Table of Contents
Online Blackjack Strategy
In this blackjack guide, you will learn all there is to know about becoming a great blackjack player of your own. You will learn basic blackjack strategy and see how the different game probabilities can impact your winning potential. There are certain combinations and optimal courses of play that are best committed to memory.
We bring you a blackjack basic rules chart that will impact your gameplay and help you make educated choices that bring you forward to victory. Playing blackjack online for money can be a lot of fun and very simple at the same time. Whether you play mobile blackjack or live dealer blackjack, you can use the advice you pick here with the same effectiveness.
Once you are done reading through our page, you will be so much more knowledgeable about playing blackjack online for real money that you will surely want to try the games for yourself. But first, let's see what popular outcomes exist in blackjack! Remember, you are your best blackjack strategy trainer, but to get there, you still need to understand how the strategies work!
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Possible Results in a Game of Blackjack
Each game has one of three possible outcomes, making it very easy to follow through and play the game. Players are welcome to refer to the table below for a better look at what to expect.
Possible outcome
Player wins against dealer
- Player hits blackjack and dealer does not
- Player is closer to 21 points than dealer
- Dealer hits over 21 points
Player loses to dealer
- Dealer hits blackjack and player does not
- Dealer is closer to 21 points than player
- Player hits over 21 points
The round ends in a draw
- Player and dealer have the same score
- Player and dealer both hit blackjack
Basic Blackjack Betting Strategy
Play blackjack for real money is a straightforward enough task. You will have absolutely no trouble getting started once you get more familiar with the basic blackjack strategy that exists and leveraging it to your distinct advantage. Let's take a look at what a game of blackjack expects from you.
As it turns out, the win condition is very straightforward. You need to score a 21-point victory, which definitely doesn't take too much time. Most cards are worth their face value, and in the case of 10-K, that's 10 points for each card. An Ace is a little more specific as it counts as both 1 and 11. You can choose which depending on your card strength. Let's check out some of the basic terms:
| Hit | If you "hit," this means you want another card. |
| Stand | If you "stand," this means you are happy with the current hand you have. |
| Blackjack Double Down | When you "double down," you are upping the size of your bet twice because you are confident that you will turn your hand into a winning combination |
| Splitting Pairs | This strategy involves splitting your first two cards if they are a pair. The split is not obligatory, but it could be helpful if you know what splitting combinations are best and mathematically proven. |
| Soft hands | A "soft hand" is any hand that has an ace in it. Basically, the ace can count as 1 and 11, and if you can use both values in a hand, this means it's a soft hand. Conversely, there are hard hands. |
| Hard hands | A hard hand can still contain an ace, but it would be considered hard if you only use it as a 1 and not 11. This type of hand is a bit restrictive, but it also provides you with plenty of different opportunities based on the optimal type of play you will find in a blackjack cheat sheet. |
| Surrender | If you think playing blackjack can run into a dead-end, you may consider surrendering, but we strongly advise against this type of blackjack action as most people agree that it will only cost you money. Even if the odds are against you, you may still get lucky, but surrendering will surely cost you. |
Blackjack Table
So, let's have a look at the blackjack table. Like all other popular games out there, when playing blackjack online for real money, you will notice a specific table that allows players to enjoy the game to the fullest. Naturally, blackjack requires a special layout that will optimize the type of play and make it completely worthwhile.
The game is played with numerous decks, but the most common version is played with 8 decks, which most players will look for. Now, the decks are kept in a special contraption known as the "shoe," from which the dealer takes the cards and deals them on the assigned slots of the table.
This adds a specific tone to your gameplay and makes the players more inclined to enjoy the experience. The multiple decks do give a slight advantage to the casino, but the truth is that this advantage is almost negligible. Most versions of the game, including the eight-deck ones, usually pay around 99% in return to player rates.
That is a fantastic rate and one that allows you to be flexible and stay competitive. Players are quite welcome to have a blast enjoying the dedicated blackjack table they will find both in-person at physical casinos and online. Now that we have sorted out the blackjack table, it may be time for you to learn how to play blackjack for money based on some of the most popular strategies.
