Online Blackjack

When it comes to online Blackjack Canada has great options, with not only plenty of different places to play but also a bunch of fun variants on this classic casino game.

One of the best-known casino table games, Blackjack is thought to be at least 300 years old. But how do you play Blackjack, and which casinos offer the best online deals for Canadian players?

How To Play Blackjack

Starting with two cards, your goal in Blackjack is to reach a total of 21 – or as close to it as you can get without going over that magic number. Non-picture cards are worth their number while all picture cards are worth 10 points, e.g. a 5 is worth 5 points, a 9 is worth 9, a Jack is worth 10, etc. Aces can be counted as either a 1 or 11, making them very useful cards as an ace plus any picture card will total 21.

Blackjack games may offer multiple playing spots, but you will always be facing off against the dealer. Other players at the table are also trying to beat the dealer, not you, so don't worry too much about what they're doing – just concentrate on your own hand.

Once in the hand you'll only ever have 4 options at most: twist, stick, split or double down.

• Twist (or 'Hit'): receive another card
• Stick (or 'Stand'): receive no more cards
• Split: if you have a pair, you may pay another ante to split them and create two separate hands
• Double Down: double your bet and receive one more card

You may also be able to take 'Insurance' if the dealer is showing an ace. If you do this and the dealer has a 10-card to go with their ace (for 21), you will receive winnings on your insurance bet even if you lose the hand.

Blackjack Strategy

It may seem confusing at first, or a game of pure chance, but there are basic Blackjack strategies that any player can employ to maximise their chances of winning.

You'll get to see one of the dealer's cards, which is a key consideration when planning your strategy for the hand. Blackjack dealers don't play the game like players do, adopting different strategies, adjusting on the fly or playing by feel. Instead they are obligated to act in certain ways depending on the circumstances.

For instance, many online Blackjack Canada tables will force the dealer to twist on any total up to 17 (and sometimes even hitting on 'soft 17', which is a 6 with an ace). That means if the dealer is showing a 5 or 6, for example, there's a good chance they have a high card in the hole (there are more cards worth 10 than any other card in the deck) and, as they would have to twist on a 15 or 16, are more likely to bust.

In a situation like this you might want to stick even with a relatively low hand, like a 12 or 14, in the hopes the dealer will bust. Any particular rules that the dealer has to follow will be clearly indicated on the table itself.

Remember: if the dealer busts, you don't need to make a great hand to win! And you also don't need to become an expert in online Blackjack odds: search the web for an at-a-glance guide to Blackjack strategy and you'll find plenty of easy-to-use charts you can use to establish a sound basic strategy.

Free Blackjack and Other Fun Variants

Many casino sites will let you try their Blackjack games for free. If you're new to the game, we recommend trying out these free games to get comfortable with the rules, odds and strategies. This goes double for any new online Blackjack Canada variants you're trying, as many games offer fun new twists on the classic formula that might take a little getting used to.

These variants can include games such as Multihand Blackjack, VIP Blackjack, or games using different amounts of decks. Or, to change things up even more, why not try a game like 3D Blackjack for a different kind of gameplay experience?

Live Dealer Blackjack

Many casino players find the most enjoyable form of online Blackjack is the one they're used to playing at a physical casino, which is to say Blackjack with a live dealer.

Playing online Blackjack with a live dealer can be one of the most fun online casino experiences around. Being able to interact with your dealer brings a deeper level of immersion to the game, transporting you to the glamour and bustle of a real casino without leaving your seat!

While all licensed and reputable casinos use a random number generator to produce their virtual shuffles, some players find that having a real person turning real cards in front of them gives them greater peace of mind and trust in the process.

Where is the Best Online Blackjack for Canadian Players?

When choosing a site to play online Blackjack Canada-style, we would first recommend making sure the site is licensed and regulated. You can usually find this information on the homepage, towards the bottom, and this proves that the site is reputable and runs a square game.

Next, decide what kind of Blackjack you want to play. Most sites will feature a selection of different games, so if there's one in particular that you enjoy make sure your choice of site also offer your choice of Blackjack!

Finally, we'd always suggest that when playing a new game or at a new casino, try before you buy! With many sites offering the chance to play Blackjack and more for free, it's sensible to give these games a test-run before buying in for real money.

Luckily, for online Blackjack Canada has a ton of options to choose from. Check out our in-depth casino reviews now if you're looking for a fun new place to play - or an attractive welcome bonus - and have fun!