Learn how to play online blackjack with expert strategies and tips. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced player – we’ll show you the best ways to beat the dealer, all while playing responsibly at expertly-picked Canadian casinos that are safe and fair.
Master the Basics of Playing Blackjack Online
The basic rules of playing online blackjack are simple: you’re dealt cards that have a certain value, and you want to combine them for a score as close to 21 as possible, without going over.
To win, you will also need to beat the dealer. This means that you will need to have a hand that is closer to 21 without going bust.
Learn How to Play Blackjack Online for Real Money
Playing at one of the best online blackjack casinos is easy. 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.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 instance, live dealer blackjack games offer a fun way to capture the thrill of a real casino.Step 3
Fund your account and find a table
Make sure to deposit funds into your account before joining a game. Then, join a table.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, closest to 21 - without going over.Step 5
Choose to “hit” or to “stand”
Next, carefully inspect your cards and decide on the next move. For example, you can stand if you have a friendly combination or hit, which is to ask for another card.Step 6
Determine the winner of the game
Once all the players have made their moves, the dealer will reveal the card that is face down. If your hand is closer to 21, the dealer will bust and you will win. If the dealer is closer to 21, you bust and the dealer wins.Card values
The most rudimentary element of the game that you need to understand is the card values. Here is a quick recap:
| Category | Cards | Value |
| Ace | A | Worth 1 or 11 |
| Number cards | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Valued according to face value |
| Face cards | J, Q, K | Worth 10 |
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 cards such as Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10.
Betting rules
Now that you know the basics of how to play blackjack and what the cards are worth, it’s time to get into the key points of basic blackjack strategy. Here are some rules to keep in mind as you play:
- Regular wins earn an even money payout (1:1).
- A blackjack hand (natural 21) often pays out 3:2.
- In the event of a tie with the dealer (push), your bet will be returned to you.
Player rules
If you’re new, or you are a seasoned player looking to sharpen your skills, recapping the basic blackjack rules for players is a great way to ensure you can join the table with confidence.
- Hit – Means you take another card.
- Stand – Means you would like to keep your current hand.
- Double Down – Means you double your bet, take one card, and stop.
- Split – Means you divide a pair into two separate hands.
- Bust – Your hand is over 21 (you automatically lose the game).
Dealer rules
Part of what makes blackjack such a popular game is the fact that the dealer has much stricter rules than regular players. Here’s what it means for your game:
- The dealer must hit on 16 and below, giving the player a slight strategic edge.
- The dealer must stand once their hand reaches 17, meaning they cannot take another card in the hope of getting closer to 21.
- Another misconception of online blackjack is that the house always wins. This is false, as the dealer has no control over the suit or value of the cards that are drawn.
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, classic blackjack is best for traditionalists, whereas 21+ 3 blackjack or Spanish 21 add new twists to this classic table game.
Our editorial team has extensive experience exploring different variations of blackjack, and we know each one brings its own unique twist. Some versions, for instance, may include a Joker in the deck, while others — like Jacks or Better — apply different values to certain hand. 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.
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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.
While there’s no single “perfect” way to play, following a blackjack strategy chart can greatly improve your decision-making at the table.
What is a Double Down in Blackjack?
A double down in the game 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.
It’s also important to understand that this is different from splitting 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. When doubling down, you only get one extra card and tally things up as usual thereafter.
Understand when to double down
You would rather not be doubling down regularly, as the math is not in your favour. However, in certain situations doubling down can be a calculated risk that’s worth taking. Here’s a handy quick guide to help you decide when to double down and when not to risk it:
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.
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.
Common online Blackjack abbreviations
The game uses 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 blackjack for real money. If you’re looking for a blackjack casino site that can provide you with spicy blackjack variants and awesome payouts, Maple Casino has got you covered!
FAQ
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.
