If slot machines are the most popular casino game overall then Blackjack is without a doubt the most played casino table game. There’s not much in the online casino world that can compare with the feeling of getting a Blackjack dealt.
Unless the dealer has an ace or a ten, You have already locked in a nice payout, which is most cases is 3 to 2.
Every online blackjack site has its strengths as shown above. Still, we have singled out the best all-rounder but as always, we’ll provide an explanation. Betfair – Our Top Recommendation for Online Blackjack. As a UK player, you’re bound to have heard of Betfair. They’re over 2 decades old and one of the top online casinos around.
That’s one of the main reasons I have written this article – so You would be able to find an online casino offering Blackjack games with the best chances of winning, but I have also added a section in this article of some blackjack questions I have received and my answer to them.
Before going any further let me just add that all casinos listed on this page and website are completely legal and licensed by the UK Gaming Commission.
It’s of utmost importance that You select a casino site that offers Blackjack games that have favourable drawing rules for You instead of the house. What I’m referring to is a game type that allows You to surrender, double on splits and pays for a hand of BlackJack at 3 to 2.
Below are a couple of the best blackjack casinos that offer games that I described and a bit more. That’s what I’m going to be talking about in the next few paragraphs on this page, so keep on reading if You are interested in more.
This is the latest trend of the online casino world and actually has been going for years now – playing table games with live dealers. Blackjack is perhaps the most popular one here too and offered by any casino that actually spreads these kinds of games.
The obvious advantage of playing this game type is the experience. In fact, I did so myself right before writing this article. Regular online play (RNG Blackjack) is simply nothing in comparison to how awesome it is to have a real person dealing the cards. Even more, they will usually chat with You on a variety of subjects and You’ll both have some fun.
The verdict? It’s obvious – always prefer casinos offering live dealer games against those that only have computerized ones. There’s really no reason not to. Jackpot Paradise is one such site offering live games from MicroGaming and serving UK players.
Most big internet casino software providers have at least a handful of Blackjack variations in their portfolio. Having tried most of them I can make some recommendations from players perspective.
For live dealer games, I can suggest Evolution Gaming or MicroGaming. I tend to prefer the first because of the high quality gaming experience and of course, very attractive dealers from Eastern Europe. On top of that, You also get games with fairly low house edge and rules that are favourable to You as a player.
If You prefer being able to play on the go, this will be a big deal. Luckily for You, most online casinos are now mobile compatible. Users of iOS (iPhone, iPad and some iPod devices) as well as those of You using Android can play BlackJack at pretty much any casino. Refer to the toplist above for specific recommendations.
I’m finally not referring to the house edge or anything related to payout percentages of BlackJack, but rather talking about casino withdrawals. This is a MAJOR and very important aspect that can either provide You with a great or horrible playing experience.
Rule of thumb – never play at a casino that takes more than 48 hours (usually business hours) to process Your withdrawal. This is especially true to those of You using Skrill or Neteller. There is simply no reason for the casino to hold Your money and they shouldn’t.
In our blackjack FAQ section we answer some of the most confusing questions asked by blackjack newbies and for even those that have been playing for a while, bit just can’t seem to get their head around a particular concept. We really try to dumb things down just to make them as simple as possible. Expect the answers to be clear, concise and provided with example hands just so you can picture the situation.
Look out below these questions for more queries that have come from our readers. They are questions about tournament plays and all the answers come from our experienced Blackjack teams always out there on the tables learning more.
Blackjack FAQ
What do people mean by the term double down?
In Blackjack you can double your bet. This is known as a ‘double’. However, some players simply use the terminology ‘double down’.
This is where you bet an amount equal to your starting bet that initiated the dealer to deal to your position, so effectively you are doubling your bet. Once you do this, the dealer will only deal 1 more card to your hand, and then it will be the dealer’s turn to act.
Doubles are a great way to stop playing a straightforward strategy of trying not to go bust. This is a bad way to play Blackjack and increases the house edge. Read more below about hard ‘double downs’ whereby you can ‘double down’ even when there is a risk of going bust.
What is the difference between a ‘soft blackjack hand and a hard blackjack hand with Aces in the hand’?
Firstly, the Ace must be involved to describe the first concept of hard blackjack hands and soft blackjack hands:
A-2 = (3 or 13)
A-3 = (4 or 14)
A-4 = (5 or 15)
A-5 = (6 or 16)
A-6 = (7 or 17)
A-7 = (8 or 18)
A-8 = (9 or 19)
A-9 = (10 or 20)
A-2-7 = (9 or 20)
A-5-7 = (13) if the Ace counted as 11, then the hand would be 23
A-9-7 = (17) if the Ace counted as 11, then the hand would be 27
In each of these scenarios, the Ace must be 1 or if it were an 11, then the hand would bust by totalling over 21.
