• Casino Blackjack Tournaments

Bitcoin Blackjack, Play BTC Blackjack Online. Blackjack is one of the most prevalent casino games that exists today.Founded as an offshoot of a Spanish game known as “twenty-one”, blackjack has been around in some form or another since the 17th century. Interesting Fact: The name ‘blackjack’ is a result of bonus incentives paid out by casinos when the game was first introduced into US casinos. If a player’s hand was made up of the ace of spades plus a black jack (clubs or spades) the player would receive a 10 to 1 bonus payout. This bonus was later removed but the blackjack name persevered.

For fans of table games in the United States, Blackjack needs no introduction. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer without going over 21. So if you are ready to race to 21, our experts at CasinoUSA are happy to share some of the basics, strategies, tips, tricks and more. If you are looking to play Online Blackjack for Real Money jump straight to our expert guide from here to find out which are the best US real money casinos.

Out of all online casino games, Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games of all times. At Silver Oak Casino you will have access to play our online casino games for free. Blackjack is a game of strategy and wits with a very low house edge which allows players win a lot more often if the game is properly played.

For the most part, Blackjack is an exciting game with the potential to win big money. However, that’s only if you play with a cool head and stick to the rules and basic strategies. If you want to learn how to play blackjack the first important thing is to understand the basics of the game.

Blackjack is easy and simple to understand. You need to learn when to place bets, strategies like card counting, when to increase bets, and much more. While a land based casino may seem a great place to take a shot at blackjack it is always prudent to begin your tryst with the game online or you can experience the same thing by playing at the live dealer online blackjack casinos.

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Online Blackjack Basics

Contents

• Online Blackjack Basics

Understanding basic blackjack rules is essential for players to improve their game and increase their chances of winning.

Blackjack objective: to create a hand with a higher total than the dealer but not going beyond 21.

Players compare their hands with their dealer. In the beginning, each bet is placed in the betting box. Each player is dealt two cards face-up while the dealer receives one card face up. Once the players have drawn their cards the dealer’s hand is completed.

Howcast

Blackjack card values:

Ace – 1 or 11

2-9 – Same value

Jack, Queen & King – 10

If you have a hand (Ace, 3), the value can be 4 or 14. If the next card drawn is a 5, you will have a hand of (Ace, 3, 5). In this case, the Ace takes on the value of 11 to make a total of 19. If you drew 8 instead of 5, the Ace will take the value of 1 or else the total would be 22 and you will lose the bet.

Blackjack rules are fairly similar throughout the globe, except for a few variations. The dealer’s hand value is most important while the value of other player’s hands does not matter. Showing your cards to the dealer or other players does not pose a problem especially in a shoe game where the cards are dealt face up.

Blackjack Dealer Rules

• The dealer deals in a clockwise direction starting with the player on his left.
• Each player receives two cards while the dealer flips one of his cards to reveal its value.
• Players’ cards are dealt face down in hand held games while they are dealt face up in shoe games.
• Each player is allowed to pick up his or her initial cards with one hand while subsequent cards are to be left on the table.
• The player to the left of the dealer will indicate how he wants to play his hand after the cards are dealt.
• The dealer completes his hand after every other player finishes and then pays or collects the bets.

Another rule for the dealer is that he will have to Hit (draw cards) until the total value of his hand exceeds 17. The rule states that the ‘dealer stands on all 17s’. In the case of the dealer an Ace is counted as 11 unless the hand value exceeds 21.

Blackjack rules may vary where some may be good for a player and some not to his advantage. Some of the common variations include double downs after splitting pairs. It reduces the house advantage by around .13 percent.

Some casinos offer players the surrender option. An ‘early surrender’ is when a player takes the option before the dealer looks under a ten while a ‘late surrender’ is accomplished after the dealer peaks for blackjack. If you have a bad hand like a hard 15 or 16 against the dealer’s up-card of Ace or 10, the surrender can be helpful.

Another important aspect in blackjack is to understand the dealer’s role. When the dealer’s total exceeds 21, every player with a total of 21 or less win or else the dealer’s total points is compared with each player’s total.

Understanding payouts is also essential. Other than blackjack that pays 3 to 2, winning bets are paid even money. In the event of a tie (push), you keep your original bet.

