Blackjack Online Game – Rules and Variations

Considering the fact that Blackjack is the only casino game that incorporates elements of skills, strategy and decision making, besides the elements of luck, it’s no surprise that it is the most popular game among the gambling fans around the world. Of course, due to the convenience of playing at home and the many variations offered at the virtual casinos, online blackjack games are way more attractive and popular today. On top of that, if you choose to play blackjack online games you can benefit from special bonuses and promotions that you won’t find at the brick-and-mortar casinos.

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But before you jump in the game with both feet, you have to make sure that you know the blackjack card game rules inside out. In short, your goal is to reach a hand value of 21 or at least higher than the dealer’s. Number cards count as their natural value, while face cards – as 10. Aces can count as 1 or 11. After being dealt their two cards, players may hit (ask for another card), stand, double their bet and receive one more card or split their hand into two. The dealer also receives two cards – one is face-up and the other is hidden. If the dealer’s up-card is an ace or a ten-valued card, the players can pay an insurance and get their bet back in case the dealer has a Blackjack (ace and a ten-valued card). The dealers always hit if their hand is 16 or lower and stand on 17 or higher. If your hand is better you win the equivalent amount of your bet while if you have a Blackjack, you’ll be paid 3:2. But if you go over 21 or the dealer’s hand is higher, you’ll lose your bet.

Many online variations of blackjack present different rules and options in comparison to the classic game, like for example placing side bets or surrendering your hand to get half your bet back. Here are some examples of popular blackjack online game variations:

Blackjack Online Free Game Offers

Given that some of you may be new to most of these games, which have different rules and bonus bets, it could be a better idea to start with blackjack online free games if such are available. There are plenty of casino operators that will give you the opportunity to try out their games in play-money mode, in some cases even without opening a new-player account. This will let you weigh out both the side bets offered, as well as the different rules of play. Take for example Blackjack Pick’em, offered by Betfair Casino. This variation of the game is, perhaps, one of the most intriguing blackjack games online, because you get to pick both your and the dealer’s cards. However, you will not be able to see which cards you pick, as the deck is spread face down. Another interesting example is Blackjack Zero, which is also among the blackjack online free games collection, at Betfair Casino. This game follows the basic Las Vegas Strip rules, with a few exceptions. You get the chance to play for the perfect pair, yours or the dealer’s. Nevertheless, once you have explored the great variety of games offered online for free, we suggest you head on to the real-money tables, because this is where the action is.

Blackjack Games Online – Variations and Jackpot Side Bets

Among the numerous blackjack online game variations, there are a few that are both popular and profitable for the players. Therefore, it is time to turn our attention to the bonus bets and establish which side bets give you an advantage over the house. Keep in mind that the number of decks dealt plays an important part as well as the options to surrender, take insurance, split or double down. In the following boxes, we have chosen six extremely popular and fun blackjack games online and the perfect casino operator to try them at.

888 Crazy BlackjackCrazy Blackjack is an exclusive variation of the game, offered by 888 Casino. Aside from the progressive jackpot bet, players have the opportunity to place two more side bets, called Safe Bet and Highest Hand Bet, both of which may bring them extra winnings. The Safe Bet has an attractive payout of 3 to 2 if your first 2 cards have a value between 12 and 16.

William Hill Progressive BlackjackCompared to the classic blackjack online game, Progressive Blackjack brings something more to the table thanks to a special side bet. It will bring you the big jackpot if you are dealt 4 consecutive aces of the same suit. You just might be the lucky fellow to whisk away the huge progressive jackpot amount. Getting dealt two or three aces will also pay off.

Betfair Perfect BlackjackNot only the name of this variation has a really nice ring to it, but it also gives players a chance to bet on whether their or the dealer’s first two cards will be a pair. Moreover, should they be of identical value and suit, you can win up to 25 times your initial bet. So getting two of a kind cards will turn out to be all that you hoped for and then some.

As you have already noticed, what makes most of these blackjack games online so special and so different from the classic one is not only the option to place side bets, but also the many unique rules of play both for the dealer and the players. Choosing your own cards, using community ones and switching them up – all these variations are meant to spice things up for you and keep you intrigued and entertained for hours on end.

21 Duel BlackjackIn this variation both you and the dealer can pick one of the community cards. The players are dealt two cards – one facing up and the other down. Then, they have to choose one of the community cards and decide what their next move will be. Choose the right card and you may find blackjack to be easier and much more fun that you thought.

Winner Blackjack SwitchAn exciting blackjack online game variation that gives you the chance to swap the top two cards in two different boxes, thus enabling you to change two weak hands into two promising ones. Also, by placing the Super Match side bet you will win extra every time you are dealt one pair in the first four cards.

Pontoon BlackjackAlthough most of the rules are similar to the classic game, Pontoon has some additional options. Both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face down and Pontoon (blackjack), pays 2 to 1, which is much better compared to 3 to 2 in the classic game. A UK version of the blackjack online game, Pontoon is extremely fun and highly addictive.

Blackjack Card Game Rules and Unwritten Laws

As we have already pointed out in the previous paragraphs, the blackjack card game rules may vary not only in gameplay options, but also in payouts and side bets. Take for example the Pure Blackjack variation of the game, where there are 16 bonus cards added. But all casino games have one thing in common, and that is that they are meant to entertain players and give them a taste of the Las Vegas gambling thrill. Nevertheless, users play blackjack online games not just for fun, but also because they hope to win. There are several ways of beating the dealer’s hand: getting a higher card value than the dealer, getting a blackjack or having the dealer bust, in which case all players win.

Except for the blackjack card game rules of play, there are also some ‘unwritten laws’ that will sure help you along the way. First and foremost, know your limits and set boundaries as to how much time and money you are prepared to invest in your game. Once you have started playing, always pay attention to the first card of the dealer in case it is dealt face up. Always follow the game and observe the players around you, you just might learn something from them. And, when playing live blackjack, keep an eye on the tables where players win a lot of hands in a row, this is a sure sign that there is a ‘hot shoe’ at this table. And last but not least, don’t forget that whatever blackjack online game variation you choose to play the main goal is to have fun at all times.

Where Can You Play Online Blackjack Games?

Safety should always be your number one concern – so remember to gamble responsibly and play online blackjack with real money only at licensed casino sites. Our team aims to help you get the best gaming experience – so here is a list of our approved online casinos with blackjack games: