Online Blackjack. Rules. Types. Strategies. Card Counting. Play Free Blackjack

1. Basic Rules Of Blackjack Online

Despite its reputation as a challenging game, blackjack is not that difficult to play. The basic blackjack strategy is very clear and logical. If you’re a beginner, you shouldn’t worry that this game is beyond your abilities! With a bit of diligence and patience, you’ll be able to master blackjack in no time.

We won’t go into depths and cover too complicated rules and tricks for pros. We’ll address the basic information that can prove useful to novices.

1.1. How To Play Blackjack

Blackjack is played between the player (or several players) and the dealer. You goal is to end up with a hand higher than the dealer’s but without exceeding twenty-one points. Let’s take a look at how much different cards are worth in blackjack:

• Two through Ten - pip value (2 through 10 points);
• Face cards (Jack, King, Queen) – 10 points;
• Ace - 1 or 11 points, depending on the situation.

Any hand consisting of an Ace and any 10-value card is called a “blackjack” or a “natural”. This hand automatically makes you a winner.

The situation when the player and the dealer both have the same total is called push. This is something like a draw when there are no winners or losers. But be careful: in some casinos, push means that the house has won.

1.2. Gameplay

Before the game starts, you need to make bets. The blackjack table usually have 7 betting spots. The dealer shuffles and then places the cards in the shoe. Then the dealer starts to deal cards.

In online blackjack, the dealer deals two cards to each player. The dealer is also dealt wo cards, one up and one down.

If the player has an Ace and any 10-value card, his hand is worth 21 points. This card combination is called a blackjack. If the dealer’s face-up card is different from Ace or 10-value card, the player wins and gets paid 3 to 2, i.e. his initial bet is multiplied by 1.5 If there is a chance that the dealer has a blackjack, the player has to make a decision. If the player’s hand contains an Ace, the Player can choose to get paid 1 to 1. Alternatively, the player might wait till the end of the game and, if the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, get a 3 to 2 payout.

If neither the dealer, not the player has a blackjack on the first two cards, the player can hit (i.e. get another card), or stand (remain with his current hand). If, after taking another card, the player busts (i.e. if his hand exceeds 21), the dealer wins and the player’s bet goes to the casino.

If the dealer has a blackjack, all players, who don’t have a blackjack, lose. Players with a blackjack or blackjack insurance get their bets back. This situation is identical to push.

After the player has made their choice (hit or stand), the dealer takes a card for himself. In online blackjack, the dealer must stand at 17, i.e. stop taking cards once his total has reached 17. If the dealer’s hand is under 17, the dealer must hit. Keep in mind that the stand-at-17 rule can change depending on the casino and blackjack variation. For example, sometimes, the dealer is allowed to hit if they have an Ace or Six.

Finally, there comes the moment of counting the totals. Note how in blackjack, players are not competing against each other. Each player only has one opponent – the dealer. To learn how to play blackjack, be sure to visit the blackjack section on our website and play blackjack free to train your skills!

1.3. Additional Rules In Blackjack Game

In each type of blackjack online, the player is allowed to make certain decisions that eventually affect the outcome of the game. Let’s find out what the key blackjack rules are called and what they mean:

• Split – If the player is dealt a pair of same-value cards (Pair), the player is allowed to split them into separate hands. During the game, the dealer will be dealing you one card for each hand. In some types of online blackjack, this rule doesn’t apply for specific cards or can be used a limited number of times.
• Double – The Player can double their initial bet. If you do the double, you’ll get only one card from the dealer.
• Insurance – The player can buy an insurance against the dealer’s blackjack. It’s a very tricky rule that should be used with caution. Otherwise, you risk wasting your money without getting a real benefit.
• Surrender - The player is allowed to surrender his hand and lose half his bet after the dealer reveals his blackjack. Keep in mind that some types of blackjack don’t have this useful rule.
• Hit — The player can ask the dealer for more cards. When you’re taking more cards, there is a risk that you might exceed 21.
• Stand — The player can refuse to take more cards and stay with his running total. For example, if your total is 17 or above, you should stand because the risk of going over 21 is too high.