Blackjack Player options

As a player, you have the option to Surrender, Hit/Stand, Double Down, Split, and get Insurance.

• Surrender: If you feel that the odds are against you and you have a losing hand then you can quit or ‘Surrender’. It is wiser to lose half your original stake than all your money. This option is available only before you draw the third card, split or double.
• Hit/Stand: During the game you need to decide whether to draw (hit) another card or play with the two initial cards dealt (stand).
• Double Down: If you think you have great potential to win you can double your bet. If the dealer has an open card of 4 or 5 and you have a 4 and 7, the chances of winning are greater. This option can be used before the third card is drawn.
• Split pairs: Two initial cards with the same value can be split into two separate hands and played independently. There’s more on splitting pairs in the tips section. There is usually no restriction on the number of times a player can split but some casinos may have specific rules so make sure to read the house rules before you begin.
• Insurance: The dealer offers ‘Insurance’ to players when his open card is an Ace since the chances of the dealer getting a blackjack or ‘natural’ is much higher. If you agree to such an offer you will need to place half your original bet. If the value of t he facedown card is not a 10-value card, your winning bet will be paid at 2:1 odds.

Online Blackjack Strategy

• Make sure to understand the house rules, which can vary.
• Stick to your budget and play safe by staking around 3 to 5% of your bankroll. This is a good way to protect your bankroll.
• When on a total of 17 avoid drawing any more cards until the dealer gets to or exceeds 17. Let the dealer draw, not you.
• Do not split if you have two cards with a face value of 10. This is because the dealer will find it hard to beat a total hand of 20. The going will be tough if you split and then land up with a 6 and 5.
• Don’t split a pair of 5s. You could end up with a good hand if you have an 8 or higher. Split only if you have a pair of 8s otherwise you could be in a difficult spot with a total of 16. If you draw you will need a 5 or less to remain in the game.
• It may not be wise to split if the dealer has a 10 since the dealer will have to draw until he gets to 17 or close. If the dealer will need to draw again if he draws a 6 and also face the prospects of losing since any value over 5 will hand over the game to you with your pair of 8s.
• If you have two Aces then it may be prudent to split. You will make a blackjack if your next card is a 10. The dealer will have to match that. If the dealer pulls an ace you can buy insurance against the dealer making a blackjack.

Then again, there’s much more to playing Blackjack. From side bets to house edge, Blackjack etiquette, Blackjack strategies, and everything in between, we promise to keep you posted so stick around at CasinoUSA.com and you will soon beat the dealer at his own game more frequently than you reckoned for.

Online Blackjack FAQ

Whether you already have some experience with Blackjack in traditional casinos or are making your first steps with online Blackjack, having a clear idea of the basics of the online version is important for a good gambling experience. With that in mind, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Blackjack in online casinos.

Does Online Blackjack Really Offer the Best Returns?

Although there are some games that have a 0% house edge (in certain scenarios) theoretically Blackjack has one of the best odds in online casinos. However, this is not something set in stone, because your odds in Blackjack depend on your choices and the rules of the game. Some variations have better rules that can increase your advantage, while others don’t. However, all games will be more rewarding if you have mastered basic strategy.

Is Online Blackjack Similar to Traditional Casino Blackjack?

In general, yes. Both online and Blackjack variations played at brick and mortar casinos follow the same rules and style of play, as well as offer similar odds. However, there are some online versions of Blackjack that offer extra bets, or have slightly different rules that what you can find in traditional casinos. That’s why it’s always good to check the table rules before you join in a game.

Is Basic Strategy Important?

Blackjack is not a game of random guesses and haphazard decisions. The whole point of you playing Blackjack is to win money, which can never be done by relying on hunches. The basic Blackjack strategy is a strategy created with the help of mathematical calculations that have produced moves which have the best returns in the long run. When you drift away from basic rules and strategy, you only increase the casino’s advantage over you.

Can You Count Cards in Online Blackjack?

No, you can’t. The cards you get at an online blackjack game are determined by a Random Number Generator whose sole purpose is to produce an entirely random outcome on every bet. The decks are also shuffled after every played hand, which makes card counting literally impossible. This is mainly due to the advantage online players can get with all the available software resources for Blackjack.