What is the difference between a ‘soft blackjack hand and a hard blackjack hand with Aces in the hand’?
2-3 (5)
3-4 (7)
3-5 (8)
4-6 (10)
2-9 (11)
7-8 (15) – Any card above a 6 will bust this hand
3-9 (12) – Any card above a 9 will bust this hand
5-8 (13) – Any card above a 8 will bust this hand
10-2 (12) – Any card above a 9 will bust this hand
5-7– (12) Any card above a 9 will bust this hand
What isasoft 17 and why on some tables does the dealer have to hit a soft 17?
This is probably one of the easiest Blackjack to explain. A dealer can normally ‘stand’ on a soft 17, which is a starting hand of A-6 or a hand with 3 or 4 cards that contain an Ace and the total comes to 17. In this whole scenario the Ace always counts as an 11.
A-6 (7 or 17)
A-3-3 (7 or 17)
A-2-4 (7 or 17)
Depending on the table you are playing at, the dealer will be forced to hit on a soft 17 rather than forced to stand.
In any scenario when the dealer is forced to hit, the dealer cannot bust the hand as if a card valued at 5 or higher comes out, the hand would become a ‘hard hand’ as the Ace would be forced to count as a 1.
What is a soft 21 and why does it sometimes pay even odds?
Use the same principles as a soft 17. Basically a soft 21 can happen when you split tens and you are dealt an Ace. Conversely, this is when you are dealt a pair of cards with a 10 value, you decide to split the hand, and you are dealt an A making the hand a soft 21. Splits with A-10 are not counted as Blackjack 3-2 payout, and so you will be paid even odds.
A soft 21 can be a Blackjack too, only if this is the hand that was immediately dealt out to you. At this point the player wins if the dealer does not have Blackjack.
What do people mean when they say a hard double down and soft double down?
If you have already read the above scenarios regarding ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ blackjack hands, then you will be able to understand what a soft and hard hand is.
When is the best time to use the ‘double down’ or ‘hit’ strategy with a hard hand?
This is a great questions and requires some good strategy. Firstly, a good time to double with a hard hand is when the odds of winning are 50/50. This is because your double is also paid back at 50/50 odds; effectively even odds. A score of 16 is a good time to ‘double’ or ‘hit’.
For example, if you had a ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ score of 16, the only card that can really come out and score are between 1 and 10 at this point, as an 11 Ace would be of no use. With the score 16, you need a 5 to make your hand count as a 21. 50% of the time an Ace, 2, 3, 4 or 5 would come out and not see you hand bust if you ‘hit’ or ‘doubled’.
On the other hand, 50% of the time a 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 will come out adding too many points to your 16 hand. All these cards would mean your hand would be bust.
You can also ‘double down’ or hit with a score of 15 ‘hard’ or ‘soft’. Only a 7, 8, 9 or 10 will make your hand go bust, so there is a 60% chance that your hand will not bust. The problem here is that if you hit an Ace, 2 or 3 on the hand you score will be 16, 17 or 18. The dealer will still have a good chance of beating you.
Optimal Strategy in both scenarios:
Hard 16: ‘Stand’ if the dealer’s up card is 2 to 6 or ‘hit’ if the dealer’s up card is a 7 to A.
Soft 16: ‘Double’ if the dealer’s up card is 2 to 6 or ‘hit’ if the dealer’s up card is a 7 to A.
Hard 15: ‘Stand’ if the dealer’s up card is 2 to 6 or ‘hit’ if the dealer’s up card is a 7 to A.
Soft 15: ‘Hit’ every time as the optimal strategy.
What happens if both the player and dealer have Blackjack or an equal score?
Usually no one wins or loses here and the players bet is pushed (returned). There are some tables around the globe that will rule a points or Blackjack tie in favour of the dealer; while, in other places ties are ruled in favour of the player; however, most of the time you will find that the game is tied and all bets are off with the player getting his/her money returned.
Why do some people say Insurance is not a good bet to take? And when is the right time to take an insurance bet?
If you do the maths, then mostly it is more unlikely for the dealer to have an Ace or 10 as their face-down card. On a typical 6 pack Blackjack game thee odds of the dealer having matched up with a 10 are 30.55% ruling 69.45% in favour of the player.
That means when you take out insurance, you will not be paid 30.55% of the time. However, this does not mean you should not wager the insurance bet.
