How To Play Blackjack: A Comprehensive Guide
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Playing blackjack online is both fun and easy for new players. The thrill while waiting for the dealer to reveal the mysterious hole card after you have doubled down is like no other. All players go through the teething phase of learning how to play blackjack, which can be costly arriving at a new online casino. At Casino Martini, we are here to cut some corners for you and speed up the learning curve within this guide.

Strap in as we uncover how to start winning at blackjack from the get-go, understanding the basic rules, and moves all the way to implement a basic strategy to lower the house edge to a minimum. Since blackjack card games function off more than just luck, it takes practice to hone the skill needs to make smart decisions while attempting to beat the dealer.

Let’s start off with the basics and bring everyone up to speed with this classic casino game.

Basics of Online Blackjack Games

The objective of a blackjack game is to obtain a total hand value of 21, or else get closer than the dealer while not going over, called a “bust.” Blackjack is a battle against you and the dealer; it doesn’t matter how many hands are being played around the table; your main goal is to focus on beating the hand of the dealer.

The initial bet placed against the dealer offers and even money payout, while some games alternatively use a payout rate of 3:2. Once bets have been made, two cards are dealt to all players and the dealer. All of the cards in play are face up except one of the dealers, called the “hole card.”

Here you must consider both the dealer’s up card and your own cards in play to choose the correct action to beat the dealer. Depending on all cards in play, choose one of the following moves hit, split, stand, double down, or surrender, which is offered within some blackjack variants.

After you are content with your hand, the dealer checks for blackjack and must act on the hand as the blackjack rules dictate. In the case the dealer holds 16 or less, an automatic “hit” occurs until 17 or more is reached in which the dealer stands.

Both hands are then compared, and the nearest hand value to 21 wins the game. The casino pays out all bets, and a new betting round commences.

Value of Cards

The value of cards within a game of blackjack is uncomplicated for all new players to learn quickly. Simply cards from 2-9 are all of their face value, while 10s and face cards are all allocated as ten-value cards. Finally, the most desirable card within this deck game is the Ace which can be played as an 11 or a 1 to prevent a bust or promote a blackjack winning hand.

Playing a Blackjack Hand

As we mentioned the various moves that can be taken on a blackjack hand, let’s dissect each considering a logical time when they should be used. If you are using a basic strategy, apply all moves as the basic strategy indicates. This will bring the house edge down to as low as 0.5%, increasing your chances of winning blackjack and minimizing mistakes.

The following are moves used within the game of blackjack. As per a blackjack strategy chart, they will be indicated as letters.

Hit – The “hit” move within blackjack is used when a player requires an additional card within their hand. If a players hold a 2 and a 5, the hit action may be used once or twice to achieve a higher total.

Stand – Once a player is satisfied with their hand total, they can “stand,” taking no further action on their cards in play. If a player has a total of 20, there is no point in taking another card. The hand will most likely bust.

Split – If the player receives two of the same value card, the opportunity presents itself to “split” the total and play with two hands at once. This will give the player double the chance at beating the dealer.

Double-down – In the case the player is confident that receiving one more card will likely secure a winning hand on the blackjack table, a double-down is used. Here the player obtains only one more card within the game and doubles the original bet.

Surrender – The surrender is almost the opposite of doubling down. Within surrender blackjack, a player has the ability to forfeit their hand while only losing half their original bet amount. If the dealer has an Ace and you have a weak hand and wish to cut your losses, the move can be used either as a late or early surrender.

Insurance Bets – Insurance blackjack side bets can be used if the dealer has an Ace. The bet is won if the dealer’s hole cad turns out to be a 10 valued card paying out at 2:1.

How to Pick the Best Blackjack Site

At Casino Martini, we promote top-quality online casinos that have been fully licensed and regulated by leading governing bodies such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. Each gambling site has been rigorously tested and reviewed before making it into our top list.

Read: Complete List Of New Casinos In The United Kingdom!

Compare the various casinos to ensure the UX, variety of games, and casino bonuses are all to your liking. The welcome bonus will be your first point of contact with the blackjack site and will award you with bonus funds to enjoy within your first few weeks of gambling. Since you are here to play blackjack, opt for a deposit match bonus to get the most out of your opening deposits. Click “show details” to compare vital elements of the bonus, such as the wagering requirements, expiry date, and minimum deposit amount.

Once satisfied, hit “Grab Bonus” next to the online casino of your choice, and we will redirect you to the homepage. Here you must fill out all essential sign-up fields, including your name, email address, and create a strong password.

Next, navigate to the “cashier” section and select a method of deposit. Key in your banking details and confirm your deposit. All bonus funds will instantly be credited to your new account. All that left is to check out the many blackjack variants and start playing!

