How to Play Blackjack Online
Learning how to play a new casino game can be daunting. Especially when it’s another card game with many rules, variations and strategies like blackjack. Here we will break down what blackjack is and how to play the most classic version. Below are our favourite online casinos that offer many variations of Blackjack. We really believe there is no better way to learn than to play!
Learn How to Play Blackjack at the Best Online Casinos in Canada
About Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most favoured casino games both at land-based and online casinos everywhere. This classic card game has a simple objective: try to reach a hand total of 21 and/or beat the dealer. The most fun aspect of blackjack is that there are multiple variations of the game. Some use 1 standard deck of 52 cards, while others use more. There are usually 2-7 players plus the dealer in each round, but remember, other players’ hands have almost nothing to do with becoming the winner unlike other card games like poker.
When it comes to how to play, we’re going to stick with the most classic variation of online blackjack that we know and love.
How to Play Online Blackjack
Now it’s time to learn how to play. Here we break it down into four easy steps:
Find the Perfect Casino
First things first, find the perfect online casino through our casino reviews. We cover bonuses, game availability, banking options, customer service and so much more. Make sure whatever casino you choose checks all of your boxes of things you want when playing blackjack online.
Choose the Right Variation
Once you’ve found the right casino, it’s time to find the perfect blackjack game for you. We recommend starting out with one of the more classic variations like European or American blackjack. Both of these options are great for new and seasoned players alike.
Learn the Rules
Like any game, there are rules. Online blackjack is no different. As we mentioned previously, the entire point of blackjack is to get a hand total of 21 or to beat the dealer. This can obviously be achieved in many ways. But here are some of the basic rules that stand true through almost any variation:
The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards (sometimes more). In blackjack, suit doesn’t matter.
- Number cards count at face value (i.e., 4 = 4)
- Face cards count as 10.
- Aces are special. They can be a 1 or 10. Whichever helps your hand more.
There are multiple decisions players have to make when trying to beat the dealer, or to get their hand to 21.
Hit – For when you would like more cards to improve your hand.
Stand – For when your first two cards are favourable. You will not receive any more cards.
Double Down – For when you have good cards, but want to double your initial wager and receive 1 more card.
Split – For when you’re dealt a pair and you want to make a second wager. Each card you’ve already been dealt will become the first card of your two new hands.
Surrender – For when your initial hand (for lack of a better word) sucks. This allows you to “give up” and receive half of your bet back.
How to beat the dealer? Players can do it by:
- Drawing a hand that is higher than the dealers
- The dealer drawing a hand over 21
- By drawing 21 on your first two cards (permitting the dealer does not)
Start Playing
This is where things start to get fun. Take the knowledge you’ve gained and start to play online blackjack. We really think there is no better way to learn, than to play. Here is the general layout of what a game of online blackjack will look like for you:
- The player places a wager
- The dealer deals the cards
- The player decides how to play the hand
- The dealer players their hand
- The payouts are given to the winner
Does that feel too risky for you right now? Try playing in Demo or Free Mode. This will allow you to test your skills and new learnings without having to put any money on the line. It’s a win-win, that is until you start playing with real money!
Now this is an extremely straight-forward how to play for blackjack. Of course, there are many versions and even some interesting situations where different types of bets come into play. For now, we recommend getting yourself comfortable with the absolute basics of the game, which will hopefully lead to some winnings.
How to Play Blackjack FAQs
That’s the beauty of online gaming. There is no awkwardness when you leave the table as you can literally just click out of the game and play something else whenever you want to. We do recommend finishing up your hand though so you don’t lose any unnecessary funds.
For players that are relatively new to blackjack online or have never played at all, we recommend trying out the game for free first. This way, you’re not putting any of your money at risk by making moves that you are unsure of. Almost every online casino we recommend allows players to try out their blackjack games for free.
Now this depends on the variation you’re playing. The rules differ slightly from version to version, so it’s important to be up-to-date on whatever type you’re choosing to play.
Don’t make rash decisions. This is a game of strategy and of skill, so it’s important to think through your decisions before making them. That way you can ensure your money will be safe no matter what you choose to do.
Players place their bets right at the beginning of the round, before the cards are dealt. In some situations (double down or split) players are able to up their bets mid-game if they have a good feeling about their hand.
