Blackjack, also known as “21” is a popular card game that is played in all land based and online casinos. This game is also very popular in Canada. A partial explanation for this game’s popularity is that it is quite easy to play, and has the best odds for winning. The Blackjack online game is traditionally played with one, two, four, six, or eight decks of cards. For players who are skilled at card counting, this is a game that they can excel at. In this article, Canadian players will learn more about the rules of blackjack and helpful strategies for winning the game. We will also discuss tips on finding a casino where players can enjoy blackjack online safely, legally, and for free.
List of the best online casinos to play blackjack
How we rate Blackjack Casinos
- Safety & Security: We only recommend legally licensed and regulated casinos that use SSL encryption on their site and offer safe banking methods.
- Bonuses: Our team at casinosforcanada.com looks for great bonuses and carefully reads each website’s terms and conditions to enable players to bet with confidence.
- Gaming Experience: Casinos need new, mesmerizing games and fair-sized jackpots to meet our approval.
- Mobile Compatibility: Whether a player wishes to play for free or with real money, it is essential that the chosen casino is compatible with mobile devices and tablets, and has great blackjack mobile gaming options. Our team at casinosforcanada.com tests blackjack sites to ensure that they run quickly and efficiently on devices, and offer excellent bonuses that can be cashed out on a mobile device.
- Fast payouts: We know that players don’t want to wait around for a payout if they win big in online blackjack. So our top-rated sites offer quick cashouts and 24/7 customer service support if a player encounters a problem.
- Real Money and Free Blackjack Games: Whether players want to play for real money and win big bucks or play free blackjack games online, our team at casinosforcanada.com has rated the best online casinos so that players can have the best gaming experience possible.
How to Play Blackjack Online
The aim of the blackjack game is to beat the dealer’s hand without going bust (over 21). Sometimes players can win by staying with a hand that may seem less than perfect.
Below is a list of steps that playeras should take if they want to play blackjack online. We have also outlined the hands that may unfold at a typical online table.
- Step 1: Join a Table
Choose the variation of blackjack you want to play and find a table. Once all players are ready, each player is dealt two cards face up. The dealer also receives two cards – one of them face up and the other face down.
- Step 2: Place Bet
Place your desired bet, or use the “Re-bet” button to duplicate your previous bet. Select “Deal” and look at the cards that were dealt to you and the dealer.
- Step 3: Decide Whether to Hit or Stand
Work out the value of your hand, and that of the dealer if you can, to decide how close you are to 21. Use basic strategy and your instincts to figure out your next move.
- Step 4: Your Hand Value
Once a player makes a move (either Hit or Stand), they will probably have a new hand value. You will remain in the game if your hand is valued at 21 or less. If you are comfortable with your hand, you can stand in order to end your turn.
- Step 5: Dealer Reveals their Cards
Watch for the outcome as the dealer plays out their hand by revealing their face down card.
- Step 6: See Who is Closer to 21
If a player’s hand is closer to 21 than that of the dealer, they bust the dealer and win. If the dealer has 21 or a closer score to 21 than any of the other players, the dealer wins. If you have been lucky, the dealer will give you your winnings quickly. Either take your winnings and leave the game, or repeat this process to play another round.
Blackjack Basic Rules
The rules of online blackjack are fairly consistent across different variations of the game. There are minor distinctions, but the basic set of rules given below will feature in some capacity across all games.
The Basics/ Basic play
- Card Values
In the blackjack game, each card has the value represented on the card itself, with the exception of picture cards (which have a value of 10) and Aces, which can either be 1 or 11. Therefore, a hand made up of a 7 and a 9 is worth 16, and a hand of an Ace and an 8 can be worth either 9 or 19, depending on how the player chooses to play the hand.
- Chip Value
Online casinos mostly use standardized chip colours, although it varies from casino to casino. Usually, white chips represent $1, red chips are worth $5, green chips are worth $25, black chips are worth $100, purple chips are worth $500 and orange chips are worth $1,000. Some casinos also use names to describe these coloured chips, with purple $500 chips called Barneys, orange $1000 chips referred to as pumpkins, red $5 chips referred to as nickels and green $25 chips called quarters.
- Number of Decks
Six to eight decks are normally used in blackjack, but this is solely dependent on the casino. A smaller number of decks is beneficial to players, because there is a higher possibility that the player will draw a Blackjack. The more decks that are used, the lower the odds of the game drops.