Choose a Blackjack Variant

If you are completely new to the online casino world, we recommend starting off with a classic deck game until you gain some confidence before testing out alternative games. Otherwise, if you wish to spice up your gameplay, check out the following popular blackjack games available at UK online casinos in 2024.

Blackjack Switch

Within this card, game players have the ability to interchange cards between the two hands in play. This presents double the chances of reaching 21 and beating the dealer. With the increased winning chance comes lower payout amounts, yet this is still one of the most popular casino card games.

Pontoon 

Pontoon is a popular single-deck game that we are all too familiar with within the United Kingdom. This blackjack variation is available at most casinos due to its well-liked double-down move. This action can be used at any stage of the game, whether you have two cards or even three cards in play.

Double Exposure

Double exposure an excellent game for all new players, figuring out the best possible moves to use in various situations. As the name would suggest, both the dealer’s cards are exposed on the table, which allows for more informed decision-making to win the game.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is a six-deck game with the special feature that any ten-value card is taken out of the game. Blackjack players can double down off any hand similar to Pontoon and also claim the win within the game if the game ends in a tie.

How to Play Blackjack – 3 Easy Steps

Now that we have all elements understood, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into practice and start wagering today. Follow these three easy steps, and you will be beating the dealer within your favourite game in no time.

  1. Select one of the many casinos from our top list and click “Grab Bonus.” Register a new account and unlock your new bonus funds by completing the deposit process.
  2. With your newly claimed bonus, head over to the blackjack games within the table games department and choose a blackjack variant, ensuring that the minimum and maximum bet amount suits your bankroll.
  3. Place your opening bet and consider all the cards dealt before taking action on your hand. Wait for the dealer’s hand to be played, and cross your fingers that you finish with the strongest hand.

It is as easy as those three simple steps. There is no need to wait any longer if you are ready to play a plethora of popular casino games, take your pick and start playing! If you require some more information, we have added a few vital sections to ensure you have a well-rounded knowledge of blackjack both in and out of the live dealer casino.

Live vs RNG Casino Games

It is often a matter of preference for blackjack players as to whether to wager within a live casino or through the RNG games section. Both have their own set of advantages and differences, which we shall touch on.

Starting with Random Number Generator games, these games use this RNG technology which uses advanced algorithms to produce a totally random outcome to the game. As they do not require a lot of maintenance by software providers, there are subsequently a larger amount of these games on offer. RNG games are perfect for new players as there is no set time limit toward taking action on a hand. This allows the essential time to reference a basic strategy chart or simply relieve some of the pressure within the game.

In comparison, the live dealer deck games are slightly more face-paced within the game but can also be slow at times in between games as the dealer shuffles and bets are made. Live casino play is one of the most electrifying aspects of many online gambling sites injecting the real-life Vegas feel to your screen no matter where you are situated playing. Dealers always prove to be professional and friendly, and the added benefit of a live chat allows players to converse with fellow punters within the game.

Read: Find All The Best UK Live Dealer Casinos

Know The House Edge

The house advantage within blackjack games sits at around 2% for new players learning the game and may even be increased due to a high number of mistakes on the blackjack table. In order to keep the house edge to its lowest possible point, players must use a basic blackjack strategy which will bring the house edge down to 0.5%.

Try a Blackjack Strategy

There are a variety of strategies to use within the game of blackjack. The most common amongst players is the basic strategy which was created through the calculation to devise a chart that indicates the best possible move to make relative to the dealer’s card and both your cards.

Strategy charts can be found within google images depending on your deck size and which blackjack variant you are playing. Have the chart within a new window, or else split your screen while you are getting a grip on the actions.

Card Counting

Counting cards is a more advanced blackjack strategy; however, players often believe that it is more difficult than it actually is. The high/low card counting system solely functions off tracking cards that go through the game with card values of either +1,0, or -1.

High cards are 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Aces, given the value of -1, while low cards are 2-6 and valued at +1. All remaining cards are worth zero or considered neutral cards.

As the dealer deals cards around the table, track the high or low card value to create a running card. Before the next betting round begins, divide the running round by the number of decks to obtain the true count. With this true count figure, you will have an indication of the card left within the deck and can bet accordingly. If the figure is in the high plusses, you should increase your bet amount, and the opposite goes for negative numbers.

How to Play Blackjack at Online casinos FAQ’s

What is a ten-value card in blackjack?

All 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are all worth a value of 10 within the game of blackjack.

What happens if the dealer busts?

In the event the dealer busts and you remain under 21, you will automatically win the game.

Are other casino games easy to play as well?

Absolutely, if you adore table games, then check out roulette, craps, and baccarat for a fun and easy learning experience.