One of the great things about blackjack is its simplicity. It offers genuine pick-up-and-play appeal that everyone can enjoy. Nevertheless, there are still some basic rules and nuances that you should be aware of before you sit down to play blackjack online.
Below, we’ll explain the basics, such as how each hand plays out, as well as more complicated aspects of online blackjack like limits and popular side games.
The Goal of Blackjack
Blackjack is all about creating a hand as close to 21 as possible without going over. You’re dealt two cards, and you can ask for more until you’re happy with your hand. But be careful – if you go over 21, you’ll bust your hand and lose your stake.
The dealer is playing the same game as you. In fact, they are playing against you. Blackjack is a head-to-head battle between you and the dealer. If they have a better hand, you lose. If you are closer to 21 than they are or if they bust, you win.
The Basic Rules of Blackjack
In blackjack, all face cards (King, Queen, Jack) have a value of ten. Aces can be worth either one or 11, whichever value improves your hand the most. All other cards are taken at face value.
You’re dealt two cards face up. The dealer is dealt two cards, one face up and one face down. You must then decide to either hit, stand, double down or split:
- Hit
Accept another card from the deck.
- Stand
Keep your existing hand.
- Double Down
Double the size of your initial play to receive one additional card only.
- Split
Split identical cards (e.g., two eight cards) into two hands. Since you have two hands, you have to make a second bet equivalent to your first wager.
How Does a Hand of Blackjack Play Out?
- All players place their stakes in the play circle. Active players immediately receive their first two cards.
- Any player who is dealt an ace and a ten-value card wins a “blackjack”. This is usually rewarded at odds of 3:2 or 6:5.
- Each player gets the chance to make a decision about their respective hands. Players act from right to left, moving in a clockwise fashion.
- Once each player’s hand is complete, the dealer reveals their face-down card and must hit or stand based on the predetermined rules. In most cases a dealer must hit until their hand is worth 17 or better. Once they get over 17, they must stand.
- The dealer compares their hand to each player’s hand. Players with better hands than the dealer’s win at odds of 1:1.
- All losing hands and wagers are taken by the dealer. The cards are reshuffled to get ready for the next round.
These rules don’t change, regardless of you playing the standard games or live blackjack online.
Popular Side Plays in Blackjack
Many online blackjack games also have optional side gaming options, which you can play alongside your main hand. We’ll give you a brief overview of the main games below. You can learn more about each of them on our main blackjack side games page.
Perfect Pairs
This side play allows you to choose whether your first two cards dealt will form a pair (i.e. two cards of the same rank).
21+3
This side play relies on whether your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard form a poker hand. The better the hand, the bigger the reward.
Royal Match
This side play is based on whether your first two cards have the same suit.
Blackjack Variants to Try
If you ever fancy adding an extra dimension to your online blackjack experience, be sure to give any of these blackjack variants a whirl:
Atlantic City Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack is arguably the most popular blackjack variant. Many players actually prefer it to traditional blackjack since it offers more options and flexibility with your hand. For example, you have more chances to double down and a late surrender option.
Blackjack Switch
In Blackjack Switch, you’re dealt two hands instead of one. You can swap the second cards between each hand before making your decision with the dealer, giving you a chance to strengthen your hands before you hit or stand.
Double Exposure Blackjack
In this blackjack variant, both the dealer’s cards are exposed. This gives you further information to help make your betting decisions. However, blackjacks are valued at even-money rather than 3:2.