That was a quick overview of the options the player has. As already said, whether or not these rules are applied depends on which version of free online blackjack you’re playing.

2. Types Of Blackjack Online

There are two main types of blackjack:

• In American blackjack, the dealer is dealt two cards and reveals one of them. If there is a chance of having a blackjack, the dealer checks the face-down card. The dealer is not allowed to take more cards.
• In European blackjack, the dealer reveals only one card while the other one stays face down. After other players have taken cards, the dealer is allowed to take a card as well.

These two types of blackjack have multiple variations that differ by the number of decks, additional rules, etc.

Also, there are several versions of blackjack online free. Although these games are not very common, knowing their names won’t hurt:

• Spanish 21;
• Pontoon;
• Switch;
• Perfect Pairs;
• Exchange 21.

2.1. Blackjack Variations: Different Rules

As already said, blackjack game has several variations. Each variation has its unique set of rules that you need to know. Let’s find out what differences there are across blackjack variations.

• Decks. As a rule, blackjack is played with 8 (or fewer) decks. The more decks, the bigger the casino advantage. For example, online casinos blackjack is played with multiple decks.
• 17 points. The dealer can hit the so-called “Soft 17”, i.e. when one of the cards in his hand is an Ace. In some casinos, the dealer must stand at Soft 17 (i.e. not allowed to take additional cards).
• Resplit rule. In some casinos, players are allowed to split their hand only once. In others, players can resplit their hands an unlimited number of times.
• Double after split is only allowed in some casinos.
• Splitting Aces is another rule that varies from casino to casino.
• The rule of thumb is that after splitting aces you are allowed to take just one card. However, in some variations of blackjack online, players are allowed to take more than one card.
• Early surrender vs. later surrender. Early Surrender allows you to give up your hand before the dealer checks his cards to see if he has a natural blackjack. With Late Surrender, you’re allowed to surrender half your bet only if the dealer doesn't have a natural blackjack.

Before wagering real money, it’s crucial that you polish up your skills by playing online blackjack free. This way, you’ll be able to avoid frustrating losses and gain more confidence!

2.2. How Different Rules Affect The Outcome In Online Blackjack

3. Odds Of Getting A Specific Outcome In Blackjack

It’s quite possible to calculate the odds of having a specific outcome in blackjack. Of course, you should keep in mind that each outcome is affected by multiple factors, including the type of blackjack simulator you’re playing, number of decks, additional rules, etc. When calculating the odds in the tables below, we relied on the basic blackjack rules.

3.1. Odds Of Getting A Specific Hand

These odds are only valid for 6 deck blackjack. Dealer stands at 17.

3.2. Odds Of Busting After Hitting

Suppose, the Player decides to hit. Let’s find out what are the odds of going bust (exceeding 21) in this scenario. Note: These odds are only valid if the shoe has just started.

3.3. Odds Of Getting A Specific Total On The First Two Cards

In this table, you can see the probability of getting a certain hand on the first two cards. For example, your chances of getting a blackjack on the first hand are at 4.8%. It’s not uncommon that the Player gets 17-20 points on the first two cards which is a pretty good scenario.

3.4. Odds Of Dealer Busting And Player Winning Based On The Dealer’s Face-Up Card

In the table below, you can see the odds of the Dealer going bust and the Player winning depending on the Dealer’s face-up card. Note how the Player has the lowest winning chances in online blackjack if the Dealer’s face up card is worth 10 points.

3.5. How The Number Of Decks Changes The House Edge

From this table, you can see how the casino advantage changes as the number of decks in blackjack online increases. Thinking that such tiny increments can be neglected would be a big mistake. Even a tiny increase deteriorates the Player’s chances to succeed.

3.6. How Cards Affect The Player’s Winning Chances Once Removed From Play

This table shows how the Player’s chances to succeed in blackjack game change depending on which card is removed from the deck. This information is crucial for those players who are using the card counting strategy (we’ll talk about it below).

