Online Blackjack rules and tips
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games; the main goal is to get a victory over the dealer (the casino). The game looks simple at first glance, but at the same time, it is exciting to play. A player must have the skill and some luck to pocket a win. This combination has made blackjack an internationally recognized card game with a massive army of fans. There are several varieties of blackjack, but they are very similar.
- In online blackjack in Canada, you play against the dealer, that is, against the casino. Your main task is to score as many points as possible without going bankrupt;
- Each card corresponds to a certain number of points. For example, Aces can be 1 or 11. In case the total number of points is not more than 21, each Ace corresponds to 11; if you have a higher summation, the Ace is worth 1-point. Cards from 2 to 10 correspond to their values. Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 10 points;
- The score of each player is determined by the sum of the points of the cards they have. The goal is to score as many points as possible up to 21. Exceeding this limit means that you have lost;
- The best possible combination is 21 points, scored with two cards: an ace and 10 (Jack/Queen/King). This combination is called Blackjack.
As with most other common card games, blackjack rules slightly differ depending on the version. Therefore, you cannot use the same strategy in different types of blackjack. Before clarifying this in more detail, let’s turn to the most common differences in the rules in online casinos:
- The number of decks – The vast majority of online dealers use between 1 and 8 decks. The fewer decks are used in the game, the less advantage the dealer has;
- Hit or Stand at 17 points – If the dealer has 17 points and one of the cards in the set is an Ace, this combination is called “Soft 17.” In this scenario, the dealer cannot get more cards (Stand) or must take one more card (Hit). The rules vary in different casinos. In the second case, the risk of the dealer losing is higher;
- Multiple division (Resplit) – In some casinos, the player is allowed to re-split cards if a pair of identical cards is formed again after the first split. Ask in advance if the selected casino allows multiple splits;
- Double after Split – Most casinos allow you to double your bet after a split. However, there are exceptions to the rule;
- Split aces – There are several approaches to splitting aces; the conditions may vary. Look for specific rules on the site of the selected casino;
- Drawing cards after splitting Aces – According to the standard rule, after splitting Aces, you can only draw one card to each of them. At the same time, some casinos deviate from the standard and allow repeated draws of cards;
- Refusal (Surrender) – Some casinos allow you to refuse to continue the drawing and take half of your bet before you draw a card. It usually happens after the dealer has checked if they have the Blackjack combination. This situation is called “Late Failure;”
- Automatic win rule – A player who has collected a certain number of cards (but not exceeding 21 points in total) automatically becomes the winner. The number varies between 5 and 7. The fewer cards are needed to win, the lower the potential profit for the dealer is.
These are the most common differences in online blackjack rules. However, there are other varieties of the game where special rules apply, such as Blackjack Switch, Super Fun 21, Pontoon, Ties Win Blackjack, Spanish Blackjack, 21 Duel Blackjack, Double Attack Blackjack, and others.