The Ultimate Guide to Online Blackjack | Play to Win in 2024

Are you ready to play online blackjack, but don’t know where to start? Well, you’re in the right spot! In this article, we will share everything we know to help you get started. This includes topics on the history of the game, rules, tips and strategies, and where to play. As one of the most popular online casino games out there, blackjack is widely available and a blast to play! Without further ado, let’s dive in the guide by MySer-Gambling experts.

The Origins of Blackjack

As it is with many classic casino games, it is difficult to pinpoint how blackjack came to be. These games are often so old and their lineage undocumented that it is hard to determine where and how they originated. Thus, there is no clear origin of blackjack that historians can point to as the definitive birth of the game. What is clear is that it has been around for at least four hundred years, and most likely much longer. There are several places around the world that have a record of a game like blackjack. It is believed that through migration and cultural exchange, this came together and evolved over the years to make the game what it is today.  

While one belief is that the modern game of blackjack started in Spain in the 1600s, there is another theory that suggests it was played during the Roman Empire. The idea here suggests there was a game similar to the twenty-one game that was played using wooden blocks. Speculation aside, however, the earliest record of a game like blackjack is in the book, Ronconete y Cortadillo, by Spanish author, Miguel de Cervantes. Written in the early 1600s, this book about gamblers describes a game called “Ventiuna”, which means twenty-one in Spanish. There was also another card game called “One and Thirty” that had a similar objective of totaling 31 with at least three cards. In addition, there was a popular game in France around that time, also called twenty-one, or “Vingt-et-un” in French. This game was played in French casinos as early as the 1700s.  

From Europe, the game of twenty-one was brought to the Americas by French colonists in the 1900s. From there it spread throughout North America but still was not the modern version of blackjack as we know it today. The rules then were that only the dealer could double, not players, and there were more betting rounds with each hand. Over time, the game evolved as casinos began offering a 10 to 1 payout for a hand that included the black Jack and Ace of Spades and totaled to 21 points. This payout appealed to North American players and grew in popularity. Although this payout was later abandoned, the game of blackjack remained and continues to be one of the best online casino games.  

How to Play Online Blackjack

The rules of online blackjack are the same as they would be in any land-based casino. For the beginners out there, we will review the basics and how to play blackjack here. Blackjack is very simple and easy to learn, which makes it accessible for beginners. The aim of the game is to get a hand that has one of two qualities: totals 21 points or is a higher total than the dealer.  

How points are totaled is based on the value of the cards. For example, Aces are worth one or 11 points. The player chooses the value of the Ace based on which would be more favorable for their hand. Face cards (i.e. Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are worth 10 points. Number cards, 2 through 10, are worth the number they represent. This means 5’s are worth 5 points, 3’s are worth 3 points, so on and so forth. With these values, players will attempt to build their hand as close to 21 as possible without going bust.  

Players start off with a two-card hand that is dealt to them by a live dealer blackjack game or by the computer in a traditional game. At this initial step, the dealer will also reveal one of their cards. Once the player’s cards have been dealt, the player can also place a side bet on pairs, colors, or more. Next, players choose to “hit” and get another card or hit the “stay” button to stick with their current hand. Since the objective is to get a hand that is as close to 21 without going over, a total of 16 or 17 is where it starts to get risky.  

When you are ready to play your hand, press “stand” button to signal this is your final hand. If your total is higher than the dealer’s or equals 21, then this is a winning hand. If the dealer has a higher total, or you go bust (meaning you exceed 21 points), then the dealer wins. Keep in mind that in online blackjack, gamblers are playing against the dealer rather than other players at the table. However, this does not make it a team sport. You are still playing as an individual.   

Blackjack Strategies

Online blackjack is simple to play, but refining your strategy and technique can get a bit more complex. There are a multitude of strategies out there, some of them are great for beginners, while others are more complicated and require a bit of memorization. If you really want to delve into it, there are blackjack strategy charts available online. For the sake of this introductory guide, we will go into the basics here.  

The first considerations to make as a beginner employing a basic blackjack strategy is to know when to surrender, split, double down, stand, or hit. You will also need to know hard hands versus soft hands. The former is a hand without any aces. One basic strategy that some beginners like is to assume the dealer’s face down card has a value of 10. While it provides a safety buffer, it’s also a very conservative play that could cost you potential winnings. Another way to learn is to find a basic strategy chart. These charts show the best moves to make based on your hand and the dealer’s. To conclude, while a basic strategy could be useful, it doesn’t beat the house edge unless you employ card counting.  

Online Casinos to Play Blackjack

There are so many online casinos out there that the selection sometimes feels limitless and daunting to choose from. There are even mobile apps if you’re looking for the best blackjack app! How to compare one versus another? If you are a beginner to the game, the first thing to note is that there is free online blackjack available. This is a good place to start as you learn the rules of the game and how to play blackjack. A risk-free environment carries less pressure and keeps things light and fun. However, part of the fun of gambling is the risk and potential to win money. When you’re ready to move from blackjack free games to real money games, there are a few things to look for in an online casino.  

Number one is safety and trustworthiness. Not all online casinos are created equally, and what sets the good ones apart is that they are legitimate and reputable. You will want to make sure that the casino is licensed by a governing body like the UK Gambling Commission or other regulators. Check out reviews for best online casinos by trusted sources like MySer-Gambling or other websites that you trust. Some casinos also have licenses and audits from third party companies like eCOGRA. Once you have verified the legitimacy of a casino, you can narrow down the perks and benefits of playing with them. Check out their bonuses, promotions, and VIP schemes and find which ones are most appealing to you. 

Ready to Play

Do you feel ready to hit the tables and try your hand at online blackjack? We hope so! Online blackjack is one of the most popular casino games at both online and land-based casinos. And for good reason! This classic casino favorite has been around for centuries and continues to hold the attention of gamblers for its elegance and simplicity. Although it is easy to learn, there is a lot of depth to this game. Take your time to learn, play, and develop your best strategies, and over time, perhaps you will master the game! 

FAQ Online Blackjack