As you can see, when low-value cards are removed, the Player’s winning chances are going up. When high-value cards go out of play, the Player’s chances to beat the casino are going down. To check whether these numbers are correct, be sure to play free online blackjack and see for yourself!

3.7. Dealer’s Odds Of Getting A Specific Hand

This table reveals the Dealer’s odds of getting a specific hand on the premise that the Dealer stands at 17. As you can see, both the Dealer and the Player have equal chances of hitting a blackjack – 4.8%.

3.8. What Are The Odds Of Hitting A Losing Streak In Blackjack?

In this article, we’ll address a question that bothers all blackjack fans: What are the odds of losing, say, 5 or 10 hands in a row? This information will be especially useful for those using the Martingale system because the success of this strategy depends on the highest betting limit applied at the blackjack table.

If you keep doubling your wager, you risk hitting the highest betting limit before you win.

Below, we’ll find out the probability of hitting a lengthy losing streak in blackjack.

In the classic blackjack that uses the Basic Strategy, 43.3% of hands win, 48% of hands lose, and 8.7% of hands result in a push (i.e. draw).

Based on these statistics, we can apply the following formula: 48%^k=Odds, %.

However, there is a minor inaccuracy that has to do with push. Suppose, the Player loses 2 hands, then there is a push, and then the Player loses another 2 hands. For the purpose of this article, we’ll be viewing this situation as 4 subsequent losses.

In other words, we won’t be considering push hands. This leaves us with 47.4% of winning hands and 52.6% of losing hands.

Hence, the formula will look like this: 52,6%^k=Odds, %.

Let’s find out the odds of losing 8 hands in a row are:

52,6%^8=0,526^8=0,0059=0,59%.

This means that it can happen in 1 case out of 170.

In the table below, you can see the odds of losing a specific number of consecutive hands (pushes are not taken into consideration):

Here is a word of warning to our readers. Although these data are undoubtedly useful, you should not focus on losing. Negative thinking may undermine your success, causing you to fail. Plus, it may affect your self-confidence and discipline in a negative way. In case of doubt, avoid using the Martingale system and stick with demo mode.

4. Smart Strategies That Help You Win At Online Blackjack

Blackjack game is probably the only casino game with effective strategies. The choice of blackjack strategies is so big that you won’t have any trouble picking the one that meets your budget and play style. Blackjack strategies come with a different amount of risk. While some methods are considered pretty safe, others have the reputation of being very risky for the player’s bankroll. Anyway, the main thing is that all strategies increase your winning chances. We recommend that you pay close attention to the so-called Basic Blackjack Strategy that brings down the casino advantage to 0.5%. This is an amazing result! We assure you that no other system can hold a candle to the Basic Strategy in terms of effectiveness.

Well, enough talking! Let’s take a closer look at the Basic Blackjack Strategy, as well as other trusted betting systems that can enhance your performance. A friendly reminder: before putting your money at risk, you can test any strategy by playing free blackjack games on our website!

4.1. Basic Strategy For Blackjack Game

No worries! The Basic Blackjack Strategy is extremely easy to use. Explaining how it works will only take a few minutes!

The Basic Blackjack Strategy is based on precise mathematical calculations. It tells you how to play every hand dealt to you in the best way possible. This is a great opportunity to maximize your winning chances.

For example, the Player gets the total of 12 on the first two cards. The Player has to make a hard choice: to stand or to hit. By hitting, the Player runs a high risk of busting by getting a 10-value card.

The best way to apply the basic online blackjack strategy is by using the table below. As we’ve said earlier, the Basic strategy reduces the house edge to 0.5%, i.e. the casino has a 50,25% chance of winning and the Player’s winning chances stand at 49.75%.

Table for using Basic blackjack strategy:

Let’s go back to our previous example. According to the strategy, if the Player has the total of 12 on their first hand, he must hit, except when the Dealer’s face-up card is 4, 5 or 6.

