How to Play Online Blackjack

Online blackjack works in the same way as land-based blackjack, with the objective being to achieve a total hand value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible. You’ll play against a dealer, and sometimes, other players too.

The game starts with selecting your stake, after which you’ll be dealt two face-up cards. The dealer deals one face-up card and one face-down card to themselves. At this point, you choose an action:

• Hit: Request another card from the dealer.
• Stand: Refuse new cards while keeping the ones you have.
• Split: Match your original bet and split your hand into two separate hands.
• Double down: Double your bet and receive one additional card.
• Surrender: Fold and leave the round without drawing any new cards.

This process continues until the round ends. If a player hits 21, they win the pot. If no player hits 21, the player with the hand closest to 21 wins.

Online blackjack variations

There are several variations of online blackjack, ranging from standard table games to live casino options.

RNG blackjack

RNG (random number generator) blackjack is a digital version of the game where you play against the provider’s software. The RNG ensures that results are entirely random and fair. Popular variations include Pontoon and Spanish 21.

Live blackjack

Live blackjack offers a more immersive and social experience, allowing you to play with real dealers and interact with other players. This version provides a sense of authenticity that replicates the atmosphere of a land-based casino.

Using a blackjack basic strategy chart is a helpful tool for improving your gameplay and making informed decisions based on statistical probabilities. The chart provides recommendations for all possible player and dealer hand combinations, indicating the optimal action to take—such as hit, stand, split, or double down.

Here’s a breakdown of how the strategy chart is structured:

Hard totals

These refer to hands without an Ace, or with an Ace that counts only as 1 (e.g., 8, 8 or 10, 10).

Soft totals

These are hands where an Ace can count as 11 without busting (e.g., Ace, 6 or Ace, 8).

Pairs

If you are dealt a pair, you have the option to split.

Using this chart:

• Keep it handy: You can print out the chart or save a digital copy to use as a reference during gameplay.
• Understand the recommendations: These are guidelines based on probabilities and are designed to optimize your chances of winning over time.
• Practice makes perfect: Use the chart regularly to familiarize yourself with the decisions and eventually internalize them.

How to read the strategy chart

The dealer’s card is at the top and your total hand is at the bottom. Find the connection between the two to see which letter you fall on. Check the key for the next recommended move. Remember that this is only a guide and does not guarantee a win.

This explains what the different letters mean, each of which represents a recommended move:

• H = Hit
• S = Stand
• P = Split
• D/H = Double down if possible. If not, then hit
• D/S = Double down if possible. If not, then stand
• P/H = Split if double down after split is possible. If not, then hit
• R/H = Surrender if possible. If not, then hit

Here are a few takeaways that provide an overview of strategy guidelines:

• Stand on 17+: It’s always best to hold your hand if you have 17 or more, as the chances of drawing a small number card are relatively low.
• Split 8s and Aces: Splitting this combination as your first hand gives you double the chances of finishing off with the higher hand.
• Never Split 10s: Having 20 as a starting hand gives you excellent chances of winning the round.

Strategies for winning at blackjack

As with all forms of gambling. there is no magic formula that guarantees you big wins when playing blackjack, but there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning the pot. We’ve listed a few to get you started.

Before we cover those, here is a photo of some cool casino chips I saw when I was in Vegas last time:

Tip #1 - Know when to double down

Doubling down can be tricky, so it’s important to know when to use this bet type and when to avoid it. 

We suggest doubling down when you have a total of 11 in your hand, as the possibility of receiving a card with a value of 10 is high, which would give you an instant blackjack win.

Tip #2 - Familiarize yourself with the blackjack table

There are several variations of online blackjack. We recommend familiarizing yourself with them by using the demo versions of the RNG table games or by observing the ones in the live casino to get a feel of how each one works. You can then pick your favorite variation when you feel ready to stake real cash.

Tip #3 - Set a budget and stick to it

Probably the most crucial tip of all: your budget. We recommend setting a reasonable budget before you start playing and stopping if you reach it. 

Keeping your gambling responsible is vital for both your mental and financial health. If you feel like your gaming is becoming problematic, reach out to a customer support agent immediately.

How to choose an online blackjack game

If you’re ready to begin playing online blackjack, here’s how to do it:

1. Sign up to a reliable online casino and make your first deposit.
2. Look through the RNG blackjack table games or through the live blackjack variations.
3. List the ones you like.
4. Choose your favorite table and pay the buy-in, if any.
5. Place your first bet and enjoy.

There are so many variations of online blackjack that it may be overwhelming to choose the right one, which is why we recommend demoing the games before committing yourself with real cash.

Demo blackjack

You’ll find demo versions of the RNG table games at most online casinos in the United States. We recommend using this mode before staking real cash to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and the differences between the variations.

When it comes to live blackjack, you won’t be able to demo the games, but you can observe a few rounds without taking a seat at the table. This allows you to get an idea of how it works without making any financial commitment. You can also use the chat feature to ask any questions you may have.

Benefits of playing blackjack online

There are many reasons American players choose to play blackjack online rather than go to a brick-and-mortar casino. The most obvious one is convenience as you can play from literally everywhere, even while on the train commute to work.

Another major advantage is the ability to switch between one blackjack variant and another within seconds. You don’t need to walk across a hall and find a table with available seats as it’s all right there in the palm of your hand.

Online blackjack also gives you the possibility to use a strategy chart with more time, meaning you can study your moves before making them.

Final thoughts

I love playing blackjack and having a fundamental understanding of the game helps a lot. So choose a reliable US-licensed online casino and use basic strategies like the Strategy chart - it does work and will improve your chances of winning

Note that online casinos in the US offer optimized blackjack games for desktop and mobile devices, where you can get things like insurance bets to protect against dealer wins. So whether you're playing for the first time or you're a seasoned player, there’s a blackjack game waiting for you at one of BettingLadies.com’s trusted casino partners. 

Sign up, claim your welcome bonus, and start playing today!