The Ultimate Guide to Online Blackjack in 2023

Do you want to take on the infamous game of 21 like a pro? Check out this amazing guide and learn everything from basic rules to advanced strategies and jargon. Study our blackjack overview, consider its variants, pick up handy tips, explore free blackjack games, see what high and low-limit tables offer, and join the best real money blackjack casinos in Jamaica today. All this and more in this handy guide!

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Overview

The most common issue that punters have when gaming is the fact that they cannot impact the outcome of their wagers. Most eventually look up various strategies and systems that promise them the world while delivering crippling losses. The fact of the matter is that casino games are based on chance, and skill has little impact on Lady Luck, except for blackjack. While the final outcome of your wager still depends on luck, you have a lot of impact on when the final curtain is drawn. Your decision to pursue 21 can make or break your hand in spectacular fashion. This guide explores the exciting world of blackjack gaming, its variants, its terminology, various tips, and more. Join us on this amazing expedition into the world of 21.

The Backstory

Modern gaming historians trace the origins of blackjack to 18th century France, where it was called ‘vingt-et-un’, which is French for ‘21’. This single-deck variant had the exact same ambition as modern ones; you had to get as close to 21 as possible without surpassing it.

The Variants

Blackjack’s migration to America and 20th-century modernization gave rise to a golden age in blackjack innovation. The fruits of this golden age can now be enjoyed in the form of countless variants, such as American, Pontoon, Super Fun 21, and Infinite Blackjack. Check out our variants section to learn more.

The Wagers

The betting options of blackjack are as diverse as its variants. There are high roller and VIP-oriented wagers as well as those intended for conventional Jamaican punters. Most punters stick to standard bets, some opt for side bets, and others place their hopes on insurance bets. This naturally introduces various betting recommendations, which you can explore in the tips section.

Pros & Cons

Pros
Your decisions matter
The house edge is low
There are plenty of exciting variants
Cons
The variance is high
Card counting does not work online

History

The Blackjack that we know today was derived from a number of European gambling games. The first reference to a Blackjack-like game dates all the way back to the 1600s, and was written about by none other than Cervantes, famed author on Don Quixote. In another work of his, he references a card game called Ventiuna, which is Spanish for twenty one.

The version of Blackjack that we play today comes more directly from a French game played in the 1800s called "Vingt-et-Un" (Twenty One). This game was brought from Europe to North America.

When Blackjack was first introduced to American society, casino owners promoted the game by offering a bonus of 10:1 odds if a player had a hand of the ace of spades and a black jack. The promotion bonus soon ended, but the name Blackjack remained. Its popularity took off in America in the 1930s, when Nevada legalized gambling. Since then, it has become a popular American casino game, and in the past few decades has also spread across the world due to online gambling.


Terminology

While Blackjack started off in Europe, its popularity in America led to many terms in the American vernacular. Here are some important Blackjack terms to know:

Blackjack: Literally, blackjack is a hand consisting of an ace (which can be valued at one or eleven) and a ten, jack, queen or king. This would make the total twenty one.

Bust: This is when either the player or dealer receives a hand whose total value is over twenty one. This automatically erases any chances of winning in a hand.

Double Down: Doubling of initial bet in exchange for agreeing to stand down after receiving an extra card.

Hit: A request for the dealer to deal the player another card.

Holecard: This is the Dealer’s second card, and the card that is known only to him. The holecard is dealt face down and is only shown after the players decide how they will play the hand.

Insurance: A player can take insurance if the dealer is showing an ace in his hand. Insurance will pay the player 2:1 odds and will also cover the loss of the original bet. In Blackjack, the ace is a coveted card because it can be valued at either one or eleven.  

Push: A tie between player and dealer.

Soft: When the player or dealer has an ace that they decide to value at eleven points and not one.

Split: If the two initial cards that the player receives have the same value, the player can split those cards into two separate hands. They then have two hands in play at the same time, and the dealer deals to both hands.  

Stand: When the player chooses not to take any more cards.

Surrender: Not all casinos offer this graceful exit to a player who is losing, but some do. A surrender is when a player is allowed to back out of the game at a certain point, and he or she can cut their losses and receive cash back on half of the bet.

Upcard: This is the card that the dealer has which is facing up.