Let’s take another example. The player has a hand of 10 and 5 (the total is 15). The Dealer has a 10-value card 10 (10, J, Q or K). According to the strategy, the Player must surrender and get back a half of this wager back (if Surrender is allowed by the rules).

The Basic Blackjack Strategy is your real chance to come a step closer to victory and minimize losses. Be sure to test this amazing strategy by playing blackjack simulator for free.

4.2. Double Strategy

According to this strategy, you need to double your bet every time you lose. If you win, your bet stays the same.

The only problem is that betting limits at online blackjack tables undermine the effectiveness of this strategy. Plus, not everyone can afford to use the double bet strategy because you need to have a big bankroll.

The Double Strategy delivers great results. For example, if you had three consecutive losses and then you win, your winnings will cover your previous losses and leave you with a profit!

How To Apply The Double Strategy

Suppose, you’re playing at a table where bets range from 0.02$ to 1$.

1st bet – 0.02$. If you lose, you need to double your bet.

2nd bet – 0.04$. If you lose, you need to double your bet again.

3rd bet – 0.08$. If you lose, you need to double your bet again.

4th bet – 0.16$. If you win, you’ll get paid 0.32$ while spending 0.3$ in total.

This way, even after three losses you still have a chance to make a profit. The main thing here is to stay calm and stick to this blackjack online strategy no matter what. Avoid using the double strategy if the betting range is too small and doesn’t allow you to double your bet at least 5-6 times in a row.

To train your skills using this and other strategies, we invite you play the best variations of free blackjack 24/7 absolutely for free.

4.3. Hi-Lo Strategy

The Hi-Lo Count strategy is loved by many gamblers for being simple and available. On the flip side, it has one big flaw: you can’t use it to play online blackjack free.

The Hi-Lo strategy is based on card counting. Since in online blackjack, cards are shuffled after each round, counting cards makes no use.

The Hi-Lo strategy works best for 1-deck blackjack played in land-based and live casinos. If blackjack is played with more than one deck, you need to divide your total by the number of decks used in the game.

Let’s see how much different cards are worth:

• 10, A, J, Q, K — count minus 1 point;
• 9, 8, 7 — count 0 points;
• 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 — count plus 1 point

After being dealt the first hand, you need to count how much points your hand is worth. Based on your total, you need to decide whether to hit or stand. For example, if you have +5 points, you can take more cards because the deck still contains enough 10-value cards. If your total is negative, you should stand.

4.4. 1-3-2-6 Strategy

Along with boosting your winning chances, this simple strategy will add excitement to your play process. If you like to play blackjack online, be sure to test this system by playing blackjack simulator for free.

The 1-3-2-6 strategy says that after each win you need to increase your bet following the 1-3-2-6 scheme.

Let’s take an example. Suppose, you’re playing a blackjack game at the table where the minimum bet is 1 dollar. You bet $1 and win. Then you need to increase your wager to $3. If you win again, your next bet must be $2. After another win, you need to bet $6. Then the betting sequence ends and you need to start with $1 again.

If you lose, you also need to go back and start with $1.

While the 1-3-2-6 strategy falls into the high-risk category, it allows you to wisely manage your bankroll by alternating bets of different sizes. If you’re lucky, you have all chances to win x12 times your initial bet just with 4 betting sequences!

4.5. Pursuit Strategy

This versatile strategy is successfully applied to many gambling games, and blackjack online is no exception.

According to the Pursuit strategy, you need to make the maximum bet after a win and the minimum bet after a loss.

First, the player must determine the sizes of the minimum and maximum bets. Based on your budget, you can set the lowest bet at $1 and the highest bet at $5.

Start with the minimum wager. If you win, you need to make the maximum ($5) bet. If you lose, you need to make the minimum ($1) bet again.

This strategy is based on the idea of winning and losing streaks. If you hit a winning streak, you’ll make the best use of it by placing the maximum bets. If, however, things are not going well, you can minimize your losses by making the minimum bets. We bet you can’t wait to test this strategy by playing blackjack free on our website!

