If you have ever found yourself mesmerised by how someone can win a hand just by getting two cards, then keep reading this guide. Trust me they didn’t cheat, that is precisely what can happen in Blackjack. This is an easy game to play, and it has been around for a very long time. With many strategies, it is a fun card game to learn and master. In this guide, we take you through the rules of the game and how to play it like a pro. So take your time to thoroughly go through the sections below, though it will not guarantee you winning, it will give you your best chance.
What Makes Blackjack Fun?
Blackjack is one of the most perfect games for new players to get started in an online casino. The reason why it is ideal even for newbies is that it has the lowest house edge at 2%. The concept of the house edge is defined as the advantage that the casino has over you. Online Blackjack casinos ‘rigged’ the game in such a way that the odds are always tipped in their favour, and stands to reason when you’re trying to make a profit. Though a house edge of 2% is acceptable in online gambling, through Blackjack online basic Blackjack strategy, you can cut that advantage even further to 0.5%.
This means the casino does not have a more significant advantage over you as a player, more on that later. Also, the basic rules governing Blackjack online are straight forward, a quick ten-minute read is all that’s needed to get the gist of what the game is about. Furthermore, as a new Blackjack player, you get access to the numerous Blackjack promotions and bonuses which are exclusively for this game. This is awesome because you don’t want to be using your cash when getting accustomed. Of course, we are here to help you find the best promotions, whether it’s for blackjack or free spins no deposit uk 2020 bonuses!
Types Of Online Blackjack Bonuses
Sometimes online casinos do not include Blackjack as an unrestricted game on bonus offers. Online Blackjack enthusiasts can look forward to some deposit bonuses and promotions which can help in increasing the available funds for betting. Some of the rewards you can expect in the best online Blackjack UK casinos are deposit bonuses, welcome bonuses and other regular player promotions. The main thing to consider when weighing up Blackjack bonus offers is not the bonus money provided; you must also make sure you understand the contribution percentage of Blackjack online towards the wagering requirements of the bonus offer. Understanding this concept will allow you to select the best online Blackjack offer available to you.
Occasionally you’ll run into a new casino no deposit bonus that you can use on Blackjack, but usually the wagering requirements are quite high for table games. Here are the more common bonus options for the game of Blackjack:
100% Deposit Match Bonus
The 100% deposit match bonus is a ubiquitous feature in many online Blackjack casinos. In this offer, the casino matches your deposit by hundred per cent up to a predetermined figure. This can be from £100 or even up to £500. The casino sets the value and restrictions of the offer. Online Blackjack players can benefit from this bonus only if Blackjack is listed as one of the allowed online casino games. The 100% deposit match bonus always has certain restrictions that you should take note of. It’s no use claiming a bonus that can not be won. On top of the contribution percentage restrictions, there are also other wagering requirements which you must fulfil. The usual percentage contribution for Blackjack online games is usually set at around 8 to 20 per cent. The higher percentage in this circumstance is always desirable because it means that playing your favourite online Blackjack game will significantly count towards settling the wagering requirements.
First Deposit Welcome Bonus
The first deposit welcome bonus is offered to all new online Blackjack players when joining the casino. Usually, it is designed in two main ways. The casino can ask you to make a single deposit once-off, and they’ll match your payment with a certain percentage. The other way this reward can be offered is a considerable percentage is offered distributed over your first three deposits. The welcome bonus normally extends to specific games, and you should confirm the availability of Blackjack online games on that list. The first deposit welcome bonuses do not apply to Blackjack games exclusively, but you can take advantage of this offer. If you intend to spend all your bonus money on Blackjack online, then you ensure that the wagering requirements are achievable, as you now know this is a function of the contribution percentage. The welcome bonus is usually wagered from thirty to sixty-five times.
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Regular Player Bonus
Blackjack online promotion offers to give regular players the chance to get periodic prizes and extra money. The bonus promotions add another level of enthralling entertainment for the casinos’ regular twenty-one faithful, the likes of which cannot be attained with the usual bonus treats. Some casinos offer a welcome bonus or a free slots online offer which excludes online Blackjack games. In this type of bonus, Blackjack online is restricted and cannot be played along with other games. To cater to the multiple Blackjack online lovers, these casinos have come up with bonus packages, especially for restricted games. Usually, these packages come with hefty wagering requirements, which you should be aware of. As a Blackjack online player, you can also enjoy other benefits offered directly on the live Blackjack online no money tables. You can always find online Blackjack free tournaments and prizes around the live tables. Some casinos also offer side bets which are a neat way to increase your winnings significantly.
