Tips for playing online Blackjack

The cards

Blackjack is normally played with 8 identical packs of 52 standard cards each (416 cards). Each card has a point value indicated by its number - eg 4 of Diamonds = 4.

The exceptions to this are that Jacks, Queens and Kings - all of which count as 10.

Aces count as either 1 or 11.

Blackjack

Blackjack is when you or the dealer have a points total of 21 from an Ace and a 10 value card.

How to play Blackjack

At the start of each round, you place your desired bet, then the dealer deals 2 cards to you and to himself. Both your cards are face up, but only one of the dealer's cards can be seen.

You then have a number of betting options:

Stand - you do not receive any more cards.

Hit - you ask the dealer to give you another card.

Double - you double your bet and receive 1 more card only.

Split - if you have a pair, you can split it into 2 separate hands.

Insurance - if the dealer is showing an Ace, you can insure against Blackjack.

Surrender - fold your cards and lose your bet.

Going bust

If, while hitting, your points total exceeds 21, you bust and your bet is lost.

The hole card

When you decide to stand, the dealer then reveals his hidden card (the 'hole card') and then either stands or hits until he reaches a points total of 17 or more.

Often, in trying to reach 17, the dealer will bust. If you have a valid hand when he busts, you win. If you have busted before the dealer busts, you still lose!

How much do I win?

If you have Blackjack, you win 1.5 times the amount of your bet.

If the dealer busts or your points total is higher than his, you win the same amount as your bet.

If your hand has the same points total as the dealer, you get your bet back.

If your hand is lower than the dealer's, you lose.

Blackjack strategy

The rules and betting options in Blackjack can seem a little complex at first. To help you get to grips with the game without risking too much, we've devised a 3-stage simple Blackjack strategy which will take you through from beginner to high roller with the minimum of fuss!

Practice for free

If you're not ready to play Blackjack for money just yet, but want to play for fun or practice any of our Blackjack tips for FREE, without risking your money, check out our Blackjack practice page - and perfect your skills!

The best online Blackjack casinos

Blackjack is the kind of game that attracts high-rolling players, so the casinos are reluctant to give away big Blackjack bonuses. Most don't allow it and those that do put huge wagering requirements against it. However, we've selected three online casinos that offer great Blackjack bonuses.

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  $1000 Blackjack bonus from Rushmore casino

  Rushmore offer a great 200% Blackjack bonus up to $1000. Wagering is a very low 20x, and the minimum deposit is just $25. Plus, the bonus can also be used on Video Poker games if you fancy a break from Blackjack. Make your deposit via credit or gift card and use the code DOUBLEDOWN to receive your bonus.
  
  If you'd like to know more about Rushmore casino and their great range of bonuses, read our Rushmore online casino review.

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  100% Blackjack bonus up to £50

  Bodog are now offering a 100% sign-up bonus for new casino customers. Wagering is 40x, and both the bonus and deposit can be withdrawn. It's a great bonus for getting started at playing Blackjack at an online casino. Simply redeem the coupon CASINOBONUS1 and then purchase your casino chips.
  
  To learn more about Bodog casino, read our Bodog online casino review.

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  £200 Blackjack bonus at Betfair casino

  Betfair offer a series of matching Blackjack bonuses up to £200. Wagering is just 20x, and the minimum deposit for each bonus is £25. Betfair also offer the unique Zero edge Blackjack, where the casino pays out 100%!
  
  If you'd like to know more about Betfair casino and their unique Zero edge games, read our Betfair online casino review.