Blackjack is an iconic casino game which history remains shrouded in mystery. Researchers are still not sure where the game originated from. Undoubtedly, it has a long and rich history, having been around for decades. There is something special about blackjack as it stood the test of time to become one of the most popular games nowadays. What is more, the game made its way to the movie industry due to its charm that is hidden in simplicity. When you watch a gambling movie in which blackjack is the superstar, it is not hard to grasp who is winning or losing as you simply need to observe who holds the hand with a total value higher than the dealer’s, without going over 21. Blackjack appeals to the interest of many people all over the world as skills play an important role in the game. Even though it has simple rules, certain fundamental strategies will help you to tip the balance in your favour. Our blackjack guide aims at providing UK players with important information about the game to facilitate their gambling experience. The casino industry keeps on developing, but some games will always remain at the heart of each casino, be it land-based or online. Blackjack is touted to be the staple of table games and many casinos offer different variations of blackjack. The game is among the players’ favourites as it tests people’s concentration, awareness, and knowledge. What is more, blackjack players do not play against each other. They need to pit their wits only against the casino dealers. The main reason to play this game is because you enjoy it. However, some factors add up to its appeal. In the lines below, we will discuss why playing blackjack is a fascinating endeavour. Blackjack follows simple and easy-to-remember rules. The game is often referred to as a casino banking game. This means that the players compete against the house instead of the other players. The main objective of the game is to get a hand with a total value closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without going over 21. At the beginning of the game, the players and the dealer receive 2 cards. The players’ first 2 cards are faced up, while 1 of the dealer’s cards is faced down and it is tucked under the face-up card. A standard deck of 52 playing cards is used, but most casinos use several decks. The most popular blackjack variations are played with 6 decks, but some blackjack variants use up to 8 decks. The cards are usually placed in a special gaming device that is called a dealing shoe. The modern playing interface makes a certain game even more appealing. Nowadays, software companies and game designers are focused on creating gaming products that feature a user-friendly interface. This facilitates the players’ performance, allowing them to easily place bets and enjoy the game even more. In addition to that, the developers of casino games include extra features that spice up the game.Best UK Online Casinos
Why Play Blackjack Online?
Low House Edge
The size of the house edge differs depending on the blackjack variation you play and the game’s specific rules. However, the house edge in blackjack is lower than the house edge in other casino games, and more precisely around 0.5% provided that you use basic strategy.Versatile Table Limits
Regardless of the casino you select to play blackjack, one thing is sure - there will be set table limits. Blackjack table limits can vary greatly, making the game accessible for casino enthusiasts of all budget sizes. Provided that your budget is tight, look for a blackjack table with low bet limits. If you are ready to spend a fat wad of cash, you can go for a table with high bet limits.Broad Spectrum of Variations
Avid blackjack enthusiasts sometimes get bored when playing their favourite game. Even though blackjack is a traditional game, it comes with a lot of small aspects that can be changed to spice up the gameplay. Regardless of the blackjack variation you decide to play, the main objective of the game remains the same.Blackjack variants mainly rely on changing the number of decks and how the different gaming options can be used. Some of the most popular variations include European Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, Spanish 21, Vegas Strip Blackjack, and others.Availability of Live Dealer Tables
Blackjack is among the most widely played casino games in the world. All solid land-based casinos offer at least one blackjack table that usually attracts a great deal of attention by the players.As for the online casinos, the situation is quite similar. However, there are 2 major types of blackjack tables offered at interactive casinos - virtual and live dealer tables. Nowadays, it is extremely easy to find an online casino that offers a plethora of live dealer blackjack variations powered by reputable software providers. Blackjack’s Rules at a Glance
The Ranking of the Cards
The strongest hand in blackjack is the combination of an Ace and a 10-value card. It usually pays out 3:2, but some casinos decided to change the payout ratio to 6:5 which results in a higher house edge. The total value of the hand is 21 and it is also called a "blackjack" or a "natural".The other two types of blackjack hands are “soft” and “hard”. In blackjack, the Ace can be counted as 1 or 11, depending on the other card in the hand. If the Ace is counted as 11, the hand is referred to as “soft”. For example, an Ace and a 6 is a “soft 17”. A hand with an Ace counted as 1 is referred to as “hard”. For example, the combination of an Ace, a 7, and a 9 makes a “hard 17”. Understanding the concept of “soft” and “hard” hands is essential for your strategy and the rules of the dealer’s play.As for the card values, the 2 through 10 cards are worth their face values. The Jack, the King, and the Queen are counted as 10, while the Ace can be either 11 or 1. It is important to note that if your hand and the dealer’s hand are of the same value, the hand is considered a push/tie, meaning that you do not win or lose anything from the hand.Hole-Card vs. No-Hole-Card Games
