How to Play 21 (Blackjack)
Playing blackjack online or via the Spin Palace casino app, is pretty straightforward: get as close to 21 as you can without going over.
First, you'll receive two cards. The blackjack casino dealer gets two as well, but only one is face-up. Your goal? Decide whether to hit (take one more card) or stand (stick with the hand you have).
Feeling confident? You can also double down, increasing your bet in exchange for just one more card. Or, if you’ve got a pair, split them into two separate hands to double your chances.
Blackjack Betting Strategies
The following strategies can be implemented when playing at a blackjack online casino like Spin Palace:
- Hard Hand: Play blackjack online with this strategy when your hand doesn’t contain an Ace, or if the Ace counts as 1 (not 11). The key here is to play conservatively. For example, if you have a hard 17, it's usually best to stand, as the risk of busting is high if you take another card.
- Soft Hand: A soft hand in online blackjack involves a hand with an Ace counted as 11. This gives you more flexibility, as you can’t bust with a single hit. For example, if you have a soft 18 (Ace + 7), you might consider hitting, as there's less risk compared to a hard hand. Adjust your strategy depending on the dealer’s upcard.
- Split Hand: When you’re dealt a pair during your blackjack game, you can split them into two separate hands, doubling your bet. This is particularly effective with high-value pairs like 8s or Aces. Splitting gives you two chances to win, but remember, it's essential to know when to split and when to stand firm.
Online Blackjack Rules
The first question to ask, ‘What is online blackjack?’, should be followed by, ‘What are the online blackjack rules?’:
- The Objective: Aim to have a hand value closer to 21 than the online blackjack dealer without exceeding 21. Going over 21 means you bust and lose the round.
- Card Values: Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value, face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10, and Aces can either have a value of 1 or 11, depending on what benefits your hand.
- Dealing: Online blackjack players receive two cards face-up, while the dealer gets one card face-up and one face-down (the hole card). The game starts with the player’s turn.
- Hitting and Standing: Players can choose to hit (take another card) or stand (keep their current hand). The dealer must hit until their hand totals 17 or higher.
- Doubling Down: Players can double their original bet in exchange for one additional card. This is a common move when you play online blackjack and have a strong hand, like a total of 10 or 11.
- Splitting Pairs: If you're dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands, with an additional bet matching your original wager. This increases your chances but requires careful decision-making.
- Blackjack Payout: A natural blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) pays 3:2, meaning you win 1.5 times your bet if you hit blackjack.
- Insurance Bet: If the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, you can take insurance against the dealer having a blackjack. This side bet typically pays 2:1 but comes with a risk, as it can lower your overall winnings.
Online Blackjack Tips
To achieve your best online blackjack outcome, take note of the following tips:
- Know When to Stand: Standing on 17 or higher is usually a safe bet, as the risk of busting is high if you hit.
- Always Split Aces and 8s: Splitting these pairs increases your chances of winning by creating two strong hands.
- Avoid the Insurance Bet: While it might seem tempting, insurance often isn’t worth the risk, as it cuts into your blackjack game’s profits over time.
- Double Down on 10 or 11: If your total is 10 or 11, doubling down can maximise your winnings, especially if the dealer shows a weak card.
- Practice Bankroll Management: Set a budget before you play online blackjack for real money and stick to it. This helps ensure you enjoy the game without overspending.
- Study the Dealer’s Upcard: Adjust your strategy based on the dealer’s face-up card. A low card (2-6) means they’re more likely to bust, so you can play more aggressively.
- Use Basic Strategy Charts: These charts provide the best move for any hand you’re dealt, helping you make the most mathematically sound decisions when you play blackjack online real money games.
