Online Blackjack

Blackjack - Definition and Origins

Blackjack is one of the oldest and best-loved casino games, which supposedly first appeared in French casinos around the 1700s. In it, one or more players face off against the casino, represented by a dealer, to make a hand that totals close or equal to 21.

In fact, 'Twenty-One' is another name by which blackjack is known among fans. This is due to the generally accepted origins theory. Namely, it is believed that blackjack originated from the French game 'Vingt-et-Ut,' which translates as 21. Some researchers agree that Vingt-et-Ut was the game of choice in French casinos of the 17th century.

DID YOU KNOW... ?

A study by Geriwaldon found that the great French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was a passionate blackjack aficionado. According to historical accounts, he devised his own strategy to defeat his rivals. What it was, however, remains a secret.

Still, contrary to popular belief that Vingt-et-Ut is the origin of the blackjack we know today, many look further back in time to find its roots.

Some believe that Vingt-et-Ut was preceded by the French 'Quinze' (Fifteen) and the Italian 'Sette e Mezzo' (Seven and a Half). Others go further back to find that a similar game was mentioned in 1570 in one of the stories of the famous writer Miguel de Cervantes. In his work, the author describes several skilled cheaters in 'veintiuna,' which is 21 translated from Spanish.

According to 'Big Book of Blackjack' by author Arnold Snyder, there is an even earlier version of the game called 'trente-un', which is considered the predecessor of the games 'quinze' and 'vingt-un.' The name of this game means thirty-one, and it is believed to have Spanish origins. It was played in Europe in the fifteenth century.

The first official record of this Medieval game comes from a 1440 sermon by the French monk Bernadine. Although there is no record of its rules, it is believed that the game was popular due to numerous references over the next two hundred years.

The main information about 'trente-un' comes from religious authorities who considered it evil and warned believers not to participate.

Another modern author, Roger Baldwin, also suggests that 'trente-un' was a probable ancestor of 'vingt-un,' the original name of blackjack. Baldwin also quotes Miguel de Cervantes, who describes a professional player of trente-un in his 1570 book 'The Comic History of Rinconnette and Cortadillo'.

In the book, the player shares how he manages to make a living playing the game, which, by its descriptions of skills and strategies required, sounds downright similar to the blackjack we know today.

Other researchers go even further, stating that the Romans invented the game. In their opinion, the ancient Romans played a game very similar to blackjack, using wooden tiles instead of cards. Each tile had a number by which the ancient gambling enthusiasts calculated the hand values.

Given the multiple plausible theories of its origins, it is difficult to determine exactly when and where blackjack was first played. However, the game's variations have been there for a long time.

The winning condition persists over time; only the number changes. In some versions, it is 15; in others, it's 31. But in all varieties of the game, the main goal is to collect cards as close to a certain value as possible without exceeding it.

A few decades after gaining popularity in Europe, the game crossed the ocean and reached America. Blackjack was such a hit in the states that even the government could not stop its spread. Eventually, gambling was legalised in Nevada in 1931, and this is when and where its modern name was born.

A study from crescent.edu tells the story of Eleanor Dumont. Lady Dumont was born in France but emigrated to the United States in the 19th century. Early on, she made her living as a skilled dealer and travelled all over America. Eventually, she opened her own gambling parlour in Nevada City, California.

As a true blackjack fan, she called her parlour 'Vingt-et-Un,' nodding to the original name of the game. Supporters of the game from all over the country flocked to play against Eleanor because of her popular image. She was considered a talent at dealing cards and an excellent croupier at blackjack.

Eventually, thanks to the US and blackjack fans in the states, the game became a worldwide phenomenon that we know today. It's one of, if not the most popular card game in India, as well.

DID YOU KNOW... ?

According to easyreadernews.com, blackjack is the name of a special bet in the earlier game, Twenty-One. The bet, consisting of a Jack of Spades and Ace, was invented by American casinos to attract more customers! This special bet didn't survive long, but its name persisted and became the byword for the entire game.

Over the years, a number of enthusiasts have tried to beat the house and increase their chances of winning by counting cards a certain way and applying different strategies. However, these attempts only provoked changes in the rules in order to maintain the fairness. Still, blackjack remains the only game where the casino has only the slightest advantage.