Although looking risky and reckless, the Pursuit strategy delivers great results – on the condition that the player knows when to stop. For example, after three or four consecutive wins, your odds of losing go up. Our advice is not to wait for the actual loss to happen but to switch to your minimum bet.

By the way, this last principle is applied in the next blackjack online strategy.

4.6. Careful Pursuit Strategy

This online blackjack strategy is a less risky variation of the Pursuit strategy.

The Careful Pursuit strategy says that along with the minimum and maximum bets, you also need to use an average bet.

Sounds confusing? Let’s take an example. Based on your bankroll, you need to determine the sizes of minimum, maximum, and average bets. Start with the minimum bet. If you lose, you need to make the minimum bet again. Once you win, you need to switch to the maximum bet. After the 2nd win, you need to make an average bet. After the 3rd win, lower your bet to the minimum. Keep making minimum bets until you lose. Once you win for the first time after the loss, you need to start the betting sequence all over again (maximum – average – minimum).

In the middle of a winning streak, your odds of losing increase greatly. This is why you need to get ready for a loss in advance and lower your wager to the minimum.

5. Card Counting In Blackjack

The best thing about blackjack is that by counting cards a player can overcome the house edge. This method only works in land-based and live casinos. Since in online blackjack, cards are shuffled after each round, keeping a count becomes impossible.

When using the card counting method, you need to keep count of all cards pulled from the deck.

Card counting is, hands down, the most reliable strategy out there. It increases your winning chances at blackjack big time. It’s not surprising that casinos don’t like card counters. If you’re caught counting cards during a game of blackjack, you might get a lifetime ban on visiting the casino.

Counting cards is no rocket science. At the same time, to master this smart technique, you need to practice a lot. Let’s find out how to count cards at blackjack and what card counting methods deliver the best results. Keep in mind that you can’t make notes on a sheet of paper. You need to do the counting in your head. But how do you memorize dozens of cards? The secret to counting cards in your head is very easy. Each card is assigned a certain value (-2, +1, etc.). Instead of memorizing specific cards, you need to count the points. There are several ways of doing it.

5.1. Counting 10-Value Cards

In this system, the following card values are applied:

• any 10-value card – count minus 2;
• other cards – count plus 1.

Here is the same information visualized in the table:

In a 52-card deck, the total of all cards amounts to 4. In a shoe consisting of 6 decks, the total amounts to 24.

During the game, you simply need to add up or subtract points. While this task takes a great deal of concentration, it’s not that hard as it seems. The more 10-value cards are removed from play, the lower will be the total.

The only advantage of this online blackjack counting system is that it helps you decide whether or not to buy insurance. If the count is under 24, buying insurance is optional. If, however, the count exceeds 24, you must definitely insure your bets.

5.2. Plus-Minus Counting Method

In this system, the following card values are applied:

• 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 – count plus 1;
• 7, 8, 9 - count 0;
• 10, J, Q, K, A – count minus 1.

Here is the same information visualized in the table:

In a 52-card deck, the total stands at 0. In a 6-deck shoe, the total is 0 as well.

If your running count is positive, your winning chances are increasing. The higher the total, the bigger payouts you can count on. If, however, your running count is negative, the odds are not looking good for you. To determine the size of your bet, you need to divide your running count by the number of decks.

Take a look at the table below to see how the count affects the size of the optimal bet.

If your total is at minus 2 or lower, you have a high probability of losing. This is why you need to minimize your bet to avoid big losses. If, however, your total has reached plus 2 or higher, you’re very likely to win, and this is the right moment to increase your wager.

The biggest drawback of this system is that it doesn’t take into account the level of “negativity” each card has. For example, Five and Two are assigned the same value (+ 1) but have different levels of negativity. If you play blackjack online using this counting system, you should know that it may fail from time to time.
This flaw has been corrected in the next counting system we’re about to address.

5.3. Halves Counting System

While this method is very similar to the previous two systems, it has a wider range of card values.