The dealer’s face-down card is also referred to as a “hole” card. In most US casinos, the dealer is allowed to peek at the hole card, provided that the face-up card is an Ace. If the face-down card has a value of 10, then the dealer has a natural blackjack and the players lose (unless someone also has a blackjack). If you split or double down during the game, you lose only one of the wagers and get back the other one.In non-US casinos, the dealer does not receive a face-down card until all the players have completed their hands. Typically, the dealer would look at the hole card just before it is his/her turn to act. Assuming that you play a no-hole card game and the dealer happens to hit a blackjack, players will lose both wagers if they split or double down during the game. Mathematically, this increases the house edge of the game by approximately 0.11%. In other words, the no-hole rule gives a slight advantage to the house.The Player’s Decisions
When the cards are dealt, players need to decide what further actions to take in the game depending on the cards they receive. Provided that you play live dealer blackjack, you should know that the player who sits from the left side of the dealer is the first to play his/her hand.If you do not have a blackjack and neither does the dealer, you will need to make a decision. Provided that you play virtual blackjack, you can do so by hitting the relevant button. But if you play live dealer blackjack, you need to use the appropriate hand signal. In the lines below, we will discuss the options you have:The Dealer’s Rules
Unless you did not surrender or the total value of your hand did not exceed 21, then the dealer plays his/her hand. Provided that the dealer holds a hand total of 16 or lower, then he/she will hit. In the case of a soft 17, dealers are allowed to either hit or stand, depending on the rules established by the casino. If they hit, the Ace is counted as 1 and the casino has better chances to win. Assuming that the casino states that the dealers must stand on all 17s, the Ace is counted as 11 and the hand cannot be improved.Assuming that you wish to try your luck on blackjack, you should know that the dealer cannot double down, split, or surrender. The croupier plays his/her hand the same way every time in accordance with the rules set by the casino.The Insurance Bet
We already explained above what is the insurance bet. However, we would like to inform our readers that the insurance bet is not the best decision one could make. As you already know, the insurance bet is offered to players only when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. This means that the dealer needs to draw a card valued at 10 to make a blackjack.The odds against the dealer hitting a natural blackjack with an Ace for an up card are 9:4. Unless you did not hone your card counting skill, we would advise you to avoid the insurance bet. Rookie blackjack players should not be misled by the name of the bet, which in other cases has a positive connotation.The House Edge in Blackjack
Every savvy casino enthusiast will tell you what a house edge means. For the uninitiated readers, the house edge measures the statistical advantage the casino has over the player. Blackjack has always been touted to be one of the casino games with the lowest house edge. Interestingly enough, the dealer gains an advantage over the players by acting last. It is worth mentioning that certain factors such as using a basic strategy can significantly reduce the house edge.The size of the house edge in blackjack depends also on other factors such as the number of decks, playing conditions, and some special rules. As a matter of fact, blackjack variations with less decks come with a lower house edge compared to blackjack variations with 6 or 8 decks.While some casinos offer doubling down only on 10 and 11, others allow players to double down on any 2 cards which is the better option. Other rule variations that are favourable for the players include a payout ratio of 3:2 in the case of a natural blackjack, the ability to resplit Aces, the option to surrender, and the dealer standing on all 17s.Of course, no casino offers blackjack variations that feature only player-friendly rules. What is more, blackjack fans should keep in mind that the house edge also varies between the different software suppliers and the casinos.Gaming Interface and Common Features
Multi-Hand Format
Rebet & Deal
Side Bets Support
Customisation Features
Speed Pay
Fast Play
Game Variations
Blackjack
Major Software Designers of Online Blackjack
The gambling industry is oversaturated with hundreds of game providers. Some of them are still working on establishing themselves on the market, while others are already well-developed. Different software providers offer many casino games that come with various features and quality of graphics. Each software provider has its own take on creating casino games. Some of the software companies that established themselves as premier suppliers of classic casino games include:
Playtech
Established in 1999, this software company is a market leader. Its product roster spans across many different genres. Playtech’s blackjack is played with 6 or 8 decks of cards, depending on the title you select. Apart from the classic variations of the game, Playtech offers a huge number of blackjack variants that come with various betting limits, fantastic designs, and exciting features.
