How to Play Online Blackjack: Tips, Tricks & FAQs

Blackjack, otherwise known as the game of 21, is one of the world's most popular casino games, and for good reason. Unlike games that rely on luck, blackjack offers an element of control, bringing strategic decisions into the mix. Learning elements like the basic rules, strategies, card values, and blackjack side bets can make all the difference between securing the dub or walking away with an L.

From card counting to blackjack cheat sheets, we have everything you need to know in this beginner's guide to playing online blackjack at Rivalry. Ready to turn the tables in your favor? Let's go!

The Basics of Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the easier card games to learn, like baccarat, fast-paced, and gives players a shot at making strategic decisions that can tilt the odds into their favor.

The goal of blackjack is the same, whether you're playing at online casinos or a brick-and-mortar casino—beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's, without going over. If you hit 22 or more, that's called a "bust."

Blackjack Card Values: What's in Your Hand?

Before playing for real, you'll need to know the card values in blackjack.

• Number Cards (2 - 10): These cards are worth exactly what they say. For example, a 3 of Hearts is worth 3.
• Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): Each is worth 10 points.
• Ace: The chameleon of cards, the Ace, is worth either 1 or 11, depending on which value helps your hand more.

Your hand's value in a blackjack game is simply the sum of your cards, and the trick is knowing when to stop adding more to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.

How to Play Online Blackjack

A typical round of the blackjack at an online casino goes like this:

1) Place Your Bet: Before any cards are dealt, you'll decide how much of your cash (or casino chips if playing in a land-based casino) you want to wager.

2) Cards Are Dealt: Both you and the dealer get two cards. Your cards are dealt face-up, but one of the dealer's cards stays hidden.

3) Your Turn: As a player, you make a decision first. The most common decisions players will make are hit or stand, but here's a complete list of your options:

• Hit: Taking another card from the deck to get closer to 21.
• Stand: Stick with what you've got already.
• Double Down: Double your initial bet, but take only one card.
• Split: If your two cards have the same value, you can split them into two separate hands.
• Surrender: Wave the white flag and surrender your hand if you think it's unfavorable (not all online casinos will allow this, though).

4) Dealer's Turn: Once you've played, the dealer's face-down card is revealed. They will then follow strict preset rules—usually hitting until they have at least 17.

5) Who Wins? If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's, you'll win! If you have an Ace and a 10, you'll have a natural blackjack and automatically win! If the dealer busts, you'll also win that way. If they have more points than you, the dealer wins, and you'll lose your bet.

Choosing the Right Online Blackjack Casino

Picking the right online casino is a crucial step. A good casino can enhance your blackjack experience, making it fun, safe, and rewarding. On the other hand, a bad one can leave a sour taste in your mouth for sure.

We'll say it now—Rivalry is the online casino you've been looking for. With thrilling live blackjack action, epic odds, and a Gen Z-friendly vibe, Rivalry delivers an unforgettable experience. Plus, we offer all the professionalism of licensing, regulation, customer transparency, and responsible gambling tools, making Rivalry the best choice out there.

Anyway, here's how you can find the right blackjack casino for you:

Licensing & Security

Before registering and going all in, ensure the online casino you've chosen is licensed by a reputable authority. Licensing isn't just for show; it ensures the online casino follows strict regulations, protecting your money and personal data. For instance, Rivalry is a safe bet as we are governed, licensed, and overseen by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.

You should also look for SSL encryption (look for the little padlock in the URL) to guarantee your data is safe. No encryption? No, thank you!

User Experience: How Easy Is It To Navigate?

When browsing online casinos, you'll want a platform that's easy to navigate. Luckily for you, Rivalry's user interface is easier to navigate than Pornhub! You'll also want to look for platforms that are:

• Intuitive: Menus, games, and account settings should be easy to find.
• Responsive: Whether you're using a PC or mobile, the site should run smoothly without significant wait times or lag.
• Mobile-Friendly: Most casino players nowadays love gaming on the go. Make sure your chosen casino is mobile-optimized or has dedicated mobile apps. Bonus points if they have one for both iOS and Android!

By considering these factors, you'll set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable blackjack experience. Remember: the right online casino isn't about flashy graphics or big promises—it's about trust, game variety, and a user-friendly experience.

Online Blackjack Table Variations

Not all online casinos are created equal when it comes to game variety. If you're serious about playing online blackjack, make sure your online casino offers the versions you want.

You may also be interested in trying other casino games when you want to spice things up from playing blackjack: Rivalry has over 500 games, including online slots, live game shows, and other classic table games.

All of Rivalry's live dealer blackjack games are supplied by Evolution Gaming, a world-class and trusted live dealer game provider.

