A hand filled with chips with a jack of spades and an ace of spades representing a blackjack in the foreground.

Blackjack or 21: The complete online guide

Blackjack is one of the most iconic card games in casinos, especially online casinos. This fun and profitable game is accessible to all players. Discover the secrets of Blackjack and learn the game’s rules to become an informed player and increase your chances of winning!

Blackjack through time

The origin of Blackjack dates back to the early 17th century in France, where it was known as “Vingt-et-Un” (21). The game was then exported to the United States where it received its name. At that time, casinos tried to attract players by offering a special bonus for a hand composed of a spade ace and a black jack. This special hand was called “Blackjack,” and the name stuck even though the bonus was discontinued. The game has thrived in the United States over the years, with standardized rules and growing popularity.

It’s clear that Blackjack has crossed centuries and continents, evolving into different variants before becoming the game we know today. Its arrival in online casinos has allowed millions of players easy access to this game of strategy and chance, offering the same thrilling experience as in traditional casinos.

Traditional Blackjack and Its Variants

Blackjack is an iconic card game, with the main objective being to beat the dealer by obtaining a hand whose value is closer to 21 than that of the dealer, without exceeding it. Each card has a specific numerical value: numbered cards are worth their number, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10, and the Ace can be worth 1 or 11, depending on what benefits the player. The best possible hand is called “Blackjack,” composed of an Ace and a card worth 10 points, and gives the player an immediate victory, except in the case where the dealer also holds a Blackjack, resulting in a tie.

The charm of this game lies in its mix of elements of chance and strategy. The decisions of the players have a significant impact on the outcome of each hand, inviting them to carefully think about the next action. Should they draw another card or not? This fundamental dynamic of traditional blackjack opens the door to various strategies and critical decisions, making each game unique and exciting. It encourages players to develop their understanding and strategies to maximize their chances of winning, while maintaining the excitement of the inherent uncertainty in the card game. In addition to traditional Blackjack, online casinos offer various variants to add a little spice to the game.

Multi-hand Blackjack

Multi-hand Blackjack is a dynamic variant that allows players to increase the intensity of the game by playing multiple hands simultaneously against the dealer. This version offers a fantastic opportunity to apply different strategies to each hand, potentially increasing the chances of winning. However, it requires good bankroll management and a solid understanding of basic blackjack strategy, as managing multiple hands at once can prove to be much more complex.

American Blackjack

American Blackjack is distinguished mainly by the dealer’s “hole card” rule. In this variant, the dealer receives one card face up and another face down at the start of the game. If the face-up card is an ace or a card worth 10 points, the dealer immediately checks the hole card for blackjack before players continue. This specificity adds an element of suspense and strategy, as players must make their decisions without knowing whether the dealer holds a blackjack, thus influencing how they approach their own hand.

Pontoon

Pontoon, often played in the United Kingdom and Australia, is a fun variant that has its own specific terms and rules. For example, “hit” becomes “twist” and “stand”, “stick”. A notable feature of Pontoon is that the dealer has no visible card, which increases the element of surprise. And it often offers bonus payments for certain hand combinations, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game.

Each of these blackjack variants enriches the traditional gaming experience with unique rules and strategies, offering both beginners and experienced players new ways to enjoy this classic card game. Whether you opt for the thrill of Multi-hand or American Blackjack, or the originality of Pontoon, each variant promises a rewarding and entertaining gaming experience.

How to Play online Blackjack

To play Blackjack well, one must understand the flow of a game, know the rules, and apply the right strategy. Here are the key steps in a game of Blackjack:

Choosing the Variant

Online casinos usually offer several variants of Blackjack, such as Multi-hand Blackjack or Pontoon. Choose the one that best suits your playing style.

Placing Your Bets

Before the dealer deals the cards, players place their bets in the designated boxes on the Blackjack table.

Dealing the Cards

The dealer deals two cards to each player, often face up. The dealer also deals two cards to themselves, but depending on the Blackjack variant, one or both of the dealer’s cards may be dealt face down (the face-down card is called a “hole card”).