Pick the Right Deck of Cards
The 52-card deck strategy is one of the most popular versions as it minimizes the house edge and boosts your chances to win. To get a good idea of the optimal combinations, we recommend taking a look at the information displayed above.
Ultimately, you want to make sure that you always split if you have 17 or more points and never hit to draw another card if this is the case, as the chance of exceeding 21 points is very high. Always double-check with the reference table above to make sure that you are playing optimally!
Two Card Decks Blackjack Strategy
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Dealers up card
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Your hand
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H
Hit
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S
Stand
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D
Double
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SP
Split
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H/SU
Surrender if possible, otherwise Hit
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S/SU
Surrender if possible, otherwise Stand
Naturally, when you have this type of strategy, the house edge will be slightly higher. Yet, there is an optimal course of play that you can follow to guarantee your success. For starters, if you want to play live blackjack online or the analogous version, you will definitely benefit from understanding how the two-deck blackjack strat works.
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4-8 Card Decks Blackjack Strategy When Dealer Stops at a Soft 17
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Dealers up card
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Your hand
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H
Hit
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P
Split
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S
Stand
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Ph
If possible Split, otherwise Hit
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Ds
Double up if possible, otherwise Stand
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Dh
Double if possible, if not, Hit
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Rh
Split if possible, otherwise Hit
Things will indeed change a little if the dealer stops at soft 17, as you will want to play smartly, too. So, if you are going to play this version of the game, you can hit if you have a soft 17, as you will be able to adapt and avoid falling through. In fact, you can hit even if you have a soft 19 as the total will be 10 + 10 + 1 based on the ace. Refer to the sheet for the full details.
4-8 card Decks Blackjack Strategy When Dealer Draws at a Soft 17
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Dealers up card
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Your hand
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H
Hit
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S
Stand
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Ds
Double up if possible, otherwise Stand
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Dh
Double if possible, if not, Hit
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P
Split
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Ph
Split if possible, otherwise Hit
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Rh
Surrender if possible, otherwise Hit
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Rs
Surrender if possible, otherwise Stand
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Rp
Surrender if possible, otherwise Split
Falls der Dealer bei einer weichen 17 eine weitere Karte ziehen muss, dann gilt die obere Strategie. Im Großen und Ganzen ist die Strategie gleich, aber es gibt ein paar kleine Unterschiede. Sie sollten zum Beispiel keine Achter aufteilen, wenn der Dealer ein Ass hat.
What Probabilities Different Blackjack Combos Have?
Now that you know how to play blackjack online for money, it's time to look into an essential aspect of the winning combinations. Below, you will find a table that adequately summarizes your chances of drawing some specific combinations in the game.
| Blackjack Kombination | WProbability in % |
|---|---|
| Natural Blackjack | 4.80% |
| Hard 17-20 | 30.00% |
| Hard or Soft 1-16 | 38.70% |
As you can see, hitting a natural blackjack doesn't have a very high chance of success, but playing a hard or soft 1-16 is the best combination to pursue. However, you won't always have it, so it's good to use the reference charts we use to help you out.
How to Play the Different Hands in Blackjack
Now, if you want to try online blackjack gambling for money, you simply must catch yourself up to date with what types of hands there are. Actually, if you have been paying attention, you probably already know. Those are soft, hard, and pair hands which have various strengths. These hands will depend on what version of the game you are playing when you play. A good blackjack strategy card can get you ahead!
How to Play a Hard Hand without the Ace
Playing a hard hand without an ace is perhaps one of the most difficult situations to find yourself in. However, to make it work, you must stick to the time-tested practices, which dictate that you always draw an extra card if you have anything between 4 and 12. With some luck, you might end up turning the scales in your favor.
How to Play a Soft Hand with the Ace
You will want to draw when you have a soft hand with an ace. You will hit when you have 7, 8, or 9 and an ace as well. This gets you as close to victory as possible without ever needing to carry too much risk. Soft hands are definitely the best types of hands to have in your arsenal.