Optimal Strategy by working out the percentages:
Simply calculate how many times the dealer has had an Ace up card and landed a Blackjack versus how many times the dealer didn’t have a Blackjack hand.
It’s basically a memory game. If you notice that when you didn’t bet insurance the dealer didn’t land Blackjack on several occasions, then it is logically time to bet the insurance.
Why do I sometimes hear the term “A stiff hand?” on the Blackjack tables?
When you this term, it is referring to a hard hand that totals 12 to 16. This is a tough hand to have because you can have trouble opting to ‘double’ as you could end up with a low hand if a low card comes out or you stand the risk of going bust if you ‘double’ or ‘hit’.
I play a lot of Blackjack tournaments, but I never seem to be able to advance by hustling my way into the top 2 thus more often than not coming 3rd instead. I’ve followed the system I have read here and other systems that have worked for pals of mine. What am I missing?
SIMON FROM NEWCASTLE, UK
There are plenty of blackjack tournament strategy books and blog posts out there today. Books are always a winner because they have earned the right to be published, and they are usually written by those that have used successful Blackjack strategies in the past.
Here are some tips:
I keep hearing people talking about variation in Blackjack. I have been using several Blackjack strategies in the past that have worked and then stopped working. A poker player friend of mine said that in poker many players understand the concept of downswings and upswings. What does this mean?
JURGEN FROM STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Probably one of our favourite questions that has been sent in here. Poker players try to play an optimal strategy. This is a mathematical strategy used aside from the bluffing in poker, and is a very important side to the game of poker, which incidentally can be used to explain crazy winning and losing streaks in Blackjack.
In addition, it can explain a lot of the shortfalls in the reason why Simon from Newcastle is often coming third in tournament games.
Variation can change. It is the same as flipping a coin. The percentages are there, but probability doesn’t follow. You could be in a long term game versus a friend where in the begging his tails seemed to consistently hit way more than heads. Odd since probability gives you a 50% chance of winning, but you were losing consistently. This is the downswing.
As the game goes on it seems heads is a winner all the time now. Soon variation catches up with itself and your upswing is so good you are in profit. Sometimes variation doesn’t swing so good as to put you back in profit, but eventually the longer you play, the more heads will start to catch up and possibly overtake.
Blackjack is essentially the same thing. The percentages go along the lines of variation; especially if you are a tournament player. You will eventually find that if you continue to stick to your optimal strategy, then it will pay off. I would also recommend Wizard Of Odds, if you looking for even more info.
Hi there, I just wanted to say what a great site you have here and thanks for all the great information. My question relates to random number generators. Online how do the random number generators work and are they safe?
Max, From United Kingdom
Thanks for such a well thought out question Max, and for mentioning that you like our site. We often hear people talking about fixed casino and that’s why this is a very good topic for us to help people with. We are sure this is a questions thousands of online Blackjack players have.
Random Number Generators are basically strings of code in an algorithm. A bit like with Google or Yahoo where they use algorithms to fairly give you the best search results on their search engines when you are looking for Blackjack tables.
These codes are basically unbreakable. They are so advanced and mimic real to life play so well that there is no way for anyone to hack them and see what the next card is. This is because the decks are in constant shuffle mode. Unlike in a real life card game, the next card is always going to be the next card! Whereas online, in order to keep things safe, the next card is selected by you when you click the button to ‘hit’ or ‘double’.
Basically, the decks stops shuffling when you decide to act, and the card the decks stop on is the card that comes out. This also applies for the dealer, because you stopped the pack, so whichever order the cards stop in will also decide the dealer’s next cards.
This way the system is kept entirely fair, and stops intruders, and the host for that matter, from manipulating the game. This makes them totally safe!
Blackjack is the most widely played casino game in the world. Often referred to as ‘twenty-one’, blackjack has captured the imagination of gamblers since the 17th century. The fascination with the game lies in its flexibility. Like poker, online blackjack requires a blend of both skill and luck to beat the house. But unlike other popular casino games such as roulette, blackjack players have a lot of control over post-betting action. This article reveals the best blackjack casino in the UK. It will also detail the best blackjack variants and winning strategies.
These online casinos are especially well-suited for blackjack players due to favourable table limits, a wide selection of interesting variants and reliable software. For new players, these casinos offer the best welcome bonuses with wagering requirements suited to online blackjack.
There is a ton of blackjack games to choose from at most casino sites, but most of them differ not only in the rules of play and sidebets, but also in the payouts that they feature. We have chosen for you a list of the highest paying online blackjack games:
The transition from land-based casinos to online has brought with it several advantages to players. Perhaps the biggest difference, in terms of blackjack sites online, is variety. Online casinos today offer lots of variations on the classic blackjack formula that traditional casinos simply cannot match. These new games come with different rules and can change the way dealers draw cards, as well as increasing potential player actions and betting opportunities. Let’s look at some of the more interesting blackjack games in the UK today. To see how the game has developed throughout history to its current forms, read up on blackjack history.
