Grab yourself a chair at the table and enjoy the world’s most loved Casino card game – Blackjack.
How to play blackjack
It’s just you versus the dealer in a race to 21 or win instantly by getting Blackjack straight off the deal. Blackjack is so popular because you’re in charge over how the game plays out. It’s up to you how much you bet, whether you take another card, whether you stand, split or double down. Another reason players love Blackjack is that it has the lowest house edge of any casino game, just 0.4%.
Blackjack is basically a comparing game with you against the dealer, not the other players at the table. Your aim is to better the dealer’s cards by being closer to 21, without going bust (exceeding 21). You can beat the dealer in a number of ways: hit a Blackjack on your first two cards, a combination of an ace and a face card (including 10); have a higher hand value than the dealer; the dealer goes bust.
When you receive your first two cards you have a number of options on your next move:
Hit – receive another card
Stand – if another card could bring your total above 21, causing you to bust
Split – if you have two cards of the same value, you can split them and place the same amount of chips as the original bet on the second hand and then receive another card on each hand
Double Down – this allows you to double your original bet in exchange for taking one more card only and then standing. This can be a favourable choice if the dealer’s visible card is a two through six, as this means they are more likely to bust
Insurance – if the dealer’s visible card is an ace, you have an option to insure yourself against the dealer receiving a Blackjack. You are able to place a side bet equal to half your original bet, and if the dealer gets Blackjack you are paid 2:1 for your insurance bet.
With the basics in mind you’re ready to have a go at some online Blackjack. You have many options in online casinos on which type of game you’d like to play, you could opt for classic rules Blackjack, or if you’re feeling adventurous you could try your luck at one of the alternative rules games such as Double Exposure or Players’ Choice. If you prefer a human touch then worry not, many casinos offer Live Dealer Blackjack, where you can take a seat at the virtual table, with a real life dealer and take them on!