Complete Guide to How to Play Blackjack
Few casino games can rival the popularity of blackjack. With a strong presence in both online and land-based casinos, blackjack has captured the hearts of many players. When it comes to online casinos in Canada, you can expect to find a variety of blackjack variants, each with its own set of blackjack rules, paytables, payouts, and house edges. But enough with the details, how to play blackjack and win?
While blackjack is easy to learn, it can be challenging to master. In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of the game, how to play online blackjack, essential strategy tips, and more. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started or an experienced player aiming to refine your skills, this guide will help you prepare for playing blackjack with real cash in Canada.
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What is the game of Blackjack?
Blackjack is a popular card game played between the player and the dealer. The objective of the game is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's without exceeding 21, which is known as "busting." Each card in the deck has a point value, with numbered cards worth their face value, face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) worth 10 points each, and the Ace worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on the player's choice.
The game starts with the player and the dealer being dealt two cards each. The player's cards are usually face-up, while one of the dealer's cards is face-up and the other is face-down. Based on the value of their initial hand, players have the option to take additional cards ("hit") to improve their hand or stay with their current total ("stand"). The dealer then reveals their face-down card and follows specific rules on whether to hit or stand based on the value of their hand.
Online Blackjack is not only a game of chance but also strategy. Players must make decisions based on their hand value, the dealer's upcard, and the probability of improving their hand while avoiding going over 21. Key moves in blackjack include hitting, standing, doubling down (doubling the initial bet and receiving one additional card), splitting pairs, and taking insurance against the dealer having blackjack.
How to Play Blackjack for Beginners
If you are completely new to this popular card game, understanding both the dealer rules for blackjack and general casino blackjack rules is important. However, let’s break down the process so you can learn how to play blackjack for beginners.
- 1
Understanding Card Values
Each card has a point value in blackjack. Numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) are worth 10 points each, and the Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on your preference and the situation.
- 2
Placing Bets
Before the game begins, place your bet by placing your chips on the designated area of the blackjack table.
- 3
Dealing Cards
The dealer will deal two cards face-up to each player, including themselves. The players' cards are usually face-up, while one of the dealer's cards is face-up and the other is face-down.
- 4
Playing Your Hand
Starting from the left, each player takes their turn to make decisions based on the value of their hand. The options include:
Hit: Take another card to improve your hand's total value.
Stand: Keep your current hand value and end your turn.
Double Down: Double your initial bet and receive one additional card. This option is usually available when your initial hand value is 9, 10, or 11.
Split: If you have a pair (two cards of the same rank), you can choose to split them into two separate hands and double your bet. Each hand will then receive one additional card.
- 5
Dealer Rules for Blackjack
After all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their face-down card. The dealer follows specific rules on when to hit or stand, usually hitting until their hand value reaches 17 or higher.
How to Play Blackjack for Beginners: Advanced Blackjack Rules and Bets
In addition to the basic casino blackjack rules, there are a few advanced rules that more experienced blackjack players should be aware of to enhance their gameplay:
Insurance: When the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, players have the option to take insurance. This is a side bet that protects the player's original bet in case the dealer has a 10-valued card as their face-down card, resulting in a blackjack. Insurance typically pays 2:1.
Surrendering: Some online casinos offer the option to surrender. If you don't like your hand and believe that your chances of winning are low, you can choose to surrender and get back half of your original bet. This can be a strategic move in certain situations.
Soft 17: A soft hand is a hand that includes an Ace, which can be counted as either 1 or 11, depending on the player's choice. In some blackjack variations, the dealer is required to hit on a soft 17 (an Ace and a 6), while in others, the dealer must stand. It's important to know the specific rules regarding the dealer's actions on a soft 17 for the particular blackjack game you're playing.
Taking Even Money: When you have a blackjack (a hand totalling 21) and the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, you have the option to take even money. Instead of receiving the usual 3:2 payout for a blackjack, you can choose to take a guaranteed 1:1 payout. This is a way to secure a win and avoid the possibility of a push (tie) if the dealer also has a blackjack.
How to Play Blackjack for Beginners: Different Game Variations
While there are many different blackjack variations, the main objective of the game stays the same - essentially to create a hand value that is as close as possible to 21. If you are learning how to play blackjack in a casino, you should be aware that these games come with different casino blackjack rules. These may include different overall blackjack dealing rules or else, special dealer rules for blackjack. Of course, different casino blackjack rules affect the house edge of the game. Here are some of the most popular variations available.
Classic Blackjack
Also known as "American" or "European" blackjack, this is the standard version of the game. It typically uses 1 to 8 decks of cards and follows the basic rules we discussed earlier.
