Mastering online casino blackjack: A winning player’s handbook

Blackjack has been a beloved casino game for a long time, even before the rise of virtual gambling. It has made several appearances in popular movies and remains a timeless card game, combining simplicity and strategic thinking. And now, with the rise of online betting platforms, blackjack has maintained its status as a preferred game worldwide.

If you're looking for a top-notch online platform that offers high-quality casino blackjack games, look no further than Stake. This guide is the perfect page for learning more about this classic game.

Understanding casino blackjack

Although terms like ‘busting’ may seem unfamiliar, online casino blackjack is quite simple to learn and play. Online blackjack is essentially the virtual adaptation of the classic card game. The main difference is that you can now enjoy it through your internet-connected device, anytime and anywhere you want.

In the game, your goal is to achieve a hand value that exceeds the dealer's hand without surpassing a total of 21. It's important to avoid going over 21, as this results in busting and immediately ends the game for you. To play, a standard deck of 52 cards is used where each card holds a specific value.

• Number cards (2 to 10) hold their face value.
• Face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) are worth 10.
• Aces can be valued as either 1 or 11, depending on which value is more advantageous in the given situation.

At the beginning of the game, you will place your bets on various available betting options. Once the betting period is over, the dealer will proceed to deal two cards to each player, as well as to themselves. 

Typically, the dealer's first card is dealt face-up, allowing you to see it, while their second card, known as the hole card, is dealt face-down. Your cards are dealt face-up for everyone to see.

After receiving the initial two cards, it's time to analyse their values. You can add up the card values to assess whether your hand is considerably low and far from the target goal of 21, or if it's close to 21 and in a safe position. 

Blackjack playing decisions

Once you've evaluated your cards, it's up to you to decide on your next move. These decisions determine how you play your hand and can influence the game's outcome. You have several options, such as:

• Hit: If you believe your hand needs improvement, you can request an additional card from the dealer. You can continue hitting until you are satisfied with the value of your hand.

• Stand: If you are already satisfied with your hand's value, you can choose to stand. This means you decline any more cards and keep your current hand.

• Double down: If you think that one more card will improve your hand's value, you can opt to double down. This involves doubling your original bet and receiving one additional card.

• Split: If you are dealt two cards of the same rank, you can choose to split them into two separate hands. This requires an additional bet equal to your original wager. Each split hand is then played independently.

After making your move, the dealer will reveal their hole card. The dealer's actions are governed by specific rules, depending on the game variation.

You will then compare your hand with the dealer's to determine the winner. In blackjack, here are the winning hands to receive the corresponding payout.

• Natural blackjack: When your initial two cards add up to a hand value of 21. For example, an ace paired with a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King).
• Standard win: If your hand has a higher value than the dealer's without exceeding 21. This can happen if the dealer busts or if their hand value is lower than yours.
• Push: Push or tie happens if your hand and the dealer's hand have the same total value. In this case, your bet is returned, and no additional winnings or losses occur. 
• Insurance win: You win this only if you take the insurance side bet and the dealer has a natural blackjack.

Online casinos typically provide a wide range of betting options with competitive betting lines. Note that specific offerings may depend on the casino and variant. Here are some common blackjack betting types:

Standard bet

It is the primary and most common bet in blackjack, where you place a wager on your hand. Before the dealer starts dealing the cards, you are required to bet a specific amount. If you win the hand by having a higher hand value than the dealer without exceeding 21, the casino will pay out your winnings based on the odds set.

Double down

In blackjack, you can ‘double down’ after receiving your first two cards. In this bet, you will double your initial bet and receive one more card. The rules for doubling down can vary, such as being allowed only on the first two cards or after a split.

Split

Split is another betting option in blackjack that becomes available when you are dealt two cards of the same rank, such as two sixes (e.g., six of hearts and six of spades). With this bet, you can split the identical cards into two separate hands and play them independently.

Insurance

When the dealer's face-up card is an ace, you can opt for an 'insurance' bet. This is used to secure potential winnings, even if you believe the dealer has a strong hand. With this, you wager an additional amount, typically half of your original bet. If the dealer ends up having a blackjack, the insurance bet pays out at a rate of 2 to 1.

Side bets

Apart from the main bet, you may place optional side bets in blackjack. These side bets are separate wagers based on specific outcomes or combinations of cards. Here are a few common ones:

• Perfect pairs: You bet on whether your initial two cards will form a pair. The types of pairs you can bet on are the following:

• • Perfect pair - Wins when your initial two cards form a pair of the same rank and suit.
  • Coloured pair - Pays out when your initial two cards form a pair of the same rank and colour but different suits. 
  • Mixed pair - If your initial two cards form a pair of the same rank but different colours.

• 21+3: With this side bet, you combine your two initial cards with the dealer's face-up card to form a three-card poker hand. The goal is to create a poker hand with specific combinations, such as the following:

• • Flush - Three cards of the same suit.
  • Straight - Three consecutive cards of any suit.
  • Three of a kind - Three cards of the same rank.
  • Straight flush - Three consecutive cards of the same suit.
  • Suited three of a kind - Three cards of the same rank and suit.