How To Succeed When Playing
Well, the fact is that success in any gambling venture can never be guaranteed. But, some ways can help you improve your odds of winning, and this is by minimising the house edge. The first thing you should do to succeed, in this regard, is to have a thorough understanding of the rules that are involved in playing online Blackjack. These Blackjack rules will form the foundation on which you can implement the various strategies that can be employed in this game. The combination of following the rules and strategy implementation will not only improve your odds, but it will also make the whole game fun. Keeo in mind that blackjack is quite complicated to other games, in terms of strategy. If you’re only looking to have some fun, without putting in too much mental effort, why not visit out Scratch cards section? There you can find the best scratch cards to win on UK.
Game Rules
Online Blackjack is a card contest played against a single rival, the dealer. Your sole aim is to beat the dealer, and this is done in a few ways. In online Blackjack, you win when you get a 21, that’s Blackjack. You can also win if you get closer to 21 than the dealer or if the dealer busts. Straight Blackjacks payout 3:2 and only win if the dealer does not have their Blackjack. Now let’s look at how you can lose. The first way is if you go over 21, that’s a bust. It doesn’t matter what the dealer has since you’ll be the one playing first, this is another way you are disadvantaged you can also lose if the dealer has a number closer to 21 than you
Card Values
The card values used in online Blackjack are pretty basic. As a good player, you should understand these values as they’ll allow you to make quick, informed decisions. You play Blackjack online using a 52 card deck. The number cards from 2 through 10 adopt the corresponding value, regardless of the suit. The face cards K, J, and Q, are all valued 10. To understand it let’s say you get two cards, a J and a 6. The value of your hand is the sum of the cards, that’s 16. The ace in Blackjack online is special; it can take two values depending on what’s more beneficial to the hand. The ace can either be a 1 or 11.
Different Choices
When you receive your cards from the dealer, you have a few ways you can respond, depending on your hand. You can decide to hit, stand, double down, split, buy insurance or surrender. That’s all there is to it, let’s take a look at each of these online Blackjack plays.
Hit – In online Blackjack, a hit is when you ask for more cards from the dealer, you do this to get a better hand, and that means getting as close to 21 as possible. Depending on the circumstances you can continue hitting until you feel any additional cards might make you bust.
Stand – Online Blackjack stand is for when you feel you have a good hand and don’t want to risk going bust. This option is exercised when you get your first two cards. Your decision to stand will bring the dealer into the game, causing them to display their second card. When you stand, you can not make any other actions in this game.
Double Down – You can only double down on your first two cards or after you have split. When you choose a Blackjack double down, you have to place the same amount as you wagered in the first bet. After doubling down the dealer gives you another card and you cannot hit again on that hand. You should only double down on an advantageous hand.
Split – Another online Blackjack decision you’ll face is splitting. You can only split when you have two cards of the same value. For example, if you have a pair of tens, you can split. To do this, you should place an equal bet as the first one. The dealer then gives you separate cards for each hand.
Insurance – You can take insurance when a dealer has an ace up. Insurance is taken out just in case the dealer gets a Blackjack. The value of the insurance is half of your original bet. If the Blackjack is found in the dealer’s hands, the insurance bet is paid two to one.
Surrender – Surrender is an online Blackjack option given to players to get out of a potentially bad hand. Instead of losing the whole bet, when you surrender only half of your bet is deducted. This, however, occurs before the dealer reveals their second card, so even if the dealer was going to bust doesn’t matter.
Online Blackjack Games
Blackjack is, along with online roulette free games, one of the most popular table games in the UK. Many people enjoy standard Blackjack online games; developers have, however, created variations of these games. Although the underpinning principle of the game has not changed, the rules have been tweaked here and there to keep the game relevant and also it appealing to broad audiences. One point to note with these games is that they usually offer a lower RTP rate than the standard online Blackjack. So before playing any of these games, it is worthwhile to take a very close look. Popular variants of online Blackjack UK are European Blackjack, Progressive Blackjack, Blackjack Switch, Classic Blackjack, Live Blackjack, Super Fun 21, Vegas Strip Blackjack among others.
European Blackjack
European Blackjack has a lot of fans and is broadly played here in the UK. It does, however, have some major differences from the standard online Blackjack. In this format of the game, the rules state that the dealer must hit at a soft 17. A soft hand is when you get an ace and another number, remember the ace can either be valued 1 or 11. Another unique difference is that European Blackjack online players are not allowed to double down on “obvious” wins. The only case where you can double down is when the sum of your initial two-card hand is 9, 10 or 11. Also, the dealer’s second card is dealt after all the hands have been closed. Apart from these changes, European Blackjack is similar to the standard Blackjack. The rules outlining how you are deemed as the winner are still the same, and a natural Blackjack will still get you a 3:2 rate.
