack on your smartphone whenever you feel like it. This isn’t the same with real-life blackjack, where you need to dress up and go to a nearby casino. It’s something that most modern people would rather not do these days, which is why online blackjack is superior.
It’s also easy to practice online blackjack UK without real money. When you visit an online casino, simply choose the demo version of online blackjack so that you can practice, practice, practice. You’ll be using fake virtual money, so there’s no pressure involved.
Best of all, you can also get your hands on some fantastic online blackjack bonuses if you know where to look. Some online casinos provide cash bonuses that you can use when playing online blackjack UK, which is a great way to get some wins without having to bet your money.
Online Blackjack Strategies
In the world of online blackjack, there are numerous strategies that you can follow. Some blackjack strategies are simple, while others can be more complicated. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro player, here are some effective strategies that you can follow to win more online blackjack games:
Double Down on a Hand of 11
Have you been dealt a hand of 11? If so, you should definitely “double down.” This is because there’s a good chance that your next card will be 10, meaning you’ll finish on a perfect score of 21. And if the next card isn’t a 10, you might still hit a 7, 8, or 9, which will take you very close to 21.
“Split” Aces and 8s
Whenever you’re dealt two aces or two 8s, make sure to always split them.
A pair of 8s is a nightmare hand because it creates a hard 16, which is a notoriously difficult hand to work with. By splitting the 8s, research has proven that you can turn an expected loss into either an expected profit or reduced loss, which makes this move a no-brainer. The same applies with a pair of aces, which give you a terrible hand value of either 2 or 12. It’s always best to split them and hope that you land a 7, 8, or 9 straight after.
Never “Hit” on a Hand Value of 18 or Higher
Statistically speaking, taking a “hit” on a high value of 18 is extremely risky, and the odds are not in your favour. There’s more chance of you going “bust” than landing, taking your hand total to 19, 20, or 21, which is why you should always “stand” with a hand of 18. After all, you’re more than likely going to beat the dealer with it!
Avoid Trying to Count Cards
Card counting in online blackjack is bordering on impossible. This is because mobile casinos use RNGs (Random Number Generators) which randomly shuffle the card decks each turn. Essentially, the chances of you successfully card counting are shockingly low. However, if you play blackjack in a land-based casino with a real human dealer (such as one in Las Vegas), then you can definitely try card counting and experience success with it.
Real Money Blackjack vs Free Blackjack
When you play in an online casino, you can choose between online blackjack real money and free blackjack — but which is better? The truth is that they both come with their advantages, and it’s for you to decide which one appeals the most. Here’s a closer look:
| Real Money Blackjack | Free Blackjack |
|---|---|
| 🤑 Win real money | 😨 No financial risk |
| 🎰 Get the full ‘casino experience’ | 😱 No pressure |
| 🖥️ Play against the computer instead of real human dealers and players | 🎲 Practice as much as you like without having to bet real money |
If you’re a total beginner, it’s recommended that you start with the free version of online blackjack. This way, you can familiarizeyourself with the mechanics and get used to the rules of online blackjack in a zero-risk environment. On the other hand, if you have experience playing blackjack in real life, it’s recommended you dive straight into online blackjack, with the prospect of real money rewards. It’s also a good idea to further develop your gambling skills by playing games like online slots.
Popular Blackjack Variations
There are many variations of blackjack online that you can enjoy. Some of the best variations include Classic Blackjack, Triple 7s Blackjack, Ponton, Perfect Pairs Blackjack, and Multi-Hand Blackjack. It’s worth checking with an online casino first to see which variations of online blackjack it offers. For example, some casinos only offer Classic Blackjack.
Blackjack Cheat Sheet: How Much the Cards Are Worth?
Now, it’s time to run through each individual blackjack card and its value:
| 1=1 | 6=6 | Jack = 10 |
| 2 = 2 | 7 = 7 | Queen = 10 |
| 3 = 3 | 8 = 8 | King = 10 |
| 4 = 4 | 9 = 9 | Ace = 1 or 11 |
| 5 = 5 | 10 = 10 |
An ace will always have a value of 11 unless that would give you a hand value of over 21. In this case, the ace is valued at 1 to keep your hand total below 21.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Blackjack
Land-based casinos and online casinos follow the same rules when it comes to blackjack. The only difference is that you play against real-life dealers in land-based casinos instead of computer-generated ones.
It’s recommended that you practice online blackjack in officially licensed casinos for at least one hour a day to improve your skill and composure levels.
Online blackjack is legal in some states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Playing free online blackjack allows you to practice without betting real money.
The game of blackjack is about beating the dealer by reaching a total sum of cards that equals but is not greater than 21. Cards 2-10 are worth their face value. Face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10, and Aces can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on what you need in that round. Any total higher than 21 is automatically deemed a bust, and loses the round. Here is how a regular round plays out:
- Players place bets, and the dealer deals one card face up to each player (including themselves).
- Every player is dealt one card face up except the dealer, whose second card is dealt face down.
- If your two cards equal 21, you automatically win; if you wish to receive a third card, you say ‘hit’; if you wish to stop with the two cards you have, say ‘stay.’
- The dealer reveals their second card. In the standard ruleset, the dealer would have to draw another card if the value is 16 or lower, and stay if it’s 17 or higher.
- The player who is closest to 21 without going over wins the hand.
Live dealer casinos follow standard blackjack rules. If you’re a fan of blackjack, playing live blackjack online is the closest you can get to the real-life experience. Live blackjack is especially fun if you’re someone who enjoys going up against real human dealers and other players from around the world.
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