Blackjack is a casino classic that many people are familiar with. It’s been featured in many movies and TV shows, so the general parameters are acquainted. In general, players understand the card values and that you want to get to a score of 21. However, many just play casually without really fully understanding the game or mastering the strategy.
If you’re looking to improve your game, we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through from top to bottom and hopefully, by the end of it, improve your chances of winning every hand you play.
The basic rules of Blackjack are simple: you’re dealt cards that have a certain value, and you want to combine for a score as close to 21 as possible without going over. To understand what your score is, you’ll have to know the card values.
Card Values & Basics
The most rudimentary element of the game that you need to understand is the card values. An Ace can be worth one or 11 (whatever is better for you in your hand), cards two-through-10 are worth exactly what their number suggests, and royalty (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth 10.
To start the game, you’re dealt two cards and the dealer is dealt two cards. Yours are hidden, but the dealer has one card that’s facing up. From there, you evaluate your hand and decide: hit, stand, double down or split.C
Hit is simply asking for another card. For example, if you have a seven and a four, you would hit because another card can’t hurt you (because you won’t go over 21) and it will only improve your score. However, let’s say you have an Ace and a 10, then you already have 21, so there’s no reason to hit. In that case, you would stand, which means you’re finished making moves with your hand.
a Soft Hand
An ace can be counted as either 1 or 11. A soft total is when an ace is among the first two cards dealt. This hand gives a player the flexibility of playing without the fear of busting.
a Hard Total
This is a hand with no ace or an ace that is counted as 1. Hard totals are often easier to play because the only decision one has to make is whether or not to hit or stand.
Surrenders
Surrendering is an option for the player that allows them to give up half of their bet in exchange for not having to finish the hand. This often proves beneficial if the dealer has a strong hand, such as 20 or 21.
Advanced Betting Options
You can also split cards to play two hands if you’re dealt two of the same cards. For example, if you received a pair of eights, you can split them and bet on each hand. The dealer will add one card to each hand, and you play it out.
You can also double down, which is where you double your bet, but you only receive one more card. After that card comes – whether good or bad – you can’t make any more moves.
Variations of The Game
Keep in mind that what we’ve described so far is the foundation of basic blackjack. There are many variations to the game that add different complexities. For example, there might be some version that have a Joker in the deck. There are some styles, like Jacks or Better, which assign different values to certain things. When you get into those varieties, make sure you learn the nuances. The general idea of the game will be the same, but the small differences will change how you’ll want to execute your strategy.
Learn How to Play Blackjack for Real Money
Online Blackjack is a relatively easy game to play. The game is often played using one to eight decks of cards, with players winning the round if they create a hand closest to 21. You’ll bust and lose the game if your hand total exceeds 21. So, without further ado, below are the steps to play this game online:
Step 1
Open an online casino account to play.
Use our selection criteria to find the best platform to play this classic card game safely and securely, and open your account at one of our recommended safe Canadian casinos.
Step 2
Choose a Blackjack variant to play.
Before you make a real money deposit, you must know the type of game variant that appeals to your playing style. For example, the VIP game by Evolution Gaming should be your go-to option if you’re a high roller.
Step 3
Fund your casino account and place a deposit.
After finding a title, make a deposit and fire up the game. Then, proceed to place a bet, which should be quick and easy. You can ask the dealer how to place your first bet in live dealer games.
Step 4
Wait for the cards to be dealt.
Once the betting window closes, the dealer and the player will each get two cards. The idea is to create a stronger hand than the dealer’s that is close to 21. The Aces have a value of 1 or 11, with the face cards representing a 10. All the other cards represent their face values.
Step 5
Make your next move on the table.
Next, look at your cards and decide the next move. For example, you can stand if you have a friendly combination or hit, which is to ask for another card. You and the dealer will then compare your hands and determine the winner.
Improve Your Odds and Win Big at Blackjack
Mastering blackjack is no small feat, but it can be accomplished with the right amount of discipline and clear guidance. Here are a few things to consider once you plan on dominating the table:
1. Note All the Cards
Many players just evaluate their hand and while that’s important, the face-up card the dealer is showing has to impact your decisions. Note all the cards that are open to you and then make your decision.
2. Use the Blackjack Chart
It might seem boring, but the best way to play is laid out right in front of you. If you stick with it, you’ll improve your chances of winning.
3. Card Counting
Card counting can help you get an edge. If you can track which cards have been played, you can get a better sense of the probabilities of other cards to come.
4. Play One Deck Blackjack
Following up on card counting, it’s much easier with one-deck blackjack. When you’re playing that version – versus a game that uses three or four decks – then it’s easier to note what’s been played. For example, if you see an Ace in a hand, you know there are only three others left. However, this game is much harder to find these days for that very reason.
Blackjack Cheat Sheet: Level Up Your Game
One of the best reasons to play blackjack online is nobody will look at you funny if you have the help of a cheat sheet. While the cheat sheet can sometimes make the game a bit boring, it does present you with the optimal strategy. You no longer have to wonder, as the cheat sheet will tell you exactly what to do in every situation.
Doubling Down in Blackjack 101
Doubling down just sounds exciting, doesn’t it? In Layman’s terms, it means putting more on the line. It’s about the same in blackjack. If you’re not yet familiar with this strategy, let’s run you through it.
What is a Double Down in Blackjack?
A double down in blackjack allows you to double your bet and accept one more card. This can only be done as your first move after you’re dealt your two cards. Once you double down, you double your bet, get one more card and that’s the end of your turn – regardless of your score.
