Online Blackjack Basics

Blackjack, also known as 21, is said to have originated in France in the very early 18th Century and reach American shores some 100 years later. Originally termed "Vingt-et-un" (Twenty-one in French), the game was later referred to as blackjack whenever a player's first two cards dealt comprised a jack of spades along with an ace of spades.

Today online blackjack ranks among the most widely played games at both land-based and online casino establishments throughout the world. In this exciting game, each participant plays against the dealer (the house) only and not against other competitors. The goal for the player is to draw cards until the sum of his or her hand adds up to as close to 21 without going over, or "busting" as it is also known. If the sum of the dealer's cards adds up closer to 21 than the player's - without going over - the dealer wins.

During a the game, if a player's first 2 cards add up to 21, he/she has blackjack and automatically wins the hand, unless the dealer also has 21, in which case the hand winds up in a tie, or "push."

Online Blackjack from start to finish

Prior to being dealt, players place their wagers by laying their bet on the designated area. The dealer subsequently deals 2 cards to each player including him/herself. Whereas both player cards are generally visible, the dealer's first card is face up and the second is face down.

In the game, face cards (jacks, queens, kings) have a value of 10, aces are worth one or 11 (player's choice) and all remaining cards are worth their face value.

In contrast to games of total chance, online blackjack players can significantly enhance their playing levels and boost their winning chances by developing certain online blackjack strategies in conjunction with other card-playing skills.

Once a player receives their cards they have the option to receive another card (hit), keep what they have (stand), double their bet and receive only one card (double down). If the player has two cards of the same value they may separate them (split) and play the cards as two separate hands. Splitting cards requires an additional bet, equal to the original, to be made. 

After each player has a chance act, the dealer flips their down card. Live and online blackjack rules usually dictate that if a dealer has 16 or less they must hit, and anything 17 or above must stand. Depending on the  dealers hand, a player either wins, loses, or pushes. Table rules vary so be sure to read the table before you play.

Online Blackjack or Offline?

Whether played online or off, this exciting game is virtually identical. The one significant difference being that with online blackjack, the dealer, or software, automatically shuffles the card deck after every hand and the games can be faster paced. You do have the ability to play alone, multiple hands, or with other players.

A Game That Comes In Many Varieties

This popular game is enjoyed today all over the world in a never-ending number of versions. The more common ones include: Atlantic City, Double Exposure, Vegas Strip, Blackjack Surrender and Blackjack Switch.

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