Blackjack is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by players for centuries. The game is simple to learn and is played against the dealer, with the objective to get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. At the same time you need to score a higher card value than the dealer to win.
The game is played with one or more decks of standard playing cards. Each card has a point value as per the following overview:
- Ace: can be worth either 1 or 11 points
- King/Queen/Jack are all worth 10 points
- The cards 2 to 10 are worth their face value
In the best online casinos in South Africa you can enjoy various versions of live blackjack. Take on the live dealer and play with other players from around the world in real time. Standard live blackjack tables online usually have space for up to 7 players. Some variants, such as Evolutions Infinite Blackjack allow an unrestricted number of players. Hence on this table you will always find a seat. If you don't fancy playing with a live dealer then most games also have a first person variant.
For you convenience we have put together below some guidance on how to play Blackjack, the different types of bets you can make as well as some strategy tips to help you start playing.
How to Play Blackjack
Playing blackjack online is actually quite straightforward and not difficult to understand. Firstly you place your bets, then you get your cards and lastly you make your game move - as easy as 1,2,3,4,5.
1) Place your bet
Before the game starts, you will need to place your bet. This can be done by placing the respective amount of chips in front of you on the table. In most online casinos, the minimum and maximum bets are clearly visible at the table. Depending on your bankroll and experience some blackjack tables might be more suitable for you than others. Hence read our reviews for recommendations.
2) Get your cards
After you have placed your bet, the dealer will deal two cards to you and all other participating players. In addition the dealer receives two cards as well, with one card facing up and one card facing down. Your cards will be placed face up in front of you but are only visible to you.
3) Decide your move
Based on the value of your hand and the dealer's up card, you must decide your blackjack move. The following are the standard moves:
- Hit: you take another card and depending on your resulting hand can hit as often as you want.
- Stand: you keep your current hand and end your turn.
- Double down: you double your bet and take one more card, then your turn ends.
- Split: if you have two cards of the same value, e.g., two 7s, you can split them into two hands. Then you play with two hands and can either hit or stand on each. The exemption is if you split Aces, where one card is dealt to each hand to ideally make a Blackjack.
- Surrender: at some blackjack tables you have the option to surrender. This means that you give up half your bet and end your turn. Some guidance says that you should for example surrender with a 16 if the dealer has 9.
4) The dealer plays
After all players have completed their turn, the dealer will reveal their down card and play their hand according to predetermined rules: The dealer must hit until they have a hand value of at least 17, and must stand on a hand value of 17 or higher.
5) Determine the winner
The player with a hand value closest to 21 wins. If the dealer goes bust and hence has a value over 21, then all players who din't yet bust will win. If the dealer and player have the same hand value, it is a push (tie), and the player's bet is returned.
Top Blackjack Online Game
Different Types of Blackjack Bets
To make the most of your blackjack experience you should know the basic bet types.
- Ante bet: This is a bet made before the game starts and is therefore required to play the game. The ante bet is usually equal to the minimum bet at the table.
- Insurance bet: If the dealer's up card is an Ace, you have the option to make an insurance bet. The insurance bet pays 2 to 1 if the dealer does have blackjack. On the other hand it is a losing bet if the dealer doesn't have blackjack.
- Side bets: some casinos offer additional side bets that you can place during the game on additional betting options. These bets can pay out large sums of money if the player's hand is a certain combination of cards, such as a suited blackjack (a hand consisting of an Ace and a 10-point card of the same suit).
Strategy Tips
As with all casino games it is good to know how to play as well as be familiar with some basic tips and strategies. The below recommendation might help you to be successful at the tables.
- Know when to hit or stand. It's important to know your moves, as making the wrong decision greatly affects the game outcome. A general rule is to hit if your hand value is less than 17, and to stand if your have 17 or higher.
- Don't take insurance. Taking insurance is often considered a bad bet as the odds are not in your favor. The house edge for insurance bets is usually around 7%, making it one of the worst bets.
- Know your hand value. It is important to know the value of your hand, as this helps you making informed decisions during the game. Remember that an Ace can have a value of 1 or 11, and that face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10.
- Don't chase losses. It can be tempting to keep hitting in an attempt to get closer to 21 when you are losing, but this is a surefire way to bust and lose more money. Instead, stick to your strategy and only make moves based on your hand value and the dealer's up card.
- Know when to split. If you have two cards of the same value, it may be a good idea to split them into two hands. However, this isn't always the best move. Hence you should know when to split and when to keep your cards as a single hand.
- Manage your bankroll. Blackjack can be a lot of fun, but you should manage your bankroll wisely. Set a budget for each session and stick to it. Furthermore as mentioned above avoid chasing losses.
Most popular Blackjack Online Games
Most online casinos such as for example 10bet Casino or Supabets Casino offer you a variety of blackjack tables with different table limits. Some games are suitable for all players, from newbie to more experience, while others are more for high rollers. The Find Your Casino team is constantly reviewing the best online blackjack games. In our reviews we cover how to play, where to play as well as some frequently asked questions. Evolution, the market leader in live casino entertainment, has lots of Blackjack titles and many are available across the best online casinos. Furthermore other providers also have great titles.
The following blackjack titles are definitely worth trying:
- Infinite Blackjack
- Speed Blackjack
- Blackjack Party
- Live Blackjack
- Free Bet Blackjack
Best casinos to play Blackjack in South Africa online
In conclusion, Blackjack is a fun and exciting card game that many players all over the world enjoy. By following the above tips and understanding the different types of bets, you can improve your game and increase your chances of winning. Just remember to always play responsibly, and have fun!
FAQ
These days nearly all online casinos offer you a variety of blackjack tables. Make sure you pick a reputable, licensed casino or betting site such as the ones reviewed on findyourcasino.co.za.
Taking more than one spot at a table while sticking to your set budget is a way to decrease your variance. Moreover for the same budget you get more play time and hence some players prefer it.
Playing Blackjack should be fun and entertaining and as with other games it's more fun to play with others. If you are furthermore not into card counting then play at a full table. You are dealt less hands at a full table which helps you manage your bankroll.