To play Blackjack online, players have to download the required Blackjack software available at no cost from the chosen online casino. This free software program enables the players to witness the detailed graphics of games that look like a realistic Blackjack table.

Each time when you wish to play online Blackjack, you need to log on to the casino and join a game. The chips, cards and even the hand of the dealer will be present on the front screen. You only have to download the software program once and install it on your desktop. At present, many casinos use live webcams, so that players can watch over the table and play with a real dealer using their computer.



One of the main reasons for the huge popularity of Blackjack is that, it is not about luck, but needs strong skills and strategies to win. By placing, the right bets and knowing when to draw another card can make probability work in the favor of an individual. This will give the player good odds for beating the house and winning at the table. In the most common form of online Blackjack, the dealer is the computer.

One deck of 52 cards is used for a basic game of Blackjack, although casinos play with several decks shuffled together and online Blackjack is just the same. Each online casino shows how many decks are simulated in the game. Different casinos play with different rules, and hence an individual needs to check this information before playing in a particular casino, so that the player can plan better strategies according to the situation.

In online Blackjack, opponents are invisible, but the game is just as fair as in real life. However, online casinos have committed to invest their efforts for ensuring that the games are played honestly. This can be achieved by using a Random Number Generator (RNG). The Random Number Generator uses complex mathematics to select randomly the cards during the game. This guarantees complete fairness in the game and enables every player to play using the preferred methods.

Online Blackjack is a great way to enjoy this exciting and skillful card game. Due to the skills involved, more practice will make a player better with time.

In Blackjack, any hand having the highest total is the winning hand, if the total comes below 21. The hand with the total above 21 is known as 'too many' or 'bust'. Here, cards from 2 to 10 have values equal to their numbers and face cards such as queen, jack are worth 10. The value of ace card is 11, however if your total exceeds 21 due to an ace card, then its value becomes 1. Next, the hand carrying an ace card that values 11 is known as a 'soft hand', as you will not be busted even after drawing another card.

In short, here you need to achieve higher hand than the dealer to win the game. For this, it is important to know that if you get busted, then you will loose the game, irrespective of the dealer getting busted or not. If the dealer and player have the same value, then it is known as a 'push', which means that neither dealer nor player wins the game, and hence the game is a draw. Numerous players can play independent games with a dealer. Thus, there are chances that the dealer may lose to few players, however still winning against remaining players in the particular round.

Every table has a sign that contains maximum as well as minimum bets printed on it. These bets vary in different tables and casinos. The dealer starts dealing cards only after placing the initial bets. Dealer deals the cards either from a single deck of cards or from the double deck, called as a 'pitch' game. In addition, the dealer may also deal cards from a deck of four or more. The dealer provides two cards to every gambler including himself. Here, among the dealer's two cards, one card is placed face-up, so that each gambler can view it. The second card of the dealer is placed facedown (also called as a 'hole card'). In case of European Blackjack, the dealer does not deal the hole card until all gamblers play their hands.



In case of American Blackjack game, if the value of dealer's face up card is 10 value or it is an ace card, then the dealer will check the facedown card to see whether it has the highest total or not. Unless, the dealer checks the facedown card, every gambler is restricted to play. However, dealer will be able to check their cards only after every gambler receives an offer of insurance. While checking, if the dealer gains a Blackjack, all gamblers will lose their opening bets, except for gamblers who hold Blackjack. In some of the American casinos, dealers may not check their facedown cards until all the gamblers play their hands.

A hand having two cards that totals 21 or a hand having an ace card and a 10-value card is known as a 'natural' or 'Blackjack'. These are considered as winning hands only if the dealer's hand holds a Blackjack. Generally, this game pays 3:2 on every bet. In few casinos, the game may pay 6:5 on bets, but this payout is given only in games played with single deck of cards.

The decisions taken by a player plays a vital role to win at Blackjack. This is where the player's actual skills are involved. The options available for playing hands are as follows:

Hit: It means taking another card from the dealer. For a hit, a player is supposed to scrape the handheld cards face up against the table and signal the dealer by touching the table with a finger.

Stand: This means that players are restricted to draw any of the cards. It is also known as 'stick' or 'stay'. Here, to signal the dealer, a player has to slide the cards face up under the bet and move the hand in the horizontal manner.

Double Down: This means that a player may double his/her original bet and draw one more card. For instance, if your initial bet was of $50, then you can increase the bet adding an extra $50 to make a new bet of $100. An increase in your bet by adding the wager less than its multiple value is known as 'double down for less', which is permitted very rarely. To signal for a double down, a player has to place extra chips subsequently to the original bet and make 'one finger' sign.



Split: In this situation, players may double their bets and own every single card as a first card in a new hand. However, players can access this option only if both their cards are of same value. For signaling the dealer for a split, you need to place extra chips subsequently to the original bet and make 'two fingers' sign.

Surrender: This is used for leaving in the middle of the bet and giving up the game. However, the availability of this option is very rare. To signal the dealer, a player has to make chopping movement over the bet, but usually surrender is verbally informed. Most of the casinos require hand signals, as if the situation of dispute arises, a recorded video may verify the gambler's decisions to resolve the disputes.

A gambler's round is finished after selecting an option to stand or double down for obtaining an additional card. The gambler will also lose the game, if he or she busts, even if the dealer is on the way to get busted. After the decisions made by all gamblers, the dealer will expose the facedown card. Some of the house rules demand that dealers have to play their hands only after having two cards that values minimum of 17. In few casinos, dealers have to play their hands, if they have a soft hand, for example, having an ace along with a 6 or a 7 value card. If the dealer gets busted, then all the remaining gamblers win. Generally, bets are paid depending on the payouts of 1:1. If the player ties with the dealer, the player will regain the initial betted amount.