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January 7th, 2025

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How to play blackjack online?

Online blackjack is without doubt one of the most popular games in the online casino world. This game skilfully combines chance and strategy, offering players an experience that's both entertaining and thrilling. For many, it represents an opportunity to put their skills to the test while striving to win great rewards.

But succeeding at online blackjack isn't just a matter of luck: knowing the basic rules, mastering essential strategies and understanding the subtleties of the game are crucial to maximizing your chances. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this article will provide you with all the tools you need to excel at online blackjack.

Online blackjack: the basics for getting started

Before diving into the strategies, it's important to understand the rules of the game. The principle of blackjack is simple: beat the dealer by obtaining a score as close as possible to 21, without ever exceeding it.

Each card has a value:

  • Numbered cards (from 2 to 10) retain their face value.
  • Face cards (jack, queen, king) are worth 10 points.
  • Aces can be worth 1 or 11, depending on the player's advantage.

You start with two cards in your hand, as does the dealer, and must choose whether to “draw” an additional card or “stand” to keep your hand. The dealer, on the other hand, follows predefined rules: he draws a card if his hand is 16 or less, and stays if it reaches 17 or more.

4 golden rules for online blackjack success

Here are the basic principles to keep in mind to increase your chances of success at online blackjack:

1. Always separate pairs of aces and 8s

If you receive a pair of aces or 8s, it's essential to separate them. Two aces together are only worth 11, but by splitting them, you have a good chance of forming two strong hands close to 21. Similarly, splitting a pair of 8s allows you to avoid the worst possible combination and get two hands of 18, a solid score that can rival the dealer's.

2. Never split pairs of 10s or 6s

Pairs of 10s represent a hand of 20, an extremely advantageous combination in blackjack. Splitting them would be risky and could cause you to lose this advantage. As for pairs of 6, splitting them often weakens your chances, as you risk obtaining two hands that are not very competitive.

3. Always avoid insurance

Insurance is an option offered when the dealer reveals an ace. Although it may seem tempting, it rarely pays off. In online blackjack, where card counting is not possible, this option almost always works in the casino's favor.

4. Take advantage of the dealer's mistakes

When the dealer shows a card between 4 and 6, he's more likely to go over 21 (bust). If your hand is already solid or “soft” (with an ace counting as 11), let the dealer draw and take advantage of his potential mistakes.

Adopt the basic strategy for online blackjack

Basic strategy is a set of mathematical rules for maximizing your chances while minimizing the house edge. With this strategy, the casino's advantage can be reduced to less than 1%, making it an essential weapon for any serious online blackjack player.

The essential rules of basic strategy:

Never take insurance, whatever the circumstances.

With a total of 11 or less, you must always draw a card.

Double your bet if you have a total of 10 or 11 and it's higher than the dealer's face-up card.

If your hand totals 18 or more, it's generally advisable to stay in, unless specific circumstances suggest otherwise.

Handling hands with an ace:

If the ace is worth 1 and you have a total of 17 or more, stay on your hand.

If the Ace is worth 11 and your total is 18 or more, also stop.

If the dealer's visible card is high (7 or more), and you have between 12 and 16, draw an additional card to avoid being dominated.

Probability of going over 21

One of the keys to success in online blackjack is knowing the odds associated with your hand. Here's a useful chart to help you figure out how likely you are to go over 21 if you draw an extra card:

21 - 100%

20 - 92%

19 - 85%

18 - 77%

17 - 69%

16 - 62%

15 - 58%

14 - 46%

13 - 39%

12 - 31%

11 or less - 0% of sales

Why play online blackjack?

Online blackjack offers a unique experience, both for its strategic aspects and for the immersion it provides. What's more, modern platforms offer a variety of tables, interactive tutorials and even live games with real dealers.

When you play online, you also benefit from permanent access, and the chance to hone your skills at your own pace. It's the perfect opportunity to combine fun, strategy and earning potential.

Online blackjack is much more than just a game of chance: it's a discipline where strategy and reflection can make all the difference. By mastering the rules, applying basic strategy and understanding the odds, you'll significantly increase your chances of beating the dealer.

Ready for the challenge? Put your new knowledge into practice, and try to win at online blackjack!