In this blackjack casino game, players can combine one or two cards from their dealt hand with one or two of the community cards dealt for all players. Think of it like a cross between Texas Hold’em poker and blackjack. The dealer also uses the community cards to create the best possible hand, and qualifies with 13 or better. When choosing the communal card, the dealer must create the best possible hand according to a predetermined rank of hands. For example, if the communal cards are 2 and 10 and the dealer’s card is an 8, then the dealer will choose the 2 from communal cards as the hand 8-2 has a higher rank than 8-10. Check the hand composition list before you play. If the dealer’s hand is worth less than 13, the dealer doesn’t qualify and you win the round, even if your point total is lower than the dealer’s. Most 21 Duel Blackjack games allow side bets for three-of-a-kind and pairs. This popular take on the classic 21 formula can be found at many Playtech-powered caisnos in the UK.
Switch is played using two hands, with a separate wager for each. Double-handed play is common in blackjack, but what’s unique here is the ability to switch cards between the two hands to create a more favourable pairing. If you decide to switch, you need to do so before starting to play your first hand. After opting to hit, split, double or take insurance, you can no longer switch. The dealer must hit on soft 17, further swinging the balance in favour of the player. Super Match odds are also included paying increased odds on pairs, three-of-a-kind and four-of-a-kind. Side bets such as Super Match are optional and require an extra stake to play. The super bet wins if your four initial cards contain two or more cards of the same value, two 6s for example, in any order. Switch is one of the very few games where the house edge is actually a positive figure in favour of the player. When played with eight decks Blackjack Switch can provide an edge of 0.02% against the house.
Spanish Blackjack is played with eight decks of 48 cards, with the four 10s removed. The variation in this unique deck alters the blackjack strategy required to beat it. The dealer hits on soft 17 in Spanish 21, and most operators will offer bonus payouts for this game. The main rule difference between classic blackjack and Spanish 21 is that a player’s 21 always beats a dealer’s 21. A late surrender rule also allows the option of surrendering and forfeiting half of an original bet if a player is dealt two unfavourable cards in the hole. It’s also possible to surrender after doubling down. This extra safety net is known as Double Down Rescue. In Spanish 21, a five-card 21 pays 3 to 2, a six-card 21 pays 2 to 1, a seven or more card 21 pays 3 to 1. There also extra bonus payouts of up to 50 to 1 for mini poker hands such as 6-7-8 or 7-7-7 with some operators. Mixed suits tend to pay 3 to 2 but matching suits pay 2 to 1. Spanish 21 is a classic blackjack gameplay experience with vastly different odds and strategy.
Played with the same 48-card deck as Spanish 21, Double Attack Blackjack adds more ways to take on the dealer. After the dealer receives an initial card face up, the option is available to attack the house with a separate bet up to the value of the original stake. Players that place a Double Attack bet against a face card or ace will only lose the initial bet if the dealer has blackjack. The option to surrender after the dealer checks for blackjack adds another layer to the decision making for the player. Bust It side bets are an independent wager you can make on top of the regular game bet. You can bet that the dealer busts with exactly three cards. Odds start at 3 to 1 for the dealer going bust whilst holding a face card, and rise to 200 to 1 for a bust with three suited 8s. The game can be found in around half of the casinos in Atlantic City, and remains popular today in the best online casinos in the UK. Keen to play? Try it for free in our guide!
Double Exposure Blackjack is a variation where both the dealer’s cards are dealt face up. The game was invented by American game theorist, Richard Arnold Epstein, author of several popular books and consultant to casinos in Macao. The ability to see both the dealer’s hole cards affects play dramatically. Knowing when to hit and stand becomes easier for the player. The trade-off is the dealer wins all ties except for tied blackjack. Tied blackjacks either push or go to the player. Player blackjack also pays evens, instead of 3 to 2. Players can also only split a single time in Double Exposure blackjack. There are also rules that vary depending on the operator. Whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, for example. The house edge for Double Exposure is slightly higher than classic blackjack, but the additional information available to players allows for a more efficient strategy to be employed. If you’re a good card player, you’ll take all the extra information you can get and use it to your advantage.
These variations add an extra layer of strategy to the play and the typical house edge tends to be lower than in classic blackjack games. With RTP rates as high as 99%, it’s possible to enjoy blackjack for longer periods whilst still holding off the house. Master one of these variations, and the potential for large returns is entirely possible.