Player’s Play

Each player, in turn, decides on their action based on the value of their initial hand relative to the dealer’s visible card. The possible actions include:

Hit: The player requests an additional card to try to get closer to 21 without exceeding it.
Stand/Pass: The player is satisfied with their hand and does not wish to receive any additional cards.
Double: The player doubles their initial bet and receives only one additional card.
Split: If the player’s first two cards have the same value, they can split them into two separate hands and place a new bet equal to the first for the second hand.
Surrender: In some Blackjack variants, the player can surrender their hand and recover half of their bet.

Dealer’s Play

Once all players have completed their actions, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must draw cards according to fixed rules. Generally, they must draw until they reach a total of 17 or more. If the dealer exceeds 21 (“bust”), all remaining players win. If the dealer stops at a total of 17 to 21, the value of the hands is compared to that of each player.

Results and Payouts

Players with a hand higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21 win. If a player gets a Blackjack (an ace and a 10-point card) and the dealer does not have Blackjack, the player is usually paid at 3:2. In the event of a tie, the player’s bet is returned. Players with a hand lower than the dealer’s or who have exceeded 21 (“bust”) lose their bet.

Blackjack is a game of balance between strategy and chance. Every decision made can influence the outcome of the game, making each hand unique and exciting.

Different Types of Bets

In this game, you bet on the fact that your hand will be closer to 21 than the dealer’s; this is called the standard bet. In addition to the standard bet, some Blackjack variants offer side bets, which include the following examples:

Insurance: If the dealer’s first visible card is an ace, you can take insurance against the dealer’s Blackjack. This protects you against him and allows you to recover half of your bet.
21+3: You bet on your first two cards + the dealer’s visible card and receive a payout for poker-inspired combinations.
Lucky Ladies: Here, you bet on achieving a score of 20 with your first 2 cards, with a special reward if the cards are queens of hearts.
Perfect Pairs: Similar to Lucky Ladies, you bet on your first two cards, but this time you hope for a pair.

These side bets increase the stakes and can offer significant payouts for the right combinations, while adding a touch of diversity to the traditional game of blackjack. However, it’s important to remember that these bets carry a higher risk and should be approached with caution, as part of a well-thought-out overall game strategy.

Strategies and Game Tips

Although Blackjack is a game of chance, certain strategies can increase your chances of winning. The basic strategy of Blackjack, which is a set of guidelines on when to hit, stand, double down, or split, can reduce the house edge to less than 1% for an experienced player.

Basic Strategy

The basic strategy is a set of optimized guidelines that guide players on the best action to take based on their hand and the dealer’s visible card. This approach is based on mathematical calculations and probabilities, aiming to minimize the house edge and increase the player’s chances of winning.

For a beginner, mastering the basic strategy involves learning when it is wise to “hit” for an additional card, “stand” with their current hand, “double” their bet, or “split” a pair into two separate hands.

Adopting the basic strategy does not guarantee victory in every hand, but it provides players with a solid foundation on which to rely for making informed decisions, thus reducing losses and maximizing opportunities for gains over time.

Tips for Players

Learn the basic strategy: Memorize, or print out and keep handy, the recommended actions for all possible hand combinations.
Practice online: Take advantage of free online Blackjack versions to practice without risk.
Avoid insurance: Insurance is generally considered a bad bet for the player.
Manage your bankroll: Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Set a budget that you will not exceed and stick to it.
Play for fun: Blackjack, like all casino games, is primarily a means of entertainment, not a way to make money. So, enjoy the game for fun.

Tips for playing online

Choose a reputable and legal online casino: Make sure the casino is legally authorized in Belgium, holds a valid license, and offers fair gaming conditions.
Use strategic tools: We have provided you with a card summarizing the basic strategy of Blackjack. You can print it out and use it to minimize the house edge and maximize your winnings.

Online Blackjack offers players the chance to enjoy this classic card game from the comfort of their home. By applying the right strategies and following these tips, you can not only improve your gaming experience but also increase your chances of winning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Blackjack remains an exciting and rewarding game to explore.