Is there a Successful System for Winning at Blackjack?

One of the first things that many beginner players become interested in is finding out whether there’s a reliable system for winning money in Blackjack. If such a thing was possible, everybody would have already made a successful career out of playing Blackjack. The Martingale system is one popular choice, but this is just a misconception, as this system doesn’t really work with Blackjack.

Can I Play Online Blackjack For Free?

Most online casinos will offer the same games as demo versions on their website. You can play these games to test drive them and learn the rules before you spend any money, often even without having to create an account. You can also use free chips offers or no-deposit bonuses, although you should read the terms to see whether they apply to blackjack games.

How Do I Know The Casino Doesn’t Rig a Game?

If a casino holds a license, this means that the regulatory body that granted its license had inspected the casino’s Random Number Generator, but also their listed game RTPs. Once given a license, the casino can risk losing it if they modify their outcomes in any way.

There are also third-party audit agencies like eCOGRA and TST that conduct their own inspections and award certificates. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check for watermarks from auditors and regulatory bodies.

How Many Decks are Used in Online Blackjack?

Just like in land-based casinos, online blackjack can be played with a various number of decks. The standard games come with six decks and up, while there are also a number of single-deck games to choose from. If you’re a novice player, always make sure you use a strategy that’s adapted to the number of decks you’re playing with.

How Many Hands Can I Play?

There are both single-hand and multi-hand versions of online Blackjack. The multi-hand ones can go up to five hands per round but they will also be more expensive, since you’ll be making a bet per each hand. However, this also means that you’ll have better winnings.

What’s a Progressive Blackjack Bet?

Just like progressive slots, some Blackjack versions come with a progressive jackpot which can be won by placing a side bet. The jackpot is accumulated by funds from all players and can be won in part or in total by receiving a specific card combination.

Online Blackjack Guide

What is it about 21 that captivates gamblers? It’s the magic number that can make or break your fortune at Online Blackjack. Out of all online casino games, Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games of all times.

At Silver Oak Casino you will have access to play our online casino games for free. Blackjack is a game of strategy and wits with a very low house edge which allows players win a lot more often if the game is properly played. With Silver Oak’s Play for Fun feature you will be able to play any game totally risk free, including 7 free online blackjack games.

By downloading our casino software you will not only get access to free blackjack games but over 130 of the most popular casino games. You will be able to play everything from Keno and Slots to Roulette and Video Poker. Online casino gambling is lived at its best at Silver Oak.

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How to Play Online Blackjack

A game of Online Blackjack begins with the player taking the initiative.

Bet

Click on the chips to place a bet. You can place a minimum of $2 and a maximum of $250 as bet at our Blackjack table.

Deal

After placing a bet, you should click on ‘Deal.’ Two cards each are dealt to the player and the Dealer. Player cards are dealt face up and a voice calls out the value of your cards. One Dealer card is face up (Up Card) and the other is face down (Hole Card).

Number cards carry their face value and Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10. You can count an Ace as either one point (Hard Hand) or 11 (Soft Hand), whatever fits best.

If the two cards held either by the player or Dealer includes an Ace and any card worth 10, it adds up to 21 and is a Blackjack. The term Blackjack originates from earlier versions of the game where only a hand with an Ace of Spades and a Jack was called a Blackjack. Three cards with a value of 21 wins, but is not called Blackjack.

Player’s Turn

Let us now go over the moves available to a player after the first deal.

Stand

If you are dealt a hand which is good-with the value of the cards already close to 21-you don’t have to take another card. Click on the Stand button to exercise this option.

Hit

If you need to add more points to your hand, opt to Hit. The Dealer gives you another card. Remember, if you choose to hit and overshoot the 21 figure, you go Bust (lose automatically).

Double

Doubling Down means doubling your bet. Let’s say, for example, you hold a hand valued at ten or 11. There is a good chance your next card will take you to 21, especially if the Dealer’s Up Card is anything between 2 and 9.You click on the double option which automatically doubles (2X) your original bet, say $100. If you hit an Ace or ten, you win the $200 double bet. If you don’t, you lose the same. At Silver Oak Casino, the double option is provided when you are holding two cards. Though it is available on any two cards, judge your hand carefully before you opt for it. For instance, your 5, 3 hand may not lead to a high score with the next card. If you opt to double your bet, and hit a 5, your total would be 13. The Dealer may come in with 8 and 2 and add another 9, beating you with 19.