Progressive Blackjack
Progressive online Blackjack is in many ways similar to regular Blackjack; the goal in this game is still to get as close to 21 as you can. But in Progressive online Blackjack, the game is played using six 52 card decks, which are shuffled from time to time. This effectively means that the card counting strategies, which can be very useful in regular online Blackjack, cannot be employed here with much success. In this form of the game, the dealer is forced to stand when he gets to 17. The changes in this game have been effected on the players’ side as well. When you get like pairs in your initial hand, you can only split them once, even if you are a similar numbered third card you cannot re-split. The progressive element of the game comes in where players can participate in a progressive online Blackjack jackpot. There’s usually a button situated somewhere near the bets area which activates this option. You can even win up to 5000 times your initial bet.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack switch, as the name implies, is a real switch up from the regular online Blackjack gameplay. In this game, the player gets dealt two hands instead of one. On accessing your cards, you are allowed to switch the top cards on these hands to create a hybrid hand give and an advantage over the dealer. This option to switch not only gives you a better hand, but it increases the chances of you getting a Blackjack. Seeing that online Blackjack switch is easier to come by in this game, the return to player rate is a low 6:5. Furthermore, if the dealer busts by getting a 22, all the hands are pushed except being a natural Blackjack. The subtle differences that these games have should be carefully considered, especially when it comes to reducing the return to player rate. The odds are already stacked in the casino’s favour.
Classic Blackjack
Classic Blackjack holds a semblance to regular online Blackjack. This is not surprising since it came out of that game. When you get a natural Blackjack, you are still paid 3:2. In this game, the dealer has eight 52 card decks, shuffled obviously to make sure that you don’t try any card counting. At the beginning of a game you are given two cards, that’s your hand. You can choose to exercise any of your regular options, that is, to hit, stand, double down, or split. Like regular Blackjack online doubling down would see you placing a bet the same size as your primary wager. The dealer will then hit you with one more card, and you stand. In classic Blackjack, if you happen to lose to a Blackjack after doubling down or splitting, only the primary bet is lost, and all the other monies from the other bets are pushed and returned to you.
Live Blackjack
Similar to classic Blackjack, live Blackjack uses eight 52 card decks, all placed together in the shoe. The return-to-player rate for Blackjack is 3:2. Insurance can also be bought and if successful, pays out the standard 2:1. Doubling down is allowed in live online Blackjack, you can double down on any two-card hand. Players also have an option to split, with aces splitting only one and getting one card before you stand. Side bets and betting behind are common practice in live Blackjack. Betting behind is when you bet for another player’s winning hand, you can do this from the terraces or for another player sitting at the same table with you. Live Blackjack online allows for many different types of betting combinations. You can choose bets such as perfect pairs or 21+3 Blackjack. Another choice you can make is to enjoy the action at private tables where you are treated to exclusive promotions.
Super Fun 21
Super Fun 21, sometimes called Blackjack super 21 or Super 21, is more like the regular online Blackjack. In this game the player’s Blackjack trumps the dealer’s, however, it only pays out an even 1:1. The rules of the game also state that you can double only once every hand at any point, not just on the first pair. Surrendering is allowed in Super Fun 21, at any point, just make sure you do it before you bust. Another difference with the regular online Blackjack is in the number of ways that your player can win a game. For instance, there is a circumstance when the dealer gets a Blackjack and still loses the game, sounds wrong, doesn’t it? This scenario unfolds if you get a 20 from the combination of six cards, this is called six-card Charlie. There are other provider-specific rule variations to this game, so it’s important to know who made the game and what’s required before putting up your money
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas strip Blackjack is also simply known as Strip Blackjack. The main goal of the game is similar to all other online Blackjack based games, to get a 21 or the best score against the dealer in this game. In strip Blackjack, four decks of 52 cards are used by the dealer. To start the game, the dealer deals you a two-card hand; this is where it starts to get interesting. You have options to stand, hit or double down. You can choose to double down on any starting pair if the cards are a pair of similar value cards you choose to split. Vegas strip online Blackjack allows you to double down even after splitting and you can split a maximum of four hands. In the scenario where you are dealt aces, these can only be split once, and if by chance you get a ten after the splits, that’s not regarded as Blackjack.
What Is A Blackjack Basic Strategy?
Blackjack is a game of both luck and strategy. The different variations of Blackjack have strategies which apply to the way that specific game is played. Some strategies that can be utilised in online Blackjack are card counting and tracking. But the simplest method which can be employed is the basic strategy. This system uses a set of rules that cover every scenario that may be encountered in a hand; the primary objective is to help the player in bringing down the Blackjack house edge. These rules, if followed correctly, lower the house edge to 0.5%.