Here are some of the most popular blackjack variations available on our site:

• Classic Blackjack
• European Blackjack
• American Blackjack
• Infinite Blackjack
• Lightning Blackjack
• Blackjack Switch
• Bonus Bet Blackjack

These blackjack games offer a more immersive and thrilling experience than traditional online blackjack while faithfully following many of the same rules as the OG.

Bonuses & Promotions: What's In It For You?

Rivalry has so much more than just casino games. We offer exciting rewards for players who choose us. Here's what you can expect to see when signing up:

• Lucrative Welcome Bonus: New players can earn a 100% deposit match of up to $100 with our welcome bonus
• Ongoing Promotions: Other bonuses include free spins, cashback, deposit bonuses, and more
• Refer-A-Friend: Share your unique Refer-A-Friend referral code, and when they sign up, you both score bonus funds!
• $NUTZ: Rivalry's native cryptocurrency, $NUTZ, are designed with real-world utility in mind.
• VIP Program: $NUTZ holders climb the VIP Program, earning exclusive rewards and a dedicated VIP Manager.

Pro Tip: Always read the terms and conditions to check qualifying games and minimum bets qualify for specific promotions.

Reputation: What Do Other Players Think?

The Internet is your best friend when determining the reputation of online casinos. Check online casino reviews and player feedback on forums like Reddit or trusted review sites.

Consider it a red flag if you see patterns of complaints about poor customer service or rigged games. Conversely, consistent praise for reliability, fairness, and fast payouts is a green light to create an account.

Payment Options: Fast, Flexible & Secure

Your chosen online casino should make depositing and withdrawing money as painless and smooth as possible. Rivalry offers a wide range of trusted payment options to get you your winning ASAP, including:

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, MuchBetter)
• Cryptocurrency (Over 400+ wallets supported, with BTC, ETH, SOL, LTC, DOGE, and XRP supported)
• Bank Transfers
• Cash Vouchers

There are typically no transaction fees when depositing or withdrawing with Rivalry but always check the fine print. You must always withdraw using the same method as your deposit. If this isn't possible, contact customer support, who will search for a suitable alternative for your account and region.

Customer Support: They've Got Your Back

Test the responsiveness and helpfulness of customer support before fully committing to playing online blackjack. A reliable online casino—cough—like Rivalry—cough—will offer responsive and trusted player support, with multiple methods of obtaining help and knowledgeable, friendly staff waiting to get to the bottom of your problem.

You can get quick answers from Rivalry's FAQ Help Center or reach out through:

• Live chat (accessible at the page footer)
• Email: [email protected]
• Social Media: X, Discord, Telegram

Basic Blackjack Strategies

With the right strategies, you can give yourself the best possible chance of winning blackjack. Here are some basic blackjack tips you should remember when you're next playing.

Blackjack Odds & RTP

Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill and strategy matter. The house edge in blackjack can be as low as 0.5% if you play your cards right. Without a solid strategy, though, you're handing the casino a significant advantage.

Understanding blackjack probabilities can help influence and guide your decision-making. For instance:

• The dealer has around a 28% chance of busting if their face-up card is a 5 or 6.
• If your hand totals 16, hitting gives you around a 60% chance of improving your hand without busting, meaning a win is almost guaranteed.

Know When to Hit or Stand

When playing online blackjack, you'll face five decisions when comparing your hand to the dealer's face-up card: "hit," "stand," "double down," "split," and "surrender." However, most blackjack players focus on hitting or standing to keep things simple. Should you take another card or stick with what you have?

Let’s make things easy:

• Hit if your blackjack hand is low (typically 8 - 12).
• Stand if your hand is solid (17 or higher) or the dealer is likely to bust (their face-up card is 5, 6, or higher).

Basic Strategy Charts

A basic strategy chart is your best friend when playing at a blackjack table. It's like having a cheat sheet that tells you the optimal moves in almost every situation.

Here’s how it works: The chart shows what you should do (hit, stand, double down, split) based on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card. The chart will typically be in a table format, where the player’s total is listed along the vertical axis, and the dealer’s upcard is along the horizontal line.

Blackjack cheat sheets simplify optimal strategies through mathematical analysis and computer simulations, making them ideal for beginners. However, they aren't foolproof and won't guarantee victory every time.

Rules to Remember

• Stand on hands above 17.
• Hit on hands that are 12 - 15 when the dealer's hand consists of 7 or more.
• Hit on hands 8 or below.
• Double Down on 11 unless the dealer's upcard is an Ace.
• Always split Aces.
• Never take the Insurance bet.
• Never split on 10's and 5's.

Consider these as starting tips—feel free to tweak and apply them to your blackjack strategies or betting plans as you go.