- Hand Types- Soft Hand/ Hard Hand
A soft hand is a hand which contains an ace that functions as an 11. If cards are added to the hand that cause the hand to go over 21, the value of the ace can be reduced to 1.
- Busting
When a player’s hand exceeds 21, the hand is said to have gone bust. For example, if a player hits a hand of 16 and receives a 7, this puts the value of the player’s hand at 23. When this happens, the player will go bust, unless the player’s original hand was an Ace and a 5. In that case, the new value of the hand will be 13.
Blackjack Betting Rules
- Hit
If a player wants another card while playing, the “Hit” button will get them one from the dealer. Whether a player should hit or stand depends entirely on the dealer’s upcard. A player can actually hit hands as many times as they want, with some online casinos offering a win for a “5 Card Charlie” which is a hand made up of 5 cards that doesn’t go bust). If the dealer’s upcard is a 6 or lower, it is probably not advisable for the player to hit unless their hand is 12 or lower.
- Stand
If a player thinks that the dealer will go bust while trying to beat their hand, the player can stand in order to finish their hand. Players usually stand on hands worth up to 17 or more, and hands valued at 13 to 16, unless the dealer has an upcard of 7 or more. Once a player stands (by asking the dealer to move on to the next player and deal them no more cards), the dealer and the other players will then draw until all of their hands are also complete.
- Split
When a player is dealt two cards of the same value, they can split their hand and play it as two different hands. However, this means that they will need to match their original bet to cover their new second hand. Players should note that pairs of eights and Aces are always worth splitting, and so are most pairs of twos, threes, sixes and sevens as long as the dealer’s upcard is 7 or lower.
- Double (Down)
Doubling down allows a player to double their bet and receive an extra card. But this is a risky move because a player only receives one extra card and can’t hit their hand afterwards. It is worthwhile to double down on hands of 10 or 11. Doing so can bring proceeds/returns on many hands that contain an Ace and a card valued between 2 and 7, as long as the dealer has a low upcard.
- Surrender
If a player is not confident about their hand, some variations of blackjack will allow them to surrender their hand, but this is usually permissible only after the dealer has checked that they don’t have a blackjack. If a player wants to surrender, they will need to do so before drawing any extra cards. The dealer will then take the cards and return half of the player’s original bet to them.
- Insurance
This is a side bet that is available when the dealer has a face up Ace, and is adequately a wager on the dealer’s hole card which is worth 10. A winning bet pays out at 2:1 in most blackjack variations. The insurance bet is not typically recommended because of its high house edge.
- Even Money
When a player has a Blackjack and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, the dealer may ask the player if they want “even money.” This means accepting a 1:1 payout on the player’s original bet before the dealer checks for a Blackjack. Just like the insurance bet, this type of bet is not generally advisable because players are statistically better off not taking the bet.
Blackjack Table Rules
- Placing Bets
A player must place all of their bets before any cards are dealt. This doesn’t apply in online blackjack since the player controls when the cards are dealt.
- Hard/Soft Hands
Any hand with an Ace is considered a soft hand as a player can change the value of the Ace from 11 to 1. A hard hand is any hand which doesn’t contain an Ace, or any hand that has an Ace that can’t be counted as an 11. This offers players less flexibility with the option to hit.
- Odds/Payout
In standard blackjack, getting a 21 pays out 3 to 2, although this is often indicated on the table itself. However, there are some blackjack variations in which bagging a blackjack pays 1 to 1, in order to offset other rules that are more favourable for players.
Blackjack online for real money
The advantages of playing real money blackjack online include:
- Availability of far more blackjack variations in real money games.
- Players who play with real money can experience live dealer games from the comfort of their homes.
- Huge real money prizes are offered in blackjack tournaments.
- Real money blackjack paves the way for massive bonuses and tempting promotions.
Play blackjack online for free
Free/Demo blackjack games at online casinos are excellent for Canadian players who are new to online blackjack, or want to try out the game before committing real money.
The advantages of playing blackjack online for free include:
- No sign up or downloads are required, so players can play instantly.
- Free blackjack is an ideal way to practice strategies and hone skills.
- Great for those who want to play simply for entertainment purposes.
- Players don’t have to worry about losing any real money.