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Understand When to Double Down
There are a few simple situations that you can remember for doubling down and when to avoid it. Stick to these scenarios to improve your odds:
When to Double Down
When Your Total Is Equal To 11: This is a good place to do this because if you only get on more card, you’re still in pretty good shoes. You are doubling your bet and hoping to get something worth 10. If not, you can still get several other cards to give you a good score.
On A Soft 16, 17 or 18: In this case, you’re again trying to improve your score with just one more card and have no risk of busting. A soft 16, 17 or 18 means that you have an Ace and a 5, 6 or 7.
On A Hard 9 or 10: In this case, you have the opportunity to get one more card, double your bet and put yourself in a good position.
When Not to Double Down
When the Dealer Has An Ace: This is one of the strongest cards a dealer can show. You’ll always want to avoid a double down if that’s their face-up card.
On A Score Above 11: The math here is very straightforward: if you double down on a score of 12 or more, you can bust. You never want to have that risk.
Pros and Cons of Doubling Down
You would rather not be doubling down regularly, as the math is not in your favour. When you have specific cards (that we’ve outlined in the previous section), doubling down can be a calculated risk that’s worth taking. Generally speaking, though, you want to avoid it more than use it if you want to play a winning strategy.
Blackjack Double Down Visual Chart
Take a look at the appended chart to understand when it’s best to double down in the game of blackjack.
Blackjack Doubling Down vs. Splitting Up
Sometimes players confuse doubling down and splitting up, but the two strategies are quite different.
Doubling down is when you double your bet and get one more card added to your initial two. Subsequently, it’s the end of your turn. You check what you have, see what the dealer has, and tally it up.
Splitting is an opportunity that bettors have when they receive two of the same card. For example, a pair of Kings. From there, you can split them up into two hands. You have to place a second bet on the second hand, but now you have two hands going against the dealer instead of one.
How to Signal Double Down In Blackjack
At a land-based casino, you have to signal to the dealer that you want to double down. You typically do this by moving a bet into the double down circle. However, in the online game, it’s much easier. All you do is click a button to double down, and it’s usually labelled as such.
Navigating the World of Blackjack: A Comprehensive Glossary
1Ace
A card that counts as a 1 or 11.
2Advantage player
A gamer who uses a strategy to beat the house.
3Back counting
Counting cards as a spectator.
4Bankroll
Money set aside for playing gambling games.
5Bust
When the dealer or player's hand exceeds 21.
6Card counting
A strategy used by gamblers to track the number of cards that have already been dealt.
7Cut card
A plastic card that cuts the deck after shuffling.
8Early surrender
Give up your hand after receiving two cards before the dealer peaks at the face-down card.
Additional essential Blackjack terms to know
Hard hand
A hand without an Ace.
Hit
To request the dealer for an additional card.
Hole card
One of the dealer’s first two cards dealt face down.
Natural
Two cards with a total of 21. This is also called Blackjack.
Push
The player and the dealer finish the round with the same total.
Shoe
A device for holding multiple card decks.
Soft hand
A hand total with an Ace.
Split
Divide two cards of the same rank into two independent hands.
Stand
Stop asking for an additional card.
Surrender
Discard your hand and receive back half your wager.
Upcard
One of the dealer’s first two cards dealt face-up.
Common online Blackjack abbreviations
Blackjack games use abbreviations to make most online tables look less cluttered and make the gaming process more straightforward. So, below are some of the most common ones:
BSE: This means Basic Strategy Edge, meaning the table allows you to gain an edge with an optimal strategy.
DOA: The table allows you to double down on any previous cards.
D10/11: Only double down on 10/11.
ESR: The table allows early surrender.
H17: The dealer must hit if they have a soft 17.
NB/NB21: No bust 21.
TW: Casino theoretical win.
X: Casino theoretical win.
XD: 10-value card.
Put your Blackjack Skills to the Test
This guide is designed to give you the best approach to playing and countering your opponents and the pesky dealer. However, the only way to flourish is by playing online blackjack for real money. If you’re looking for a casino that can provide you with spicy blackjack variants and awesome payouts, Maple Casino has got you covered!
Most land-based casinos will give you the boot if you try to count cards. However, if you’re playing at an online casino from the comfort of your home (or wherever you are), there’s no problem with it.
The number of decks of cards used depends on the game you’re playing. Double-check the details, as the online casino will tell you.
The math suggests it’s best to split when you’re holding aces, 8’s and some smaller pairs like 2’s, 3’s or 7’s if the dealer is showing a low card. Never split 10s, 5’s or 4’s.
The math suggests doubling down if you have a score of 11, a hard 9 or 10, or a soft 16, 17 or 18. Moreover, make sure the dealer’s face-up card is not an Ace. The probabilities propose this is the best time to double down.
When a dealer is dealt an ace, they offer players the choice to purchase insurance. This gives players the opportunity to win back some of their money should the dealer win by getting blackjack. Insurance is usually available in the American game variant.
While there is no formula we can give you that will have you winning every time, there is one thing you can do is to understand the card game. To increase your chances of winning blackjack, you should ensure that you are aware of the basic strategies associated with blackjack and understand the rules of the game.
Yes, it’s safe to play online in Canada. However, you must do so at a licensed and regulated casino. Bodies like Kahnawake Gaming Commission ensure the website adheres to safety and transparency measures.