Rules

Blackjack is played against a dealer. The goal for the player is to get cards whose value equals twenty one, or as close as possible without going over. Aces are worth either one point or eleven – the player makes that decision based on his other cards. Tens, jacks, queens and kings are worth ten points, and all other cards are worth their given numbers.

Players place their bets before the cards are dealt; they place their chips in the betting circle on the table in front of them. The dealer then deals the players two cards each, which are usually dealt facing up. He then deals himself two cards, one the upcard and one the holecard.  

Beginning with the player to the dealer's left, each player has a turn to make a move. The player can either hit (get another card), stand (take no more cards), split their hand (if both cards are the same value), or double their bet.

When the players have finished their moves, the dealer then draws cards for himself until he either busts (gets over twenty one) or gets over seventeen or higher.

There are three possible outcomes in Blackjack: the player can win, the dealer can win, or there can be a tie (in which case the player gets his bet back). The best possible hand a player can get is a blackjack – a picture card or ten and an ace. Some casinos even offer 3:2 odds for a hand of blackjack.


Strategy

In this card game players don't need to worry about other players; they only have to focus on the dealer. The dealer is the one to beat. Other players only matter in the sense that they are using cards from the same deck. As in poker, there are many complex strategies players can use when playing Blackjack; some mathematically minded players even resort to counting cards (which is illegal!).

There are general guidelines, which are based on the laws of probability, and they are as follows: If a player gets a hand totaling between five and sixteen, he should hit. If he has cards that total seventeen or higher, he should stand. However, players should also take into account the dealer's hand, and that other players have cards from the same deck.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when venturing into the world of Blackjack:

  • Different casinos offer different odds for playing Blackjack – make sure to check what the odds are before you play! Some, but not all, offer specials such as 3:2 odds for getting a blackjack on your first hand, and they even pay out then. Just remember – the House always has the advantage.
  • Practice for free before you play for real money! You can find demo versions on online casinos where you can practice for free without time limits. This way you can be prepared for playing when it actually counts!
  • Do some research. This can be reading or watching movies such as 21 or Rain Man. But whatever you do, don't go into the game uneducated and uninformed.
  • If you are at a real casino, remember that the other players at your table, while they may be entertaining, are not relevant to your game. You are playing solely against the dealer, and focusing on anyone else's hand is detrimental and distracting.
  • Keep a clear head. This is a tip for all card games, and it is worth remembering! Players who act on emotion or whim usually end up losing all their money. So keep your calm, remember your strategy and play to win!

 

Tips

Do you want to learn the tricks that help professional blackjack players get an edge? Check out the following breakdown and play blackjack like a pro!

Kicking Things Off

We believe that every punter should try this iconic game at least once. However, not every approach is perfect. Check out the following recommended steps and start your blackjack gaming adventure the right way.

1 Pick a Reliable Venue

Picking a reliable real money online blackjack provider is easier said than done. You have to be mindful of the game library, security, customer support, licensing, regulation, banking options, and a plethora of other factors. Save yourself the hassle of distinguishing the best from the rest by simply visiting one of our expert recommendations. You can learn more about how we rate and review in our dedicated guide.

2 Manage Your Bankroll

Remember to always set a budget ahead of time. This budget should account for any minimal deposit requirements and wagering requirements associated with targeted bonuses. Note that you should only ever gamble money that you can afford to lose.

3 Practice, Practice, and Practice

We highly recommend that you put down a basic strategy based on probability and your personality. Furthermore, we advise that you test it on free blackjack games and demos, which will help you get a feel for the real McCoy.

4 Ignore Side Bets

Beginners are advised to avoid side bets due to their high house edge. The latter will quickly drain your bankroll and cause you headaches.

5 Keep Your Cool

Gambling when in emotional distress is a great way to ruin your mood further. Never gamble when tired, hungry, or annoyed. Moreover, if you become annoyed or anxious, take a break and come back later.

Terminology

A blackjack table is usually surrounded by a colorful bunch of characters that sling endless amounts of jargon. While this sort of environment is incredibly entertaining and enjoyable, it can invoke a bit of anxiety. Not knowing what your fellow punter is saying while speaking the same language can make you feel isolated, which is why we have decided to compile this handy glossary. It will help you learn the most popular slang and make you sound like a blackjack pro in minutes!