The basic strategy covers splitting, doubling down, standing, and hitting in different scenarios, including soft and hard hands. The system is presented in a system called a Blackjack strategy chart, colour coded for an easy deduction. The basic strategy, while it may not guarantee a win 100 per cent of the time, it represents the most effective way to play Blackjack. The weakness of the basic strategy is that it does not provide modifying information which requires real-time analysis. This can only be extracted from other Advanced Techniques like card counting and card tracking. It does not also take into account whether the house is using machines to shuffle cards, RNGs or real dealers.
Multi-Player Blackjack Tournaments
Multiplayer tournaments are an exciting test of strategy and luck between individual players as they compete for cash and other rewards. The amount that can be won is normally the sum of the paid entry fees. Online Blackjack casino operators hold these events as advertisements for promotional purposes. Players are put into different tables even numbering up to six participants. The tournament is started by playing several predetermined hands. Normally, tournaments in the UK last anywhere from 15 to 30 hands per round. Everyone starts with the same amount of chips, the round winners are determined by who has the largest pot.
The winners progress to the next round and play more hands against other winners. Online Blackjack tournaments are a great way to improve your skills; here you’ll be playing to beat each other to progress to the next round. A good fit for new players, is the freeroll tournament, online Blackjack casinos run these regularly. You don’t have to pay a fee to participate, it’s a free Blackjack online tournament but offers real money prizes. Regulars can join in the fun in the more demanding survival style tournaments. To participate in one, most Blackjack online casinos post the information on the type of tournament, prize money, and start times on their websites.
Exclusive Live Blackjack Table Games
Most players are drawn to new casino 2020 sites with dedicated and exclusive live dealer tables. They view this as a statement by the casino confirming that they value Blackjack online players and are ready to cater for their every need. No small casino would take the time to dedicate space and resources towards exclusive live dealers. They are four main benefits of patronising exclusive live dealer table games. Number one, exclusive live dealer tables offer instant on-table promotions. In these promotions, you will get price drawers, bonus cards, and exclusive ruffles and so on. The beauty of the exclusive live dealer table games is that you’ll be competing against other players from the casino. Not against a million other people online. Also, you’re likely to get a seat at the Blackjack at an exclusive casino table. Exclusive table games are more intimate, it’s easier to get to know the dealers and be also known. Cultivating a relationship with the dealers is a good thing because it allows for a generally more pleasing customer service experience. If the dealers know you by name, they are more likely to handle any issues you may have more expediently. Exclusive live dealer table games also have more stake options, these types of casinos feature the market’s most significant collection of low-stakes tables.
Free Online Blackjack Games
Right, now that you know how to play Blackjack, after having read all the rules, learning about the bonuses, and having seen all the game variations of this game, there’ll come a time when you want to test your strategy. The perfect way to do this is through a free Blackjack game. You can play over 60 titles of Blackjack games online absolutely free. This is a win-win situation set-up by online casinos where they lure potential customers by offering them free games. Free online Blackjack games are good for new and even regular players as well; you can have a lot of fun without risking any of your money. Some free mobile casino no deposit casinos even offer the chance to win real money for free in Blackjack!
You don’t need a calculator to tell you that that’s a sweet deal. Playing Blackjack online for fun games allows you to start playing instantly with no deposit or download needed upfront. This will allow you to practice your strategy and work on your skills to make sure that you have the best online Blackjack game. On the flip side, when you play Blackjack online free games for fun, you don’t get access to the bonuses and promotions. And again, some versions of the Blackjack online game are just not available for free. Blackjack is usually also available at live casino Android or Apple apps.
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Online Blackjack FAQ
When should you hit or stay on online Blackjack?
The rules of Blackjack online provide that you hit to get a better hand, and you stay when you have reached your most desirable hand. But the basic strategy states that you always hit only on a hard 11 or less and stand only on a hard 12. When it comes to soft hands, you should always hit a soft 17 or less and stay on a soft 18.
Can you play online Blackjack for real money?
Yes, you can enjoy Blackjack online and get real money too. There are hundreds of Blackjack online casinos available in the UK all registered by the UKGC.
Which online Blackjack is the best?
Well, the best Blackjack online variation for you depends mainly on your taste. But seeing as those other variations have incorporated additional rules, a new player would be safe going with the standard Blackjack with the 3:2 RTP. You also just take advantage of the numerous Blackjack online free titles available to find your perfect match.
How can I play online Blackjack for free?
It’s easy to find online Blackjack free games, a simple pc or even mobile web browser search will reveal many sites which offer information on ways to play Blackjack online for fun. An easier way is to visit your favourite Blackjack online casino games, and they’ll most probably have free Blackjack games available where you can play without putting any money upfront.