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When to Hit in Blackjack

A \"hit\" simply means asking the dealer for another card.

A basic strategy could be to ‘hit’ when your total is 14 or below, depending on the dealer’s showing card and the online casino's rules.

For instance: With a total of 12, it’s usually advantageous to hit. The odds of receiving a card valued under 10 are in your favor, reducing your risk of busting.

Here’s a handy guide on when to hit or stand:

Hard Totals

Situations without an Ace in your hand total.

Soft Totals

Situations including an Ace, giving your total more flexibility.

When to Stand in Blackjack

Choosing to “stand” means you’re opting not to take any more cards from the dealer.

A player typically chooses to stand when they feel confident their hand is strong enough to outdo the dealer, usually on totals of 15 and above, depending upon the dealer’s visible card.

For example: If your hand sums up to 17, you might still consider hitting, but the risk of busting is now more significant. Given the dealer's shown card, standing might be the more strategic choice.

For additional insights on when to stand, refer to the chart further up under “Show More”.

When to Double Down in Blackjack

Doubling down means you’re increasing your original bet while committing to receive only one extra card from the dealer.

For example, if your total is 10 or 11 and the dealer’s upcard is below 10, it’s often wise to double down, as the likelihood of drawing a ten or face card is high. However, your decision must also consider what the dealer is showing and the casino's specific rules.

Keep in mind – doubling down means you’re doubling your wager, and you only receive one additional card. If that card helps you win, you'll profit doubly; if it doesn’t, you’ll lose double.

Here’s a cheat sheet to help you decide when to double down:

When to Split in Blackjack

A “split” is an option only if you start with a pair.

When you “split”, that pair transforms into two distinct hands, effectively doubling the number of hands on the table and the total wager.

For instance, if you receive two 8s, you can split them. This results in two hands worth 8 each, each receiving an additional card, and you’ll play both hands like you would a single hand – choosing to hit, stand, double down, or even split again.

Knowing when to split can be somewhat tricky; it largely depends on the pair you have and the dealer's upcard. Remember these three key points when considering a split:

• Avoid splitting a winning hand. If you find yourself with two 10s, resist the urge to split – you already possess a total value of twenty, which is typically a winning hand.
• Only split favourable cards. You’re effectively creating new hands, so only consider splitting cards that can result in stronger totals. For instance, splitting a pair of fours (which is not advantageous) won’t benefit you much; you'll likely end up with two hands of low value.
• Splitting doubles your wager. Just be aware of what that entails – while it can amplify your potential gains, it also heightens your potential losses.

Here’s a cheat sheet for when to split:

When to Surrender

Surrender your hand to recoup half your wager

If you feel your hand stands little chance of winning, you have the option to surrender, limiting your loss to just half of your bet instead of risking your entire amount. There are two types of surrenders: early and late.

Early surrender occurs before the dealer verifies for blackjack and is only available in specific online variants. This option is unavailable once you've made a move. Late surrenders are more commonly found both online and offline, allowing you to surrender your hand after the dealer checks for a natural blackjack, provided they haven't pulled 21.

For a general rule regarding early surrenders , consider surrendering if you have:

• A hard 5-7
• A hard 12-17
• A pair of 3s, 6s, 7s, or 8s

If the dealer reveals a 10, surrender if you have a hard total of 14-16.

When it comes to late surrenders , your decision should depend heavily on the number of decks in play. Strategies surrounding late surrendering are intricate, hence we recommend familiarising yourself with the topic before diving in.

When to Buy Insurance

Short answer: don’t.

Once the initial deal is complete, if the dealer shows an ace, you’ll be presented with the option to buy insurance. Generally speaking, this is rarely a smart move, as the odds work against you. However, if you’re a player who trusts their instincts, understand when it could be advantageous to buy insurance.

Insurance acts as a side bet. To purchase insurance, you’ll need to wager an amount equal to half your initial bet. If the dealer reveals a natural blackjack, you win this side bet. Insurance typically pays at 2 to 1, so you would break even on your initial hand if you win. Conversely, if the dealer does not have a blackjack, you would lose your insurance wager.

As a rule of thumb, if you already possess two 10s or face cards, it’s inadvisable to buy insurance, regardless of whether the dealer is showing an ace. This is especially valid in live dealer games where other players have similar cards – it's fairly unlikely the dealer will turn over a 10-value card (although it's not impossible).

When to Make Side Bets

Raise the stakes a bit

Insurance is the most prevalent side bet, but there are additional options, such as perfect pairs and 21+3. Perfect pairs bets are based on the likelihood of your two cards sharing the same value, while 21+3 combines your two cards with the dealer's upcard to form various combinations. Side bets should only be placed when you're feeling a stroke of luck or have funds you can spare.