To play online blackjack for free, players should visit online casinos that offer a wide variety of free blackjack games, listed below:
Live blackjack for free and for real money
Live blackjack may look like a simple game between a player and a dealer, but technology and a group of staff work together to bring this thrill to your screen. A live dealer blackjack casino consists of three rooms, namely: the live studio, an analyst room and a software room. Players can join live games virtually and place wagers using the interface available. In live mode, players can play blackjack for free as well as for real money.
Features of playing live blackjack include:
- Table games in real-time with live dealers
- Live chat feature
- Extra bonuses
- Convenience and authenticity
Play blackjack online with friends
With new advancements in technology, players can play blackjack online with their friends. All that is required is a mobile device or tablet, laptop, or even a desktop that is connected to the internet. The player should then enter any of our recommended online casinos, share the game link with their friends, and proceed to play.
Types of blackjack online
There are numerous variations of the blackjack game. We will help Canadian players discover the special features of some of the most widely played varieties of blackjack, which are listed below.
- American Blackjack
American Blackjack, also called Classic Blackjack, is the most widely played version of the game. In American Blackjack, the dealer gets their hole card, (face down card) before the player makes any moves on their own hand.
- European Blackjack
European Blackjack is also called Classic Blackjack. The difference between European Blackjack and American Blackjack is that in European Blackjack, the dealer doesn’t receive their hole card until after the player has made a move. There are generally more restrictions on various aspects of game play than in American/Classic Blackjack.
- Vegas Strip Blackjack
This variation of the Blackjack game was named after the stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard that is popular for its wide range of hotels and casinos. Vegas Strip Blackjack is the most commonly played version on the strip.
- Blackjack Switch
In this version of the Blackjack game, a player gets to play two hands at the same time. After the first four cards are dealt, the player has the option to switch the top card from each hand in an attempt to improve their chances of winning.
- Blackjack Surrender
Blackjack Surrender is played in the same way as Classic Blackjack, except in Blackjack Surrender, the player has the option to surrender after the first two cards are dealt. If the player chooses this option, they will recover half of their original stake.
- Live Blackjack
In Live Blackjack, online players can enjoy a real casino experience as they play against a live dealer in real time, through a video link. Live blackjack is a good option for players who prefer to play online, but also want to experience the social interaction and thrills of a land-based casino.
- Perfect Blackjack
In this version of the blackjack game, players can make a side bet on whether they, the dealer, or both of them will be dealt two of the same cards. If the first two cards are a perfect pair, which means that they are a pair in the exact same suit, then the payout can be as much as 25 to 1.
Advantages of blackjack at online casinos
Some of the benefits of playing blackjack online include:
- Easy and convenient to play
- High potential for payouts and profits
- Online casino bonuses are available
- There are many variations of Blackjack that can be played
A player’s mathematical advantage increases when they play blackjack online. When blackjack players play by a strict mathematical strategy, their variance decreases, and their opportunity increases with the more hands played. For instance, in a live casino, a player can play up to 209 hands per hour if they are playing heads up against the dealer, and only 52 hands per hour when playing with a full table of players. Therefore, when playing online, players can play more hands and even multiple tables at the same time.
Online blackjack strategies
It is always good for players to follow a strategy when playing at online blackjack real money tables. These strategies can help when a player feels lost, confused or cornered. They can also help players rake in more money. Our team at casinosforcanada.com has provided a few strategies which can be used in online blackjack.
- Ditch Side Bets: Side bets are nothing but an empty motivation that stimulates players to bet more. In reality, a player will have pretty bad odds when they make a side bet.
- Use a Chart: Using a betting chart is one of the best strategies for beginners because all of the best moves will be figured out in advance.
- Always split Aces: Aces are always a valuable asset in blackjack, so we advise players to spread them across two hands to maximize their chances of winning.
- Double 11: This is good advice in almost all cases, unless the dealer shows 11, or 10 if you want to play conservatively.
- Don’t Go All-in: Do not go all-in when you play online blackjack for real money. We advise players to maintain the option to double up or split, especially when the cards are good.
- Start with low stakes: Blackjack is a technical game, so if a player learns to play low stakes on a real money online blackjack game, they will be able to play high stakes as well.
- Play with fewer decks: Playing with fewer decks gives good odds in online blackjack. You also won’t need to count cards to get an idea of when a good card might be coming.
- Play with a bonus: Real money online blackjack bonuses can turn the tables in your favour when you least expect it. So therefore, having extra funds is a good thing.