Players can turn off the sound, change the size of the cards, and others. The company offers both virtual and live dealer blackjack. Some of its most popular blackjack titles are Buster Blackjack, Perfect Blackjack, Blackjack Peek, Cashback Blackjack, Progressive Blackjack, and others.
Microgaming
This software company is considered to be one of the building blocks of the casino industry. The software provider was established in 1994 and its brand is associated with the first true online casino. Its gaming catalog is comprised of titles from different genres. With regard to blackjack, the company’s most sought-after products include Gold Series Blackjack, Big 5 Blackjack, Double Exposure Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack, and others. Microgaming’s blackjack games have flexible bet limits to fit any bankroll size and customisable features.
Felt Gaming
The software company was launched in 2013 and it currently boasts a modest selection of 9 blackjack titles, including Blackjack Perfect Pairs, Blackjack 21+3, Blackjack 6 in 1, Blackjack Suit’em Up, etc. The most recognisable feature of Felt’s blackjack variations is the range of available side bets. What is more, players with a tighter budget can find tables with a minimum bet size of just £0.10. High rollers can enjoy bet limits that reach up to £1,000. Felt’s blackjack tables come with an easy-to-navigate layout. Other features that you will come across are Autoplay mode, Speed Pay, Replaying the last hand, etc.
NetEnt
NetEnt is a well-established company that appeared on the market in 1996. Nowadays, the software supplier brags about its extensive gaming portfolio that contains high-quality games. When it comes to blackjack, NetEnt has a decent number of titles that come with various player-friendly features. Its blackjack variations come with low, medium, and high bet limits. Some of the company’s top-shelf blackjack titles include Double Exposure Blackjack, Single Deck Blackjack, Common Draw Blackjack, and several more.
Finding the Best Blackjack Casino
We understand that you might feel overwhelmed with the huge number of online casinos out there. Prior to starting playing online blackjack, casino fans need to select the right gambling site that fits their preferences. There are a few things to consider when choosing a preferred online gambling stop. In the lines below, we will provide you with several tips that will help you to make the right decision.
Size of the Blackjack Suite
Most (if not all) virtual casinos offer blackjack. However, some of them feature just a few titles, while others have a bigger selection of blackjack variations. Needless to say, the bigger choice you have, the more entertaining gambling session you will experience.Solid Reputation & Licensing
The reputation of a given casino operator is among the most important things to consider when choosing a gambling site. The license a given casino operator holds is the first thing that guarantees the casino’s fairness and reliability.
What is more, blackjack enthusiasts are advised to read expert reviews about the particular web-based casino and check what other players say about it. There is a sufficient number of websites dedicated to reviewing online casinos, but keep in mind that not all of them will provide you with an unbiased opinion.