How to Play a Hand When You Have Pairs
Naturally, pairs are all part of the game, and you will want to know a thing or two when you get started. However, knowing what to do with these hands is equally important. Here is a quick reference on how to treat your pairs as per the list below:
- Split 22, 33, 66, 77, and 99 when the dealer has a 2 through 7
- Divide 44, 55 but never 10 10
- Always split 88 and AA
Blackjack Betting Systems
If you are interested in winning more out of your online blackjack session, you will surely want to pay attention to the best strategies out there and make the best of your experience. The best strategies are the ones you can put to immediate use. Since you can play blackjack for money online, it's time to check out what strategies you can leverage to make a win:
Most Popular Blackjack Strategies
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1-3-2-6
The 1-3-2-6 mixed betting system is very simple to follow through, and you will basically be betting on the success of 1, 3, 2, and 6 units provided that your wagers prove out to be successful.
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Parlay
The parlay blackjack betting system is quite familiar to any progressive system out there. Unlike Martingale, though, it allows you to bet in a sequence where you increase the number of units you bet at after each successful wager. Once you hit a loss, you return to the original number. So, you can start with $1, progress to $2, $4, and $6.
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D'Alembert
In D'Alembert, you will be betting one unit up for each loss and then one down for each win. So if you wager $1 and win, you go to $2, but if you lose, you go back to $1.
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Martingale
Martingale is a brilliant strategy and probably the easiest one to get into. This allows you to broaden your potential for winnings. Each time you lose at Martingale, you will double up the size of your bet.
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Fibonacci
The Fibonacci strategy is based on a sequence of numbers. The sequence is as follows: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. After each win, you bet the next number in the sequence, and after each loss, you go back to one number in the sequence.
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Oscar Grind
The Oscar Grind strategy is quite simple. You increase your bet by one unit for each win until you have made a profit. Once you do, return to the basic strategy.
Is there a blackjack perfect strategy? We believe that will mostly depend on your ability to adapt quickly and achieve the best possible results. An advanced blackjack strategy table can definitely help you get ahead!
Blackjack Card Counting
Counting card strategy is not easy, but it can help you to win quite a bit. This is not an online blackjack strategy, though, and you should keep that in mind!
By counting cards, you can boost your chance of a successful bet by 90%, which is a tremendous house edge that can leave casinos short of millions of dollars if you are capable enough and if the casino doesn't ask you to leave before long. The only hiccup here is that you must retain your focus and concentration, and learning how to count cards might require a partner and a fairly good understanding of maths.
So what is the best online blackjack for money strategy? We believe card counting is it. However, if you play blackjack for money online, you would need to stick to the charts we have posted here, as they will make it easier for you to follow the optimal course of play
Can You Make Money Playing Online Blackjack: Trusted Tips
There are various ways that you can use to improve your overall experience. Here is a list of tips that will help you get everything sorted out./p>
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The first tip is to play blackjack games with a 3:2, but avoid those that pay 6:5. Check the blackjack games with the lowest house edge and keep the basic strategy in mind. If the dealer has a 5 or a 6, they are very likely to have a strong hand that can easily go above 15 or 16 points.
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A critical part of the experience is to make sure that even when you use a system, you must play with small amounts because it's easy to miss out on a system and reach a blackjack table's limit. Even though counting cards may seem like a great idea, you will probably need a lot of practice to come even close to winning a lot this way.
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Always use the blackjack strategy charts we provide you here always to be one step ahead of the dealer. Do not take the insurance bet as it's generally considered a very poor choice. Remember the soft and hard hand rules that will allow you to win more.
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Make sure to prioritize any blackjack chart over any blackjack card counting guides. Remember, you cannot count cards online, unfortunately. Surrender is another option that simply doesn't make sense. You are already playing, so why not see it through?
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Remember that you want to place bets that will allow you to progressively increase the wagers after a series of losses in a bid to recover some of that loss, based on a proven strategy. If you can find a game with a single deck blackjack, keep in mind there may be some hidden rules. If a dealer has a 4 against your 10 and a 2, it's best to draw another card, even though you have a chance of busting. However, if you have any other 12 point combination, you should always stand.