Perfect pairs are rare, hence they come with higher payouts. They also carry a higher house edge, typically ranging between 2% to 11% or more. The various pair types include:

• Mixed Pair: two cards of equal value but different suits/colors – pays 5:1
• Colored Pair: two cards of identical value and color – pays 12:1
• Perfect Pair: two exact matching cards – pays 25:1

21+3 pays out for various combinations (and possibly more, as specified by the online casino you are playing with):

• Flush: all cards of the same suit – pays 5:1
• Straight: all cards in sequential order – pays 10:1
• Three of a Kind: three cards of equal value but differing suits – pays 30:1
• Straight Flush: consecutive cards of the same suit – pays 40:1
• Suited Triple: three of the same exact card – pays 100:1

Engaging in these kinds of bets is something you should consider only when you're feeling particularly fortunate, have a good instinct for the game, or if you're in a position to lose the cash without feeling the pinch. If your budget is tight, it’s advisable to steer clear of side wagers altogether.

Classic Blackjack

This popular twist on Blackjack allows players to experience the classic casino vibe in an online environment, complete with a live dealer handling the cards in real-time.

It’s a fantastic choice for those who desire the authenticity of a live casino but also appreciate the flexibility of playing from a computer or mobile device.

Live Dealer Blackjack

This particular version of real money blackjack online offers players options like late surrenders, doubling after a split, re-splitting Aces, and the assurance that a player’s 21 beats the dealer’s. Players can double down on any number of cards, and there are variable payouts depending on how one reaches 21, from 5, 6, or 7-card 21s to three suited 7s. Live dealer blackjack European blackjack stands out as a well-liked variation that introduces subtle yet significant changes compared to traditional real money blackjack. A key distinction is the use of only two decks, while others often employ six to eight. In this version, there is no hole card, and the dealer only draws their second card once players have finalized their hands. Doubling down is also restricted, as players can only do so if their total hand value is between 9 and 11.

Spanish 21

This version strictly utilizes one deck of cards. In the past, a single deck was the norm, but casinos have since moved towards multi-deck setups to complicate card counting.

European Blackjack

In double exposure blackjack, both of the dealer's cards are dealt face-up, providing players with a clear advantage for their subsequent decisions. To counter this, players only receive even money for a blackjack instead of the typical 3:2 payout, and ties result in the player losing their bet.

Single Deck Blackjack

A few additional rules apply here: players cannot surrender, insurance is unavailable, and some games might limit doubling down or splitting based on your initial hand.

Double Exposure Blackjack

This version employs eight decks shuffled together and resembles classic blackjack, albeit with a few alterations. If the dealer holds an Ace or a 10-valued card as their hole card, they will peek at the other card to check for a blackjack. If they do have one, you lose your initial stake.

Moreover, the dealer must stand on any soft 17s, and players can only opt to surrender after the dealer has taken a peek.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Blackjack Switch is a relatively recent addition to the blackjack family, invented by a card counter named Geoff Hall. In this variation, players are dealt two separate hands and can swap the two top cards if it leads to stronger hands. Hall came up with this concept out of frustration with being dealt two weak hands that could benefit from switching their top cards.

All the standard blackjack rules remain in play. When it comes to payouts for a blackjack, it’s even money, but if the dealer reaches a hard 22, it results in a push against all other hands, except a natural blackjack.

Blackjack Switch

Progressive blackjack involves a side bet where standard rules still apply. Similar to other progressive games, the jackpot grows incrementally with each unsuccessful round, and to claim it, you need a hand showcasing four aces of the same suit.

Different casinos may have various payouts for alternative winning combinations: $25 for any two aces, $50-$200 for a pair of suited aces, $250 for three aces, $2500 for three suited aces, and a whopping 10% of the pot or $1500 for four aces.

Progressive Blackjack

Free Blackjack vs. Real Money Blackjack

Most casinos provide a demo mode that allows players to enjoy a selection of their games without charge. This enables you to familiarize yourself with the rules, experiment with different strategies, and determine if the casino is the right fit before committing any real cash. We suggest practicing in demo mode until you feel completely comfortable with the game mechanics or if you’re looking for a no-pressure, cost-free gaming experience.

Bust

The mathematical edge that the casino has over players is what ensures they remain profitable over time. The house edge will fluctuate depending on the game type and specific casino.

Even Money

If the dealer displays an ace, players can buy insurance. If the dealer is fortunate enough to uncover a blackjack, players can recoup some of their wager. This is typically available in American Blackjack.

Hole Card

A hand consisting of two cards of the same rank (for example, two 10s) is known as a pair. Players have the option to split them if they so choose.

House Edge

When you tie with the dealer, meaning both of you have the same hand value, your stake is returned, resulting in neither a win nor a loss.

Insurance

Also known as a prop bet, this refers to placing a bet based on an occurrence in the game that’s separate from the standard Blackjack rules.

Pair

Blackjack serves as both the name of the game and a specific winning hand. When either you or the dealer is dealt an Ace alongside a ten-value card (like a ten or face card) as your initial two cards, this hand is identified as a blackjack. The player who is dealt this winning combination automatically claims victory for that round.

Push

If your total exceeds 21, this is designated as a ‘bust’, leading to a loss of that hand and your corresponding bet.

Side Bet/Proposition Bet

If, after both you and the dealer have finished taking cards, your hand surpasses the dealer's total without exceeding 21, you emerge victorious! Typically, your payout consists of your original wager returned plus the same amount again. So, if you bet $10 and win, your total payout would be $20.