Exclusive Blackjack Bonuses
Even though the majority of online casinos focus on promoting slots, some casinos offer juicy bonuses for blackjack players. Usually, web-based casinos throw in Welcome Bonuses that also cover blackjack, but the game contributes a significantly smaller percentage compared to others.Withdrawal Speed
Web-based casinos employ different payment service providers to ensure seamless deposits and withdrawals. However, some payment solutions are quicker than others. For example, blackjack enthusiasts can pull out their winnings via digital wallets in 24 hours upon casino approval. It is also important to mention that the pending period varies between casino operators. While some need no more than 24 hours to approve your payment, others might take up to a week to OK the payment.Smartphone and Tablet Range of Blackjack Games
Nowadays, the majority of software companies developed their games in a mobile-friendly manner. Hence, blackjack enthusiasts can find a plethora of gaming options suitable for playing on the go. What is more important is how well a certain game scales down to the limited screen real estate and whether it preserves its functionality. Some online casinos allow players to play via an in-browser app, while others also offer a native app.Free Play
Most blackjack titles which you will find at most online casinos feature a demo mode. In that way, players can test the waters prior to investing real money in their gambling activity. This is a useful feature not only for rookie players who have the opportunity to master their skills for free, but also for experienced blackjack veterans who will be able to try a given game to see its quality and features.
It is important to note that UK players are also given the possibility to play blackjack in a fun mode, but they need to verify their age before that.
5 Best Online Blackjack Games to Try in 2020
The classic variation of blackjack will always remain the building block of all other variations of this game. However, playing constantly the same game could be boring no matter how much you enjoy it. For that purpose, game developers include twists on the normal rules to create something new.
The range of blackjack titles is constantly growing to please the demands of players. Software companies keep on releasing new variations of this highly-popular classic casino game. To add flavour to the new releases, software providers introduce new interesting features, unique designs, exciting game rules, and others. Keep on reading to learn the names of the blockbusters for 2020 and what special features do they offer.
Vegas Downtown Blackjack by Microgaming
Vegas Downtown Blackjack is among the most popular blackjack titles by Microgaming. The game is played with 2 decks of 52 playing cards and it is offered by a huge number of online casinos that collaborate with this software provider. This variation follows the American hole card game rules and the dealer peeks on 10 value cards and Aces. Even though the game does not offer a surrender rule, players are allowed to double after split and re-split.What is more, doubling down is allowed on any 2 cards. The dealer hits on soft 17 and insurance bets are also on offer. Provided that you strike a blackjack, you will pocket a payout of 3:2. The game’s optimal RTP is 99.62%.All things considered, Vegas Downtown Blackjack comes with more player-friendly than house-friendly rules. The design of the game is simplistic, which is a good thing when we talk about playing online blackjack.Blackjack Switch by Playtech
The leading software company Playtech unveiled Blackjack Switch that comes with a house edge of 0.58% provided that you use the basic strategy. The game features an incredible design and an intuitive user interface to enhance the players’ gambling experience. It is played with 6 decks of cards and with 2 hands instead of 1.It is important to inform our readers that the bets for each hand are separate and you can split them if you like. Another interesting feature is that if the value of the dealer’s hand totals 22, the hand is a push against all other players who do not have a blackjack. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that blackjack pays 1:1 and the dealer always hits on soft 17.The game certainly stands out from the pack with the unique side bet it offers, and namely Super Match. Generally speaking, you place a bet on whether your hand will have matching cards.Atlantic City Blackjack by Microgaming