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Some casinos may not be happy with you using a single betting strategy. Make sure to learn all strategies and change them often so that the dealers are not aware of what happens for a long, long time.
Bad Blackjack Strategies: Stay Away from Those!
Of course, there are some bad practices to avoid altogether. Players who are eager to make the most out of a session will have to avoid the so-called pitfalls that the game of blackjack sometimes introduces. We recommend checking these bad practices below and steer clear of them!
There is a common myth that drawing cards is bad, but it definitely isn't. There are many situations where you have to keep adding to your hand plain and simple. On the other hand, card counting is given way too much weight, which is not a great thing. Yes, it's a fantastic strategy, but mastering it takes so much time, and you can only put it to play in a physical casino.
Do not copy the dealer's style either, as you will notice that they have more information than you do. Last but not least, the insurance bet is a fraud. Why put down an additional bet when you can simply surrender. However, you must understand that blackjack is about following through with your decisions rather than avoiding action.
Ultimately, a perfect blackjack strategy is one that you can put to good use without any issues. The examples above aren’t.
Blackjack Glossary
To make sure that you play blackjack to the game's full potential, you will need to be familiar with the language. Our glossary will walk you through all the terms the game uses daily. Here they come:
| Advantage | An advantage in blackjack means that one party stands a good chance of securing your next hand. The term is used to denote the house edge that the dealer has. |
| Bankroll | This is the total amount of money you have in your casino account. |
| Blackjack | Blackjack is also a draw of the cards where you end up with an ace and a ten-value card. Natural blackjacks have only 5-6% of happening. |
| Bets | You can place different types of wagers, such as insurance and the regular betting amount. |
| Bust | If one party goes over 21 points which is the game's winning condition, they bust. |
| Dealer | The person who deals the cards and distributes the wagers. The dealer is automated online unless you play live blackjack. |
| Deck | A series of 52 cards is called a deck. Blackjack is played with anything between one and eight decks for most versions. |
| Double Down | If you are doubling down, you are doubling the amount you have wagered. |
| Early Surrender | Some versions of the game let you surrender early if you want to. |
| Hand | The hand is the cards you play to try and beat the dealer. |
| Hard Hand | A hard hand is a hand where the ace either cannot be used as an 11, or you don't have an ace in it. |
| Heads-Up | If you are playing heads-up blackjack, you are playing against the live dealer. |
| High Roller | A high roller player places big stakes and feels comfortable playing with them. |
| Insurance | Insurance is a type of bet that presupposes failure. |
| Martingale | Martingale is easily one of the most popular strategies available, and it will provide you with a great reference on how to make the best of your experience. |
| Push | If a push occurs, this means that both the dealer and player(s) have the same cards and value. A push can be resolved differently, but it's usually a draw unless it's a blackjack. |
| Resplit | If you have already split in a game of blackjack, the resplit means that you can split your hands even further. |
| Shoe | A shoe is a special place on a blackjack table where all the cards are kept for the dealer to use when needed. |
| Stand | If you stand, you are happy with the cards you have been dealt and want to play with them through the end of the round, you can just stand. |
| Soft hand | A soft hand is a hand that contains an ace and can be played at a value of either 1 or 11. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do you count cards in a game of blackjack?
If you are keen on counting cards in blackjack, you will need to use a system that will ascribe two values to the cards. Counting card strategy is not too difficult, but it requires exceptional skills, such as focus, mathematical understanding, and dedication to picking up the basics.
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What is the best card counting strategy?
There is no one card counting strategy. While there are some "golden standards," players continue to improve their strategy to avoid detection. Counting cards is legal, but not many casinos like it!
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How does blackjack work?
Blackjack is a very simple game where you try to build a hand that does not exceed 21 in card strength. You essentially want to beat the dealer without ever busting, and that can prove quite the challenge, but a fun one at that.
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How does the Martingale work when applied to blackjack?
Martingale works on one fundamental principle. If you win, you stick to your base bet. If you lose, you double it until you win, at which point you return to your original wager.
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