The most contemporary and immersive way to enjoy playing blackjack online is at one of the ever-growing number of live tables. Live blackjack sites stream directly from a real land-based casino or studio and are dealt by a human dealer. Online players interact with the play using virtual chips, as if sitting at the blackjack casino table. Interaction with others at the table, as well as with the dealer, is done via an integrated chat system. This is as close to going to a casino in your pyjamas as you can get.
The quality of HD live streams is now at an excellent stage. Look for anything operated by Evolution Gaming. The live specialists have raised the bar for this kind of gaming experience in recent years, and have even added variations such as party blackjack to the mix to further fuel the atmosphere. If you’re looking for a completely transparent and authentic blackjack experience, don’t accept less than live.
Blackjack online is very different from blackjack in a land-based casino. In fact, there are several significant advantages to playing online that cannot be gained down at your local dice joint. Such as the following:
Whilst the selection of mobile blackjack games is still fairly limited, the market is improving all the time. For more information on playing blackjack and other casino games on the go, visit my mobile casino page.
Blackjack is a game of strategy and mathematical thinking, as opposed to slots, where it’s more a matter of how much you bet. Blackjack, on the other hand, has certain rules that if you play by, you stand a higher chance of being quids in at the end of the day. So, without further ado, here is a list of useful blackjack articles:
The goal of blackjack is very simple: each player faces the dealer in a head-to-head duel. Closest to 21 with two or more cards wins. Players receive two cards face up. The dealer also receives two hole cards. Players then have several options. Standing means sticking with what you’ve got. Hitting means taking another card from the deck. The option to separate a pair of matching cards into two hands mid-round is called splitting. The player is responsible for matching the stake on the second hand. Players may also ‘double-down’, which involves increasing the original bet by 100% in exchange for only receiving one more card. Though there are many more blackjack terms to keep up with, standing, hitting, doubling and splitting are ones you’re bound to see each time. Winning bets are paid at evens. If players are dealt a hand worth 21 points in the hole, blackjack is announced and an instant win is called. Blackjack pays out higher odds than regular wins, usually at 3 to 2.
Numbered cards are valued as presented, with all pictures cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) counting as ten each. Aces are counted at either one or ten, depending on which is best for the player in any given situation. Aces can change their value mid-round if beneficial to the player. Remember, what the dealer is holding is JUST as important as what the player is holding in blackjack. If the dealer’s hand is 16 or less, the dealer must hit. If the dealer’s hand is 17 or higher, the dealer must stand. These rules may vary depending on the game variation, and some games – such as Blackjack Surrender – include an option to quit the hand mid-way through, saving part of your stake.
Like every other casino game, online blackjack is designed to give the house a slight edge. When playing with eight decks, the house edge is 0.65%. However, this advantage varies from game to game. When playing with a single deck, the advantage drops to 0.17%. With good strategy, this edge can be even lower. Compared to other casino games, your chances of winning at blackjack are remarkably high.
In addition to the regular stake, blackjack tables offer side bets. These bets predict the outcome of various events that are not strictly limited to the chasing of twenty-one. In Perfect Pairs blackjack, for example, players can bet on the possibility of being dealt a pair in the hole. Mixed pairs are paid out 7 to 1, and cards of matching value and suit are paid at 30 to 1. Progressive jackpots, much like you see in the slots market, can also be added to blackjack online games for added value.
The typical RTP rate for these side bets in blackjack is somewhere between 95 – 98%. Compared to slots or roulette, this is still a very good rate. However, compared to a one-deck game of blackjack played well, it’s poor. My advice regarding side bets would be, think about why you are playing. If you’re into blackjack for the thrills and the chance of winning big, go for the side bets, they’re great fun. If you are the type of player who is looking to grind out a profit and wants the best RTP rate possible, avoiding the side bets is best.
Blackjack is a game of both good fortune and skill. Therefore, blackjack can be played well or badly, and strategy plays a huge role in your chances of success. Perfect blackjack strategy relies on mathematical probability. Blackjack strategy charts can be used to maximize wins, and minimize losses when playing blackjack over longer periods. Don’t be swayed too easily by what you might have seen in some blackjack movies – breaking the bank takes a lot more than that.
Card Counting is another strategy used in blackjack to further swing the odds in the player’s favour. By keeping a running count of what cards have been dealt, and are therefore dead, card-counters can bet big when the chances of catching valuable cards are high. Card counting is not strictly illegal, but land-based casinos employ several counter measures to prevent it. Check out the best online casino in the UK for using these strategies.