Online Blackjack is a popular card game that’s also known as 21. Players compete against one another and the dealer of the house. In order for players to win, they need to reach 21 or get as close as possible to the number. In recent years more South Africans are beginning to play this fast-paced game. We share our trusted guide of where the best casinos to play Blackjack are, different variations of the game, strategies, and how to play the game. Read on to learn about online blackjack.
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Blackjack Online Games
There are many versions of online blackjack available for free or for real money at South African online casinos. Learn more about these online blackjack variations available to SA players:
How to Play Online Blackjack
Playing Blackjack online is all about beating the dealer and getting as close to 21 as possible. Most South African players have greater odds against the house and can win large amounts of money. The steps of the game are simple to follow:
- Choose your Bet
Select the amount you want to bet by clicking on the chip.
- Place your bet
Click on the betting box to increase your bet. However, if you change your mind and what to decrease it you simply clear the betting box and start again.
- Deal the Hand
Click on the deal button and the dealer will hand out the cards. Make sure to take note of the dealer’s ‘face up’ card. Online Blackjack offers the convenience of showing the point value of their cards without them having to calculate it themselves.
- Play Your Hand
Choose whether you will click Hit, Stand, Split, or Double. If the dealer has a face-up Ace, you have the option of taking Insurance. Once you’re happy with the points, click Stand so the dealer can begin their turn.
- Hand Outcome
When the dealer has had their turn, there will be three possible outcomes: win, lose or push. When you win, it will show you how much you have won. If the dealer has won, that will be displayed. However, if it is a push, you and the dealer have tied and your bet will be returned.
- Play again
The table can either be cleared automatically or you click clear t start again. You can choose to wager again or use the repeat button to play using the same bet from the previous round.
Learn more about the real money casino games available at our top South African online casinos.
Online Blackjack Tips
In its origins, Blackjack was a game solely based on luck. However as it has progressed, the game requires skill and some luck to win. Here are a few Blackjack tips that you can take into consideration when playing the game online. The main aim of the game is to reach 21 and beat the dealer of the house.
- Don’t bet with money you do not have.
- Understand basic strategies for winning Blackjack online
- Do check dealers’ cards before making a decision
Variations of Online Blackjack Games
Perfect Blackjack
The version of Blackjack allows you to put side bets on whether yourself, the dealer or even both are dealt with the same card. Should the two cards be a perfect pair, the payout can be up to 25 to 1.
Atlantic City
This version of Blackjack is named after the city it originated from. In the game, the dealer will stand up to 17 and check if they have a Blackjack. Players can split their cards up to three times.
European Blackjack
This version uses two decks of cards and there is no hole card. Doubling down is limited and players can only do so if they have 9, 10, or 11. This is contrary to the American version where players do what they wish.
Blackjack Switch
This version requires a player to play two hands simultaneously. Once the first four cards are removed, players have the choice of switching the top card from each hand to increase their chances of winning. The side bet, which is known as a Super Match pays out the first four cards if they have up to three of a kind.
Live Blackjack
This online version allows players get to enjoy a virtual experience of online blackjack in real-time. They go against a live dealer. This option is available on most online casinos for players who want the thrill of a land-based casino in the comfort of their homes.
Blackjack surrender
Played similar to the original version of blackjack, this option gives players the opportunity to surrender after playing their first two cards. Players can also recover up to half their stake in the game.
Blackjack Glossary
Below are a few standard terms and abbreviations that are used during the game of online Blackjack:
Hit: This is when you are given another card.
Stand: Players choose this option to remain still and not receive more cards.
Bust: This means that your total card value exceeds 21 and you lose your bet.
Insurance: Players use this as a side bet when they believe the dealer may have a blackjack.
Push: When you and the dealer have the same points. You don’t win anything.
Soft: This is when your hand is flexible because of an Ace.
Split: When a player splits two cards with the same value into two hands.
Double Down: When you double your bet and get one card.
Surrender: Not playing so that you can keep half your bet.
BSE: This stands for Basic Strategy Edge and means you have better odds when using it.
DOA: When you double down with any card.
D10/11: Doubling down with a 10 or 11.
DAS: This only happens when you double down with a split.
ESR: Early surrender is permitted. This happens when the dealer has a blackjack.
LSR: You lose half of your bet when the dealer hits 21, without a blackjack.
Hard value/H17: When the dealer hits a 17.
Soft value/S17: When the dealer stands on 17.
O/U: A bet that is over or under 13.
RSA: When Re-Splitting Aces is permitted.
History of Blackjack Online
Blackjack is a popular game found in many casinos around the world however its history is hotly debated. It has become widely accepted to have originated in France and evolved from there. Blackjack rose to popularity in the early 18th century. King Louis XV regularly played the card game. It was known as Vingt-en-un, which means twenty-one in French.
The French version of the game was inspired by the Spanish and Italian versions. Due to this, it became popular because the game required skill and not just luck to win. In the earlier days of the game, a betting round was added in between the cards were dealt and in other games, the second card was made visible for all players to see. The dealer could make their own decisions on how to play their hand. As the game progressed and the game more regulated, dealers also ended up adhering to the mandatory rules set up for Blackjack. They would have to hit up to 26 or stand on 17.
As the game was introduced in America, some rules of the game were changed with new rules being added. The rules were declared legal in 1931 by the State of Nevada.
Online Blackjack Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play online Blackjack for free?
Most online casinos have free online games. Blackjack online is available on most online casinos in South Africa. When you play for free, you get to sharpen your skills and practice the various strategies that you can implement when playing for real money.
How do Blackjack online odds work?
The value of the odds will differ depending on the combinations that come up. This is never set with each game being different. The odds and probability of drawing a specific card of any value stands at 7.69%. The odds of drawing a card that is a 10, Jacks, Queens, or Kings stands at 30.7%.
How does online Blackjack work?
The main goal is to reach 21 before the dealer. Should either the dealer or the player have 21, the one closest will win the round. The dealer hands out the cards and players can accept more cards or stop with the number of cards they have.
What is the biggest mistake you can make in online Blackjack?
The biggest mistake a player can make is hitting a 19 or 21. Players need to be alert and well aware of the game so that they don’t make the mistake.
Can I count cards while playing online Blackjack?
Yes, you can count the cards however it is very hard to do so. The reason for this is because the computer generates the cards at a high speed and most online casino machines re-shuffle the cards between every hand.
How can I win at online Blackjack?
Winning Blackjack online goes down to luck. The way to improve your chances of winning is to know the game. You can practice Blackjack strategies online with free versions of the game.