Spanish 21
In this variation, all the 10s are removed from the deck, giving the game a different dynamic. To compensate for the missing 10s, the rules often include bonus payouts for specific hand combinations, such as 21 made with 5 or more card
Blackjack Switch
This variation allows players to switch the top cards of two separate hands. It adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game, as players can improve their hands by exchanging cards.
Double Exposure Blackjack
In this variation, both of the dealer's initial cards are dealt face up, giving players more information to make their decisions. However, to balance this advantage, some rules may be adjusted, such as the dealer winning on all ties.
How to Play Online Blackjack: Strategy
If you want to learn how to play online blackjack, you should also learn to adopt and adapt a solid strategy to help boost your chances of winning. While blackjack is still essentially a game of chance, unlike other games, you have the option of influencing the outcome. Here are some strategies to consider especially when you are learning how to play online blackjack.
- 1
Learn Basic Strategy
Familiarize yourself with basic blackjack strategy, which provides guidelines on the optimal decisions to make based on your hand and the dealer's upcard. Basic strategy charts are widely available and can help you make the best choices in different scenarios.
- 2
Understand Card Values
Familiarize yourself with the value of each card in blackjack. Numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10, and the Ace can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on the situation. Blackjack odds is a great place to start.
- 3
Dealer Rules for Blackjack
You should also be aware of the dealer rules for blackjack. This especially applies if you are playing different blackjack variations with different blackjack dealer rules. Whether you are learning how to play blackjack in a casino or learning how to play online blackjack, you should be aware that different variations can affect the overall gameplay.
- 4
Avoid Side Bets
Any experienced player will tell you when you are learning how to play blackjack in a casino, that it is never a good idea to spend money on the side bets. This includes Insurance bets. They are simply not worth your time and increase the house edge so much, it is akin to throwing your money away.
- 5
Split Pairs Wisely
When you are dealt a pair (two cards of the same rank), you have the option to split them into two separate hands. Splitting can increase your chances of winning if done correctly. Generally, it is advisable to split Aces and 8s but avoid splitting 10s, Jacks, Queens, or Kings.
- 6
Dealer’s Upcard
The dealer's upcard can influence your decisions. If the dealer has a low upcard (2 to 6), they are more likely to bust, so you may want to be more conservative with your plays. If the dealer has a high upcard (7 to Ace), they have a better chance of reaching a strong hand, so you may need to take more risks. This also ties into knowing the blackjack dealing rules, including rules when they are to stand.
- 7
Split Pairs Wisely
The dealer's upcard can influence your decisions. If the dealer has a low upcard (2 to 6), they are more likely to bust, so you may want to be more conservative with your plays. If the dealer has a high upcard (7 to Ace), they have a better chance of reaching a strong hand, so you may need to take more risks.
How to Play Blackjack: Conclusion
There are some key differences when learning how to play blackjack in a casino when compared to playing online. Playing online blackjack, gives you the chance to practise in a more calmer setting. Most Canadian online casinos give you the chance to play different RNG online blackjack games for free, so you can get a good idea of the blackjack dealing rules without spending a cent.
Even so, once you are ready to make a real money deposit, you can play well aware of the different blackjack dealing rules so it can prepare you if you want to learn how to play blackjack in a casino.
How to Play Blackjack FAQ
To play blackjack online, you need to first select a reputable online casino that offers blackjack games. Once you've created an account and made a deposit, navigate to the blackjack section of the casino's game library. Choose a blackjack variant that suits your preferences and budget, and then place your bets. The game will begin, and you'll be dealt two cards. The goal is to have a hand value that is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand without exceeding 21.
In most blackjack variants, the dealer must follow specific rules regarding when to hit or stand. The most common rule is that the dealer must hit if their hand value is 16 or less and stand if their hand value is 17 or more, including a soft 17 (a hand containing an Ace that can be counted as 11). However, it's important to note that some blackjack variations may have different dealer rules, such as the dealer hitting on a soft 17. It's advisable to check the specific rules of the blackjack variant you're playing to understand the dealer's actions.
While card counting can be effective in land-based casinos, it is not practical or effective in online blackjack. Online blackjack games use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fair and unbiased results for each hand. The deck is also typically reshuffled after each hand, making it impossible to track the cards effectively.
If there's a tie between the player and the dealer, it's known as a push, and no money is exchanged. In a push, the player's bet is returned, and the hand is considered a draw. Neither the player nor the dealer wins or loses.
Yes, many online casinos in Canada offer the option to play blackjack for free. This allows you to practice and familiarize yourself with the game without risking any real money. Free blackjack games typically function the same way as real-money games, providing you with the opportunity to learn the rules, practice strategies, and gain experience before playing with real money.
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