Microgaming’s Atlantic City Blackjack is a real hit among casino aficionados who enthuse over this game genre. This variation is played with 8 decks of cards and it follows fairly standard rules. What is laudable is that it offers late surrender that is quite beneficial to the players. In addition to that, the dealer stands on soft 17 and players can double down on any 2 cards. The game allows resplitting of up to 3 times to make 4 hands.Players can also double down after splitting, which is not a common feature. Insurance bets are also available and blackjack comes with the usual payout of 3:2. Another important thing to mention is that the game follows the American hole card rules, which is slightly more advantageous to the players. Atlantic City Blackjack by Microgaming has an RTP of 99.6%.BlackjackTM by NetEnt
In 2015, NetEnt released BlackjackTM that runs smoothly on all modern portable devices. The RTP of the game is as low as 99.59%. The game perfectly replicates the classic version of blackjack and the overall gambling experience is topped by the presence of the realistic casino chips which you will see on the table.As for the game’s special rules, the dealer must stand on 17 or higher and the game also offers insurance bets. Blackjack enthusiasts should be informed that NetEnt’s BlackjackTM is played with 3 hands and 6 decks. Assuming that Lady Luck is on your side and you strike a blackjack, you will pocket a standard payout of 3:2.What is more, the game allows doubling down and splitting. Aspiring blackjack fans are also provided with the opportunity to speed up the gameplay.6 in 1 Blackjack by Felt Gaming
Felt Gaming has under 10 blackjack titles in its gaming catalog, but its 6 in 1 Blackjack attracted a great deal of attention. The game comes with perfect quality of the graphics and it runs like a charm on various touchscreen devices. Considering the base game, Felt’s 6 in 1 Blackjack has an RTP of 99.63%. What is exceptional about this variation of the game is that it offers 6 optional side bets, including Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Lucky Ladies, Suit’em Up, Lucky Lucky, and Buster Blackjack.Blackjack enthusiasts who wish to try their luck on this variation of the game should be informed that the dealer stands on soft 17 and striking a blackjack will award you with a payout of 3:2. What is more, blackjack fans can play up to 3 hands in a round. The bet limits range from £0.50 up to £50. Split and double down are also included in the range of features associated with this variation of the game.Finding the Best Blackjack Bonus
Finding a blackjack bonus is certainly not a picnic as most casinos offer promotions that are geared toward slot players. However, it is not a mission impossible to find a gambling site that has promotions suitable for blackjack enthusiasts. We would advise players to look for promotions that last for 30 days or more as they will have more time to satisfy the wagering requirements associated with the bonus.
It is essential to explain that some promotions are non-cashable even after clearing the playthrough. This means that you will be able to withdraw your earnings accrued from the bonus, but you cannot pull out the bonus funds. Hence, blackjack devotees are recommended to look for cashable bonuses. The downside of the cashable promotions is that these might be tied to ludicrously high wagering requirements. There are several aspects to consider when looking for a blackjack bonus, including:
Bonus Size
Needless to say, players are searching for casinos that offer generous promotions. Blackjack enthusiasts are often treated to bonus funds to play with. Sometimes, you can play blackjack even with a Welcome Bonus, but it all depends on the casino and its terms and conditions.Rollover
It is the number of times you need to wager a bonus to withdraw your winnings associated with it. In some cases, it applies to the total amount of the bonus funds and the deposit. Some online casinos offer attractive bonuses that are tied to sky-high wagering requirements. Players should keep in mind that the rollover is as important as the bonus size.Blackjack Weightings
A good-enough number of interactive casinos allow blackjack players to enjoy their favourite game while playing with an active Welcome Bonus, but it will take way longer to clear the wagering requirement associated with the promotion simply because blackjack usually contributes no more than 10% towards the playthrough. This means that for every £10, you play only £1 towards clearing the wagering requirements.Maximum Bet Restrictions
Online casinos set a cap on the maximum bet players are allowed to make while a bonus is active. The size of the maximum bet you are allowed to place varies from casino to casino. It is important to note that the maximum bet restrictions will not affect your winning potential.
Tips on Becoming a Good Player
Playing blackjack is certainly not rocket science, but it has its ins and outs. As we already mentioned above, blackjack is a game that combines skills, knowledge, and luck. It does not depend on you what cards you will be dealt, but it is all up to you how you will play your hand. The fact that the positive results of the game do not depend entirely on pure chance is the real draw to the game.