Split

When you are dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two hands. Let’s say you are dealt two Queens. As it adds to 20, you may wish to try your luck with each as the first card of two hands. When you click on the Split option, the hand splits into two. It also means an equal wager is placed on the second hand. The rules of the game require you to hit at least once on each hand. However if you split on two aces, you can only hit once on each hand.

Here is an example of a split: Let us say the first hand reaches a value of 21 (Q, 8, 3) and the second holds a value of 19 (Q, 6, 3); the Dealer then plays their round and comes up with just 18 (10, 8). You win twice over, for taking an educated risk.

Another scenario is of an Ace split. You hold two hands with Ace as the first card. The second card you draw on the first hand may be any card worth ten. This takes the value to 21; you draw another A on the second hand -this means you have to opt for a hard Ace and hold a hand of 12. The Dealer’s hand goes bust (10, 4, K) and you win!

Even if the Dealer’s hand does not bust, and remains below 21, you win because you hold a hand worth 21. In this case, though the cards constitute a Blackjack in the strict sense of the term, it is not one. A Blackjack is not recognized on split Aces.

Dealer’s Turn

After you play your cards, the Dealer reveals their other card. Depending on the hand, they will opt to hit or stand based on a series of rules that the Dealer must follow:

• Hit on any total of 16 or less
• Stand on any total of 17 or more

There may be a case when the Dealer’s card value matches yours. This is a tie, also called a Push and your bet is returned. There is a rebet option which you can click to repeat the same amount each time you make a bet.

You Win When

• You get a Blackjack.
• Your hand is closer to (but does not exceed) 21 points than the Dealer’s hand.
• If the Dealer busts and you do not.

Additional Rules

At Silver Oak Casino our Online Blackjack carries a 3:2 payout. This means that when you are dealt two cards adding up to 21, you win 1.5 times your bet amount (3 divided by 2). This has to be a combination of an Ace with 10 or any of the face cards. A $100 bet fetches you $150. If there is a tie, you get back your ante (first bet).

Playing two hands at once

Not many casinos let you play two hands at the same time. But at Silver Oak Casino there is a choice to place two bets and be dealt two hands at the start of every game of online blackjack.

This means you have two hands to beat the Dealer’s hand with.

After you click on the ‘bet’ button and place a wager, an arrow pops up pointing to the other betting circle, asking you if you wish to place another bet. If you want to, then click on the chips again and place a second bet before you click on deal. Two hands are dealt one after the other, after which the Dealer is dealt their hand. Proceed with all the moves for each hand one after the other. The Dealer will play after you stand on both. If you bust on any hand or reach 21 with one, you continue playing on the other. You can choose other options of split or double on each hand independently.

Playing two hands against one of the Dealer means the Player can win both or lose both bets or win at least one. Of course, a tie is always a possibility.

Insurance Bet

An insurance bet is one in which you can insure yourself against losing when the Dealer’s up card is an Ace. There is a possibility that the Hole Card could reveal a Blackjack, so you can buy yourself insurance for half the cost of your original wager. If you placed a $100 bet, buy insurance for $50. An insurance bet carries a payout rate of 2:1, so if the Dealer has a Blackjack, you are paid $100 on your insurance bet and play ends. If the Dealer doesn’t have a Blackjack, then you lose your insurance bet and continue to play your hand. Insurance bets are

an additional or side bet. So while you may lose your original wager, bagging the insurance helps you break even.

Online Blackjack Strategy and Tips

The simple truth about Blackjack is that there are only 16 cards with the value of 10 in a 52-deck card, but many casinos use multiple decks, reshuffled between hands. Some players rely on card counting strategies, but the idea of tracking cards on multiple decks that are reshuffled would be virtually impossible.

• One way is to assume that the Dealer’s second card is also worth 10.
• If the Dealer holds 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, the chances of busting are more. If they hold 5 or 6, the chances of busting are so great that you just have to play safe and avoid busting.
• If the Dealer’s cards reveal 7 or anything higher, their hand could add to 18, 19, 20 and 21. In such cases, hit to improve your own hand.

