Online Blackjack

Sometimes called ‘21’, online blackjack is a card game of both skill and luck. The aim of the game is to get as closest to 21 as possible without going over, or busting if you’d like to use the lingo. You’re also going to want to get a hand that’s higher than your dealer’s and that’s where the element of strategy kicks in.

All You Need to Know About Online Blackjack Games

Understanding the table is the first step, so if it’s your first time at Slotty Vegas, we’re only too pleased to help. Cards numbered between 2 and 10 are worth their face value, face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10 points each, whereas the Ace is worth 1 or 11 depending on which works out best.

If we’re getting technical, then a hand where the Ace is worth 11 is called a ‘soft hand’, whereas an Ace contributing 1 point to the total value of your hand is known as a ‘hard hand’. It’s always interesting to find out whether your dealer will hit or stand on a soft 17 for example, as this would increase your chances.

Learn How to Play Blackjack

Getting started is easy, simply place your bet and you’ll be dealt with 2 cards facing up. The dealer will then receive 1 card that’s also face up, and another facing down in some variations, or a second card later on in the game in others.

If your 2 cards total 21 straight away then you’ve got a blackjack and you’ll automatically win the game unless the dealer’s got another blackjack. In the rare case that this happens, then this hand is considered a ‘push’, or a tie in simpler language. In most cases, a blackjack will pay out 3:2 with all other winning hands delivering a 1:1 payout.

If you haven’t got a natural blackjack then it’s up to you to make a series of decisions that could possibly affect the outcome of the game.

You’re either able to:

• Stand – Your first 2 cards work for you. You won’t be requiring any additional cards and you’d like to pass the round to the dealer.
• Hit – Your current hand doesn’t look complete. You’d like to request additional cards from the dealer until you bust or stand.
• Double Down – You’d like to double down on your original bet, receive an additional card and then stand.
• Split – You’ve just received 2 identical cards and would like to split them into 2 separate hands. You then place a second bet identical to your original one and you’ll receive 2 new cards, 1 on each hand. You’re then able to stand or hit as required.
• Surrender – This hand’s not for you, so you choose to surrender half your bet and quit the round.
• Insurance – If the dealer’s just drawn him/herself an Ace then you might like to consider this option. Insurance includes a bet that’s equivalent to half your original bet on whether the dealer’s got a blackjack. If that’s the case then you win 2:1, whereas if s/he doesn’t then you lose your insurance bet and go on with the game as usual.

Once you’ve taken your turn, if you’ve busted or surrendered then your game ends here. However, if you’ve selected any of the other possibilities then you’re still in the running for snagging the win.

The dealer will then reveal his/her second card if s/he’s already received it, or draw a new card from the pack. Unlike players, dealers are more restricted when it comes to the way they play blackjack. Keep in mind that:

• If the dealer lands a total of 16 or less then s/he must always hit
• If the dealer lands 18 or over then s/he will always stand
• Dealers will always stand on a hard 17
• Hard and soft 17s are treated differently in blackjack variations as mentioned earlier

Play Blackjack Online at Slotty Vegas

With loads of online blackjack casino games to choose from, we’ve got you covered for all things blackjack. From top titles including European Blackjack and Sonya Blackjack to more classic favourites such as Blackjack MH, our blackjack selection is varied and well curated offering a superior online blackjack experience to all of our players.

Sign up for a free Slotty Vegas account and take a tour, play all your online blackjack favourites for free without needing to make a deposit, familiarise yourself with the game and put all of your knowledge to the test before deciding whether you’d rather play for real money.