Blackjack Glossary

Blackjack Variants

The first punters that enjoyed blackjack in 17th century Europe could have never imagined the popularity and scale that it now holds. This simple card game with a straightforward objective has evolved into numerous variants, each sporting a unique twist on this timeless classic. Check out the following list of the most popular ones and become familiar with what you can expect to find in your chosen online casino.

Classic Blackjack

The conventional variant of blackjack that everyone knows and loves. Chase the infamous 21 and see where your gaming session takes you.

Live Blackjack

Enjoy the aura of a real gaming venue with live blackjack. Replace your digital opponent with a live dealer that you can even talk to.

Spanish 21

Get a taste of the sunny shores of Spain with Spanish 21. The Spanish deck does not contain 10s, which increases the house edge. However, this is compensated by bonus payouts.

American Blackjack

Take American blackjack for a spin. The rules are quite similar to classic blackjack, but the house edge is slightly higher.

Pontoon

Achieve the pontoon, which is a hand with an ace and a 10-value card, in this unique British take on blackjack.

Super Fun 21

Take on blackjack with up to two decks of cards and attempt to snag the bonus payouts of diamond blackjack and five-card hands.

Blackjack Switch

This variant has you switching cards between two hands and attempting to form their best possible variant. It is recommended for those who are hand-ranking experts.

Atlantic City Blackjack

This take on blackjack uses a whopping eight decks. Moreover, there are special features that favor players, such as the surrender move.

European Blackjack

The rules of European blackjack differ slightly from classic blackjack. The main difference is that the dealer receives only one card and checks for blackjack after players finish their moves.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

The most interesting feature of this variant is that you can bet whether the first two cards will be a pair.

Infinite Blackjack

Do you like playing with other punters? How about an unlimited number of them? When you combine this with special side bets, you get a truly infinite variant of blackjack.

Double Attack Blackjack

The most interesting part of this variant is that you can double your initial bet when you see the dealer’s card.

Double Exposure Blackjack

This variant reveals the dealer's cards as soon as they are dealt with, which can help you make informed decisions early on.

Triple 7s Blackjack

Do you want to be rewarded fairly? How does winning a progressive jackpot with three sevens in the same suit sound? That is exactly what this variant offers.

Vegas Strip Blackjack

Experience the thrill of Las Vegas blackjack from the comfort of your home with Vegas Strip Blackjack. It utilizes four decks and has rules that favor punters.

Big Five Blackjack

Bet on five hands at once in this exciting blackjack variant. Note that there are also five decks of cards at play.

Vegas Downtown Blackjack

This variant uses two decks and boasts exciting rules, such as the ability to split Aces up to three times.

Ante Up 21 Blackjack

Some punters might be annoyed by this variant's insistence on an ante bet prior to each hand, but this mechanic creates some interesting tension.

Chinese Blackjack

Experience an Eastern sensation that boasts some incredible rules. The most impressive one is the ability to double down on any given card.

Blackjack Surrender

Do you not feel like Lady Luck is on your side? Simply surrender your hand and get back half of your bet in this amazing variant.

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FAQ

If you play at a licensed, regulated, and audited venue, then it is definitely not rigged. Most online blackjack variants are based on random number generators, which ensure randomness. The live variants are hosted by professional dealers that base their careers on offering fair gameplay.

Yes, you certainly can! However, live dealer games are usually limited to real money deposits and wagers. You might get access thanks to a bonus or some other promotion, but you can generally only play live dealer blackjack when paying real cash. Check out our guide to live casinos to learn more.

You can expect the majority of Jamaican online casinos to offer blackjack. If you find yourself unsatisfied with the offerings, have a gander at our list of online casino recommendations, whose game libraries will not leave you wanting.

While there is always the possibility of a casino offering special bonuses for blackjack events, you will most often find blackjack bonuses in the form of welcome, reload, cashback, and deposit match bonuses. These open the door to gaming fun.

Yes, you certainly can! Numerous casino operators and their casino software providers offer some form of free or demo blackjack. What is more, certain bonuses and promotions open the door to blackjack, so keep an eye out for those.

The answer to this question depends highly on the online blackjack variant in question. However, online blackjack is generally a replica of the game that you know and love from brick-and-mortar venues.

You can certainly try to count cards. However, digital blackjack usually shuffles decks constantly, which, when combined with multiple decks, makes counting cards next to impossible.

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