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Blackjack Basics: From Beginner to Ace at Online Casinos

Alec MartinezAlec MartinezVerifiedFacts VerifiedVerified by Head of Content: Alec Martinez

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UpdatedUpdated: 13.01.2025

In this article, our experts offer valuable tips on how to play blackjack, covering everything from basic card values to common game scenarios. There’s everything you need to kick-start your journey as a beginner. If you already have some experience, you can build on it with the helpful strategies and tips we shared. Plus, Rather Dashing Games experts guide you to the best places to play blackjack, regardless of your current level.

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Summary+

Game Rules

If you’ve ever happened to ask yourself the question, “How do you play blackjack?” here is where you start – the rules. In this section, we will cover the basic rules of how the game is played. Learning them will allow you to get in on the action and start gaining experience with playing blackjack in a casino.

The Value Of The Cards

blackjack card values

Let’s start with the value of the cards, as this is crucial to understanding the game. Face cards are worth 10 points, and aces can be either 1 or 11, depending on the situation. All number cards hold their face value. The goal is to get a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it.

Table Layout

blackjack table

All players sit on one side of the table – with the dealer positioned centrally – facing them. The table is designed with specific areas for placing betting chips and cards. If side bets are offered, a designated square on the table will be provided for placing those additional bets, allowing players to wager on more than just their main hand.

How to Play Blackjack Step-by-Step

Whether you play live blackjack or an RNG variant, the game follows a certain course of action you need to be familiar with. Here, we provide a detailed walkthrough of the gameplay’s flow.

1. Players Bet Money & Buy Chips

Before the game begins, you must buy in by purchasing chips equal to or above the table’s minimum requirement. After that, you place a qualifying wager to indicate your participation in the upcoming hand. If you play blackjack online in Canada, there will be a clock that will prompt you to place your bet, so you will know when the time for that comes.

online casino blackjack guide step 1

2. Dealer Will Deal Clockwise

After the betting round is finished, the dealer deals cards to each player clockwise. Players receive two cards face up, while the dealer has only one of their two cards revealed, and the other one is face down.

online casino blackjack guide step 2

3. Players Decide How to Play Hand

When your turn comes, you have to make a decision based on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card. You can either “stand” (keep your cards), “hit” (request another card), “double down” (double the bet and receive one more card), “split” (if you have two cards of the same value), or “surrender” if the rules allow it.

online casino blackjack guide step 3

4. Dealer Plays Hand

After all players have finished their turns, the dealer reveals their face-down card and plays their hand according to fixed rules. The dealer hits on all hands 17 or higher with special rules for soft 17s. If they bust, all remaining players win their bets. 

online casino blackjack guide step 4

5. Results

In the best-case scenario, the dealer busts, and all participants win. Otherwise, the dealer’s hand value is compared to the players’ hands to determine who wins.

online casino blackjack guide step 5

Other Situations

To know how to play blackjack means you understand every situation that can occur at the game – like the ones we explain here. There are rounds that result in a tie, also known as a “push”, where you get your bet back. If you take insurance and the dealer ends up having a blackjack, your insurance bet will pay out according to the specified odds, typically 2:1. Those situations don’t occur as often but are an important part of the game.

How to Play Live Blackjack at Online Casinos: Strategy

If you’ve played blackjack in a land-based casino, you’re well-prepared to start with live online blackjack. Since playing 21 (blackjack) online also requires a sound strategy and know-how, we’ve listed some handy rules to help you out:

  • Hit when your hand totals 8 or less and stand when it’s 17 or more.
  • If the dealer’s card is between 2 and 6, it’s statistically more likely for them to bust, so you should stand on hands of 12 or more. 
  • If the dealer shows a card 7 or higher, you should hit until you reach at least 17, as they are likely to have a stronger hand due to the number of tens and face cards in the shoe.
  • Always double down when you have a 10 or 11, especially if the dealer has a weaker up card.
  • Remember to split aces and 8s, but never split 10s or 5s, as keeping these cards together gives you a stronger chance of winning.

Tips on How to Play Blackjack and Win

If you want to have the best chances at winning, your moves must take into account both your hand and the dealer’s up card. As an extra tip, Rather Dashing Games experts have calculated that it’s better for players who are still learning how to play blackjack not to take insurance. The reason is very simple – the payout odds of insurance aren’t favourable for the player.

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Blackjack Variations

There are dozens of blackjack versions available to play both online and in person, each offering a unique twist. Some variants are more favourable to experienced players, allowing for moves that reduce the house edge, while others are more straightforward and ideal for beginners. Here are four of the most common variations:

  • Blackjack Switch – Players play two hands and can switch the top cards between them.
  • Blackjack Multihand – Any variation that allows participants to play more than one hand at once.
  • Double Xposure – In this interesting version, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-up.
  • Pontoon – Similar to blackjack, but with slightly different rules for hitting and standing.

Summary

Our article has explored the ins and outs of blackjack, breaking down the basic rules, card values, and common strategies. We’ve also explained how playing live blackjack online offers a unique angle to the game. The best approach when playing blackjack in an online casino is to follow the basic strategy and adapt based on the variation of choice. By making statistically sound decisions and paying attention to the dealer’s up card, you’ll have more control over the game and improve your chances of success.

FAQ

This is an optional side bet against the dealer showing a natural blackjack (if their first two cards are an ace and a card with a value of ten).
Blackjack rules are not affected by the number of players, so you can stick to the basic strategy. Choosing a VIP table is recommended if you want to play with fewer people.
One of the most similar games to blackjack is Pontoon, featuring unique terms and a “Five Card Trick.” Spanish 21 is another close variation, removing 10s while offering more straightforward rules.
Alec Martinez
Author (Head of Content)
5 Articles
Alec Martinez, the Head of Content at Rather Dashing Games, brings over a decade of experience in the online gambling industry. His journey at Rather Dashing Games began as a Content Writer in 2012, progressing to Senior Editor in 2018, before assuming his current role in 2022. Alec’s comprehensive knowledge of the iGaming landscape enables him to oversee the content strategy, ensuring all reviews, guides, and articles meet the highest standards of quality and relevance. His passion for the industry drives him to lead a team of writers and editors, creating engaging and informative content that empowers players to make informed decisions.
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