In the table below, you can see how much each card is worth:

Take a look at how the bet is changing depending on the running count. 

Unfortunately, this system is not perfect either. Counting cards using this method is very tricky. If you’re an amateur in online blackjack, chances are that you’ll make a mistake which may cost you a lot.

6. Side Bets In Blackjack

Side bets in blackjack online are made in addition to the main bets. While it’s a great way diversify a play process, side bets increase the house edge. We urge you to be very careful with side bets. Before making side bets with real money, be sure to train your skills playing free blackjack games.

Let’s focus on the main types of side bets.

6.1. Progressive Jackpot

This is one of the most common side bets in blackjack. For this bet to pay, you need to collect one or more Aces. The more Aces you collect, the more money you’ll get. If you collect a hand containing four same-suited Aces, you get the biggest cash prize – progressive jackpot.

This side bet increase the house edge to a whopping 15% and higher.

6.2. Bonus Bet

This side bet will surely brighten up your blackjack online free sessions.

Your wager that the player and/or the dealer will get a blackjack.

If both the Player and the Dealer are dealt Ace of Spades and Jack, the player wins a progressive jackpot.
This side bet takes the casino advantage to 3.5% and higher.

6.3. Pair Square

This bet pays if your first two cards form a pair.

This side bet results in the house edge of 6% and higher.

6.4. Perfect Pairs

This side bet pays if the cards on your first hand form a pair. Same-color and same-suited cards are paid 10:1 and 30:1, respectively. If your pair features cards of different colors, it’s paid 5:1.

By making this online blackjack bet, you increase the house edge to 3,5% and higher.

6.5. 21+3

This side bet was borrowed from 3-card poker. This bet relies on the Player’s two cards and the Dealer’s face-up card. If these three cards form a Flush, Straight, Three-of-a-kind or Straight Flush, your bet wins and you get paid 9 to 1.

The casino advantage is 3% and higher.

6.6. Suited 6-7-8

For this bet to pay, your first three cards must be suited 6, 7, and 8.

6.7. Super 7s

For this bet to pay, you need to get one or more 7s. If you are dealt one Seven, you get paid 3 to 1. For three suited Sevens, you’ll be awarded with a whopping 5000:1 payout!

The casino advantage is at 11 % (Yikes!).

6.8. Over/Under

You wager on whether the total on the first hand will be over or under 13. If the total is 13, both bets lose. According to the inventor of the Over/Under side bet, you can benefit from this bet only if you play blackjack in land-based casinos and count cards.

6.9. Royal Match

If your first two cards are suited, you get paid 5 to 2 (Easy Match). If you end up with suited King and Queen, you get paid 25 to 1 (Royal Match). A suited blackjack will bring you a 5:1 payout.

6.10. Red/Black

This is one of the easiest side bets in blackjack. You wager that the Dealer’s face-up card will be red or black. If you guess right, you’ll be paid 1 to 1. However, if the Dealer gets a Two of the color you’ve bet on, it’s a draw. The Red/Black side bet brings the house edge to 3.8%.

6.11. Streak

You wager on winning a specific number of consecutive bets, from 2 to 5.

7. Evolution Of Blackjack

It’s believed that the game of blackjack originates from the Spanish card game called Ventiuna, which translates as “twenty-one”. The game was first mentioned in the early 1700s. Unlike blackjack, Ventiuna didn’t use cards 8, 9, and 10. From Spain, the game spread to France and then to North America. Surprisngly enough, blackjack was not an instant success. Gamblers needed some time to get the real taste of it. But eventually, blackjack has won over millions of people, becoming a truly iconic game. Nowadays, blackjack is equally popular both in land-based and online casinos.

Thanks to the modern technologies, you can play online blackjack free anywhere you are, even with you mobile phone. All you need is an Internet connection. You can also play free blackjack 24/7 at BGAOC for free and without registration. If you’re a fan of real-money play, you can’t miss our List Of Best Online Casinos!

8. FAQ On Blackjack