Big Brain Energy: Advanced Blackjack Strategies

Once you've got the basics down, it's time to level up your game. Advanced strategies can help refine your skills, reduce the house edge, and make smarter decisions at the virtual blackjack table.

Card Counting

Counting cards is the holy grail of blackjack strategies. The basic idea is to track whether the deck is rich in high-value cards (10s and Aces) or low-value cards (2-6). This will influence whether the player hits, stands, doubles down, or splits.

The Hi-Lo system is most commonly used, assigning point values to cards:

• 2–6: +1 (low cards)
• 7–9: 0 (neutral)
• 10, Face Cards, Aces: -1 (high cards)

Players track a running count, with a positive count indicating a deck rich in high cards, which is advantageous for the player. When accounting for multiple decks, the running count is divided by the number of decks remaining to calculate the true count, reflecting the player's actual advantage.

Can You Count Cards Online?

Not really. AI online blackjack typically uses a random number generator (RNG) or continuous shuffling machines (CSM), making it impossible to track the deck. However, live dealer blackjack games like the ones hosted on Rivalry typically see the decks reshuffled after several hands, making it theoretically possible to count cards, although it may be harder if one or more decks are used.

Bankroll Management

Managing your bankroll is the golden rule of online gambling and is non-negotiable when playing blackjack. It's not just about how much you bet per game; it's about ensuring you can withstand losing streaks without wiping out.

Set a win goal and a loss limit before you start playing. For example, you could stop playing when you've won 50% of your bankroll or lost 20%. You should also divide your bankroll into smaller units, like 1% of your total bankroll. Minimum bets for blackjack on Rivalry start at $1.

Progressive Betting Systems

Progressive betting systems involve adjusting your bet size based on previous outcomes. These are popular blackjack betting strategies but come with their own risks. Let's break them down:

• Martingale System: Double your bet after every loss. The idea is that when you eventually win, you'll recoup your losses and make a profit equal to your original bet.
• Paroli System: Increase your bet after a win instead of a loss, aiming to capitalize on winning streaks.

Side Bets and When to Use Them

Many online blackjack games feature side bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3. These bets offer the potential for bigger payouts but also come with the risk of a higher house edge. You must place a main bet on either the player's hand, the dealer's hand, or a tie, meaning you run the risk of losing more money.

Here are the different side bet options in blackjack:

Perfect Pairs

This side bet wins if your first two cards form a pair:

• Mixed Pair: Same rank, different colors/suits
• Colored Pair: Same rank, same color, different suits
• Perfect Pair: Same rank and suit

21+3

Wins are based on your first two cards, plus the dealer's upcard, forming:

• Flush: Same suit
• Straight: Sequential numbers, mixed suits
• Three of a Kind: Same rank, different suits
• Straight Flush: Sequential numbers, same suit
• Suited Trips: Three identical cards

Lucky Ladies

Wins occur if your two cards total 20:

• Unsuited 20: Different suits
• Suited 20: Same suit
• Matched 20: Two identical Queens

Online Blackjack FAQs

Where can I play blackjack online?

You can play online blackjack with Rivalry! Our casino platform is licensed and regulated under the oversight of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, ensuring fair play and security. You must be 18+ (19 in Ontario) to create an account.

Is online blackjack legal?

The legality of online blackjack depends on your location. In some regions, it's legal and regulated. In others, it's restricted or prohibited entirely. Always check local gambling laws before playing.

Can online Blackjack dealers hear you?

No, the live dealers hosting online blackjack games cannot hear you. If you want to communicate with them or other players in the lobby, you can do so using the live chat system.

How many decks are in online blackjack?

Online blackjack typically uses between one and eight decks, with six or eight decks being most common in live dealer games.

Can you count cards in online blackjack?

Card counting is more difficult in online blackjack, as live dealer games tend to use multiple decks with automatic shuffling, making card counting less effective.

Is online blackjack rigged?

Online blackjack is not inherently rigged, but it can be risky on unlicensed or unregulated platforms. Reputable casinos will use certified RNGs or professionally trained live dealers to ensure fair play.

Are there demo modes for free games of blackjack?

Since online blackjack is hosted live in real-time by Evolution Gaming, demo play is not possible. You can, however, sit back and watch the action play out without betting a single cent, getting a feel for the game without risking any money.

Final Thoughts

Now that you're armed with everything from the basics to advanced strategies, you're ready to dive into the exciting world of online blackjack! With the right game plan, solid bankroll management, and a bit of luck on your side, you can have a fun and rewarding experience—especially when you choose to play on Rivalry's licensed, secure, and safe platform.

GLHF, always play responsibly, and may the cards be ever in your favor! 🃏🤑

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