Talking about blackjack we cannot help but mention the term card counting. Generally speaking, it is based on the players’ ability to remember what cards have been dealt and it requires good mathematical knowledge. We will refrain from delving deeper into this matter as counting cards is not applicable when it comes to online blackjack. In the lines below, our dedicated expert team will provide you with some useful tips which you can use in any online blackjack variation:
Build a Bankroll
When playing any casino game, players should take into account the size of their bankroll. Before you start playing casino games, we would recommend you to build a bankroll. The first thing when funding your gambling bankroll is to decide how much money you can afford to lose without affecting your lifestyle.The proper management of the bankroll is also an important aspect when playing casino games. You should always stick to the size of your bankroll without going over it. Do not rely on any potential winnings that may or may not occur.After you build your bankroll, you need to determine the size of the bets you are going to place. If your bankroll is tighter, we recommend you to choose games with low minimum bet limits. In that way, you will extend your stay at the table.Use Basic Strategy
We mentioned the blackjack basic strategy in this article on multiple occasions. Experienced blackjack players most probably know what we were talking about. For the rookie players, the basic blackjack strategy is a set of rules that statistically optimise your winning potential. It takes into account not only your cards but also the dealer’s hand.Scout for Decent Playing Conditions
Some blackjack rules are more advantageous to the players than others. Always make sure to check the specific rules of the blackjack variation you wish to play as this might slightly reduce the house edge. Needless to say, you will not find a variation that features only player-friendly rules, but some games seem to offer better playing conditions than others.Never Chase Your Losses
Gambling is all about entertainment. Many players decide to keep gambling in an attempt to win back the money they have lost. Players usually increase their bets to recoup losses. This dangerous spiral of loss-chasing is seen by experts as problem gambling. Blackjack fans are recommended to leave the table once they reach the maximum amount they are comfortable with losing on a given session.Online Blackjack Q&A
What is the difference between virtual and live dealer blackjack?
Both virtual and live dealer blackjack variations feature the same basic rules. The virtual blackjack variations offer relatively lower minimum table limits, making them a good choice for players with a tighter bankroll.On the other hand, the live dealer blackjack will provide you with an authentic feeling of playing at a real land-based casino as you will need to pit wits against a real professional croupier. What is more, you will have the opportunity to interact with other fellow players and the dealer.
Do other players’ actions affect my winning chances?
Since the objective of the game is to beat the dealer’s hand, the other players’ actions do not affect your winning chances in any way. You can win by either having a final hand with a total value higher than the dealer’s or by not busting (when the total value of your hand is exceeding 21) before the dealer.
When to double down in blackjack?
Doubling down is an exciting move when playing blackjack as you double your initial stake and you get only 1 more card. This means that if you get a card of a low value, you risk losing your doubled bet. When doubling down, blackjack devotees should always take into account the dealer’s upcard.Players are advised to double down when they are dealt a total of 9, and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 6. If you have a hand that contains an Ace and either a 5, 6, or 7, and the dealer shows a card below 7, you can double down. Provided that you have a hard 10 or 11 (not including an ace) and the dealer’s up card has a lower value, you are advised to double down.
Why is the insurance bet classified as a sucker bet?
In its essence, insurance is a bet that is independent of your original wager and its size is equal to half of your original bet. This bet is available only when the dealer’s up card is an Ace. Insurance is a bet that the croupier has a blackjack. This bet pays out 2:1 provided that the dealer hits a natural blackjack. However, in such a case, you lose your original bet (unless you also have a blackjack).For example, you bet £10 in the initial hand and the dealer’s upcard shows an Ace. You decide to take the insurance bet and you place £5. If the croupier has a natural blackjack, you win the insurance bet, but you lose your initial £10 bet. What is more, the statistics show that the odds are stacked against the dealer hitting a natural blackjack.
What are blackjack side bets and are they worth it?
A side bet is an additional wager that is placed at the beginning of a round and it is played separately from your main bet. Blackjack offers various side bets. Some of them involve your hand, while others are placed on the dealer’s hand. It is important to note that not all online blackjack variations offer all types of side bets.Some of the most popular blackjack side bets are 21+3 (its payout can reach up to 100:1), Perfect Pairs (it pays up to 25:1), and Lucky Ladies (with a payout of up to 1,000:1). It is important to note that the side bets in blackjack are all dependent on luck. In addition to that, the side bets increase the advantage of the house. In other words, side bets are a good way to spice up your gambling session, but these should not be the main focus of your gameplay.