- Play in moderation: Players should always be careful when gambling. When the fun stops, a player should stop too! We advise players to keep a cool head and quit if they begin to lose more than they can afford.
Blackjack Betting Systems
Blackjack has inspired many different betting systems, which apply for a series of plays. These betting systems can be used to improve players’ chances of beating the dealer. A few on the most common ones are listed below:
- Martingale: In this blackjack betting system, players double their bets when they are losing. This strategy can get a player back on even ground, clearing out all losses with one huge winning bet. However, using this system is risky.
- D’Alembert: In this betting system, players raise their bets by one unit every time they lose. When they win, they lower their bets by one unit. This is actually considered to be one of the safer betting systems.
- Fibonacci: With this mathematical sequence, each number is the sum of the two previous numbers. The sequence goes 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34 and so on. When used as a betting system, players’ bets move along the Fibonacci sequence each time they lose. If they win, they remain with the number they were on when they won. Note that this strategy is similar to the Martingale, but is less aggressive.
1-3-2-6: In this blackjack betting system, also known as a split strategy, 1-3-2-6 sees players bet 1,3,2 and 6 units consecutively. Unit bets only go high if the player wins. If the player loses, they remain on 1 unit until they win again.
- Parlay: In this betting system, the idea is to create a pyramid of winnings. If the player wins, they will bet their winnings and the original bet. If the player loses, they will bet their original amount. This strategy is also known as a positive progression betting system.
- Oscar’s Grind: This is a progressive betting system, which sees bets increase by one unit if a player wins. Every time the player wins, the bet is doubled again.
Basic Blackjack Terms
Although it is quite easy to understand how blackjack is played, there is some terminology used in the game that may be difficult for players to understand. Our team at casinosforcanada.com has put together a list of common blackjack terms to help Canadian players, so that they can play real money blackjack online with confidence.
Blackjack – This is a two card hand consisting of an ace and any card with a value of 10.
- Box – This is the area in front of each player where bets are placed.
- Bust – This term is used when a hand totals more than 21.
- Count – This is when players mentally take note of the cards that have been dealt, in an attempt to predict future card trends.
- Chip Down – This means reducing your bet from the bet made in the last hand.
- Chip Up – This means increasing your bet from what you bet in the last hand.
- Double Down – Placing a bet up the amount of your original bet and receiving just one more card.
- Even Money – This is the option to take a 1-1 payout on your bet if you have blackjack and the dealer has an ace.
- Hard Hand – This is a hand that does not contain an ace, meaning it can only have one value.
- Hit – This means to take another card.
- Hole Card – This is the dealer’s face down card.
- Insurance – This is a bet offered only when the dealer has an ace. It is paid at odds of 2-1 if the dealer gets a blackjack.
- Jack Black – This is a drunk player’s blackjack and also refers to a fat, very funny comedian.
- Monkey – This is a card with a value of 10.
- Paint – A picture card.
- Pair – A two card hand containing equal value cards. Pairs may be split.
- Perfect Play – Playing your hand according to widely accepted blackjack strategies.
- Shoe – The box on the table that the cards are placed in and dealt from.
- Soft Hand – A hand containing an ace valued at 11, meaning another card may be taken.
- Split – This is the option to bet your original amount again and split two equal value cards into two separate hands.
- Stand – This is the decision to not take any further cards. It is also known as ‘sitting.’
- Stand Off – This is when a player has the same hand value as the dealer.
- Surrender – This is the option to forfeit half of your bet if you think you cannot beat the dealer.
FAQ
What are the basic rules of blackjack?
The rules of the blackjack game are quite simple. Players are dealt cards, which have the face value shown on them. Players need to get a hand with a score as close to 21 as possible, without going over.
What is a split in blackjack?
A split in blackjack is a move which can be made if a player’s hand contains two cards of equal value. A player can choose to split the hand into two new hands, and double their bet in the process.
Can I play blackjack online for real money?
Yes. Online casinos in Canada now offer more than enough variations of blackjack games where Canadian players can win real money. Players need to register with an online casino and deposit funds into their account to start playing real money blackjack.
Is online blackjack rigged?
Online blackjack is legitimate if the player chooses a reputable online casino. The blackjack house advantage is less than 1%, making it one of the most potentially profitable casino games for players to enjoy.