• Royal match: Betting on whether your first two cards will be a King and Queen of the same suit.

Online casinos offer a plethora of blackjack variations, making it one of the advantages of playing online blackjack. When it comes to top-notch blackjack offerings, Stake stands out as one of the best platforms. 

Discover some of the exciting online blackjack games available at Stake:

Blackjack by Stake Originals

Blackjack by Stake Originals is a virtual card game run by a random number generator (RNG) that offers a simple and straightforward blackjack experience. The objective of the game is to beat the dealer's hand by either having a hand value higher than the dealer's or achieving a hand value of 21. Some key features include:

• The game is played with an unlimited number of decks.
•  Players have the option to split their hands once.
• After splitting a pair of aces, you cannot draw additional cards to those hands.
• You have the opportunity to double your initial bet on any two cards.

Live Blackjack by Evolution

If you're seeking an authentic blackjack experience that closely resembles playing at a physical casino, live blackjack is the way to go. Live blackjack is an online casino game that aims to replicate the atmosphere and excitement of a brick-and-mortar casino. Here’s how it works:

• Professional live dealers run and oversee the game.
• A high-quality video stream lets players watch the dealer and the blackjack table in real-time.
• Players use a user interface to place bets and make decisions during the game.
• Live blackjack has a chat function where you can interact with the dealer and other players.

Online blackjack tips and strategies

While blackjack does have a relatively high Return to Player (RTP) rate, there are more factors to enhance your winning chances. Plus, when playing online casino blackjack, you may have the opportunity to take advantage of generous bonuses and promotions, which can further increase your winnings!

Avoid insurance bets

Insurance bets in blackjack require you to bet an extra amount, usually half of your original bet. If you win an insurance bet, you only get back the amount you initially bet, so you don't make a profit. Moreover, the chances of winning an insurance bet are low because you can only win if the dealer has an ace and a ten-value card.

Stand on 17+

It’s best to stand on a hand with a value of 17 or higher, regardless of the dealer's face-up card. Taking additional cards becomes riskier at this point, as the chances of going over 21 increase and the number of beneficial cards decreases. It's usually more advantageous to hold the hand rather than trying to improve it further.

Split 8s and aces

Splitting eights creates two separate hands, which improves your situation compared to playing a hand of 16. Splitting aces is also recommended as it allows you to form two hands, each starting with an ace, with the potential to receive a ten-value card for a blackjack, which pays out at higher odds.

Don’t split 10s

A hand value of 20 is considered strong because it is close to the highest possible hand value of 21. When you have a total of 20, you already have a strong chance of winning the hand, and the likelihood of improving your hand further without risking busting is relatively low.

Online casino blackjack offers numerous benefits that make it an appealing choice for players. Explore each major advantage of the game to players to understand why it stands out as a top option.

Convenience

Online casino blackjack is convenient to play as it offers the flexibility to enjoy the game at any time and from any location! All you need is a compatible device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet, along with an internet connection, and you're ready to play online casino blackjack with ease.

Variations

Online casinos provide an extensive selection of blackjack variations, giving you access to both classic versions of the game and unique variations with diverse online casino blackjack rules, features, and side bets. This wide range of options allows you to explore and find the specific blackjack game that aligns with your preferences. 

Bonuses and promotions

Online casinos are known for their frequent and generous bonuses and unique promotion designed to attract and retain players. When it comes to blackjack, you can leverage these offers to enhance your gaming experience and potentially increase your winnings.

Play online blackjack at Stake Casino

Are you ready to start on an exciting blackjack gaming journey? No worries about where to begin! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to bet on blackjack at Stake Casino.

• Visit the Stake Casino website or download the mobile app.
• Click the ‘Register’ button at the top right corner of the screen to create an account.
• Provide the necessary information, including your email address, username, date of birth, and a strong password.
• Once your account is created, deposit funds into your account by clicking on the wallet button at the top centre of the screen and using your preferred cryptocurrency.
• Navigate the casino section or use the search function to find a blackjack game.
• Select a blackjack variant that interests you.
• Join a game table and place your bets.
• Start the game and play according to the rules of the variant you have chosen.
• If you win, you will receive your winnings based on the game's payout rules. On the other hand, you can try again or explore other blackjack variants if you lose.

Bust the house down with online blackjack now!

Get ready to experience the thrill of online casino blackjack with high RTP and enjoyable gameplay. The simplicity of the game makes it easy to pick up while still allowing room for strategic decision-making. When it comes to finding the best blackjack game, Stake is the ultimate destination.

At Stake, you will find a wide range of blackjack variations to suit your preferences. From classic blackjack to exciting twists, there's something for everyone. Stake also offers a variety of rewards and bonuses that are frequently provided. Plus, what sets the platform apart is its seamless payment method. With the acceptance of cryptocurrency, you can enjoy faster and cheaper transactions.

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