Among the most popular casino games today is Blackjack. Not only that, but it has long been one of the most played games in the history of casino gaming, but the online format simply added to its popularity.
Playing Blackjack online – or a game of 21 as it’s also known – allows you to try your chances at the classic game from anywhere you have internet access. No matter how you decide to play, it’s important to understand how a typical game unfolds.
This can help you make better decisions about how you approach the game, as well as what types of variations you might want to try. In this article, we’ll walk through the flow of an online Blackjack game from start to finish.
1. Joining A Table
The first step in playing online Blackjack is joining a table, which in the case of online casinos, means selecting a game. Where in land-based establishments you would sit at a table, online Blackjack involves logging onto your chosen provider’s website and choosing a game from the list of variations.
Each game can offer different styles of gameplay, rule variations, and even live dealer options.
2. Placing Your Bet
Once you’ve chosen a table, you’ll start the game by placing your bet through the online interface. The minimum and maximum bet amounts vary depending on the table.
In most online Blackjack games, you do this by selecting your chip value and clicking on the betting area. Once all players have placed their bets, the dealer begins dealing the cards. In the case of online Blackjack, the dealer is the software.
3. Dealing The Cards
Each player, including the dealer, is dealt two cards. In most Blackjack games, you’ll receive your cards face up and the dealer has one card face up and the other face down.
Card values are as follows:
- Numbered cards (two to 10) are worth their face value.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points.
- Aces can be worth either one or 11 points, depending on which value you think you will benefit from more.
The goal of Blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible – closer than the dealer – without exceeding it.
4. Player Decisions
Once the cards are dealt, each player decides how to proceed. The available options include:
- Hit: Request an additional card to try and improve your total.
- Stand: Keep your current total and end your turn.
- Double Down: Double your initial bet and receive only one more card.
- Split: If you have two cards of the same value, you have the option to split them into two separate hands, doubling your bet.
If your hand exceeds 21, you “bust” and automatically lose the round.
5. Dealer’s Turn
After all players have acted, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must follow specific rules (although this can slightly alter depending on the variation you’re playing):
- If their total is 16 or lower, they must hit.
- If their total is 17 or higher, they must stand (some variations require the dealer to hit on a “soft 17,” which is a hand containing an Ace valued at 11).
6. Determining The Winner
Once the dealer completes their turn, the results are determined:
- If your hand is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, you receive a 1:1 payout on your bet.
- If you get Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card), you typically receive a 3:2 payout.
- If the dealer busts and you haven’t, you receive a payout.
- If both you and the dealer have the same total, it’s a “push,” and your bet is returned.
- If the dealer has a higher total without busting, you lose your bet.
Online Blackjack follows the same core rules as traditional Blackjack, just with the extra features of faster gameplay, more variations – like live dealer games – and advanced graphics.
By understanding the game flow, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and select the right game for you.