Some Other Blackjack Scenarios

• If your hand is equal to 17 or greater, and the Dealer is not showing a 7 or higher, the risk of busting is high. So you should stand.
• If your hand is valued anywhere between 12 and 16, and the Dealer’s Up Card is of high value, it is better to stand and see what their second card reveals. Chances are the higher value cards out there will make the Dealer bust.
• If your hand carries a value of 12 to 16 and the Dealer has a 7 or higher, you should hit. As the Dealer is likely to get a better hand than you do, you have little option but to risk busting.

Blackjack History

The earliest traces of Blackjack can be traced to 17th Century France, in a game called Vingt-et-Un (meaning 21). However, the Italian Seven and a Half card game has also shaped modern day Blackjack.

Vingt-et-Un revolved around getting a ‘natural’ Blackjack –when one had a hand comprising Jack and an Ace of Spades. In Seven and a Half played with 7, 8 and 9 and the face cards, the goal was to reach a hand of 7.5 points. The value of 7, 8 and 9 was one while face cards carried half a point. If players busted the 7.5 value, they lost. In fact, the term “bust” in Blackjack is derived from this feature.

The game variations migrated to North America in the 19th century when governments took stern action against gambling. This forced Blackjack underground, where it flourished. In 1931 when Nevada legalized gambling, Blackjack resurfaced.

Since then, much of its evolution can be attributed to efforts by statisticians who researched and published strategies to reduce the house edge in the game.

In 1962, Professor Edward O. Thorp published his much-acclaimed card counting strategy in his book “Beat the Dealer.” It topped the New York Times’ best seller list the next year.

In the second edition of “Beat the Dealer”, published many years later, strategies were worked out by Julian Braun, an IBM employee, who used computers and played Blackjack with a simulator. Ever since, Blackjack card counting has taken casinos by storm as many try to outwit the Dealer through complicated strategies.

Blackjack Glossary

The pleasure of playing Blackjack is enhanced if you are well-versed in all the terminology associated with the game. Below are common terms that you will come across while playing Blackjack.

Action: A gambling term that refers to a specific amount of money wagered in a certain amount of time. Five bets of $20 each is a $100 of action.

Banker: Usually the Dealer — online casino.

Bankroll: Money that a player has set aside to bet with.

Blackjack: A natural 21 using an Ace and a Face Card.

Bust: When the total value of a hand exceeds 21 the player loses the bet.

Card Counting: Tracking the cards that have been played to score over the Dealer with the remaining cards.

Double: Doubling your initial bet after receiving the first two cards dealt

Draw: Addition of another card to your hand-the same as a hit.

Even Money: When you cash in your bet at a 1:1 payout ratio.

Face Cards: Jack, Queen or King, all with a face value of 10.

Hard Hand: A hand in which any Ace is counted as a one and not as 11. This is done to prevent the hand from exceeding 21 as it would then go bust.

Hit: Ask for another card to be dealt.

Hole Card: The Dealer’s face down card.

Insurance: A bet that you place when the Dealer’s up card is an Ace. You are betting half of your initial bet that the Dealer will get a natural blackjack. If the Dealer gets a natural blackjack the bet doubles, if not the bet is lost.

Pat Hand: A hand with a total of 17.

Push: The Dealer’s hand and the player’s hand have the same total, leading to the players bet being returned.

Soft Hand: A hand in which an Ace is counted as 11 but whose value does not exceed 21. A hand can go from ‘soft’ to ‘hard’. Take the example of an Ace and seven. It adds up to 18. If the player takes another card whose value is anything between 4 and 10, it means a bust. So the Ace will assume a value of 1.

Split Hands: If the first two cards dealt are of equal value, you have the option to play them as two separate hands.

Stand: When a player decides not to hit anymore.

Stand Hand: A hand that has a total of a hard 17, when the player takes no further action.

Stiff Hand: Stiff hands are usually hands that are valued from 12 to 16 and have little chances of winning.

Casino Blackjack Tournaments

Up Card: The Dealer’s first dealt card, placed face up.