How to Play Blackjack - Game Rules

Blackjack is a game played between a dealer and up to seven players. Each player aims to beat the dealer and not the other players. The game uses a standard deck of 52 cards, and the number of dealt cards can vary between 1 and 8, depending on the game variation.

In most cases, all players, including the dealer, receive two cards each. The hand's value must be as close to or equal to 21 as possible but not higher than 21. Whoever makes 21 or is closest to that value wins the round.

As you might have gathered by now, one of the main reasons blackjack is so popular is its relative simplicity.

Blackjack rules may differ according to different game versions, but they are all easy and quick to learn. What follows is a more detailed description of the rules, divided into basic and decision rules.

Basic Blackjack Rules

1. Counting Cards

• Cards 2 through 10 are counted by their face value. For example, 3♥ counts as 3 and a 9♠ counts as 9;
• Cards with faces, such as Jacks, Queens, and Kings, are counted as 10;
• The Ace can count as 1 or 11, depending on which value helps the hand the most.

1. When Do I Win?

• You win if your hand totals 21 and the dealer's hand is bigger or smaller than 21;

• You win if your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's. For example, you have 19 and the dealer has 18;

• If the dealer's cards go above 21, you win again;

1. When Do I Lose?

• You lose if your hand totals higher than 21. For example, your hand is 24 and the dealer's hand is 20;

• You lose if the dealer's hand is closer to 21. For example, the dealer has 18, and you have 17;

1. What Happens if It's Even?

• If you and the dealer have equal hands, the score is even in most variations of the game. In that case, you get your bet back but don't make any money on the round;

Blackjack Decision Rules

There are various decisions that the dealer and you can make after seeing the cards. These differ slightly from one blackjack variation to another, but are basically as follows:

1. Dealer Decisions

• Mustn't take another card if scoring 17 or higher.
• Must take another card if scoring 16 or less.

1. Player Actions

• Double down - allows you to bet an additional amount equal to your original bet. After you announce the action, you receive one more card to make your hand. This is not an everyday move and is only used when you are almost certain of the outcome.

• Split - allows you to split the two cards you receive into two hands and place an additional bet on the second hand. Splitting is only possible when the first two cards received have the same value, for example, two 7s. After splitting, you can draw one more card for each hand and play each separately.

• Insurance - allows you to insure against the possibility that the dealer has a blackjack by placing half of your original bet. It makes sense if the dealer's first card is an Ace. If the dealer makes a blackjack, you get double your insurance, but if the dealer doesn't total 21, you lose your insurance.

• Hit - allows you to draw a new card to make the required 21 points. Used in cases where you've been dealt a particularly low-value card.

• Surrender - allows you to withdraw from the game and get back half of your bet. This move is recommended in situations where you think you're losing.

Types of Online Blackjack

The main types of online blackjack are European Blackjack, Classic Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack, Spanish Blackjack, and Pontoon Blackjack.

If you are a beginner, knowing about these variants will help you choose the online blackjack option that is right up your alley. And in case you already have some experience, it will give you an idea of how to diversify your casino experience.

Let's find out more about the most common variants of blackjack.

European Blackjack

In European Blackjack, the goal is to make a hand close to or equal to 21. It is played with 2 or 4 decks of cards, significantly less than Classic or Spanish Blackjack. The lower number of decks makes the game extremely attractive to card-counting players.

The other distinguishing feature of European Blackjack is the timing at which the dealer draws his second card. Namely, the dealer can only finish his hand once you decide what to do with yours. Thus, once you see the value of your cards and make your decision, only then can the dealer draw the second card.

Because it is played with 2 to 4 decks, the house edge in European Blackjack can vary between 0.46% and 0.60%, depending on the outcome.

In the past, European Blackjack was the preferred option inside land-based casinos in Europe, hence the name. It has persisted to this day and is one of the most popular versions of the game in online casinos, as well.

Classic Blackjack

Classic Blackjack, also called American Blackjack, is another popular game variation. It is very similar to European Blackjack in terms of possible decisions but differs from it in two main criteria.

The first is that Classic Blackjack is played with more decks - between 6 and 8, which makes it difficult to count cards.

The second distinguishing feature is that the dealer receives both cards immediately before you decide what to do with your bet. You only see one of the dealer's cards while his second card is dealt face down.

However, the card is already dealt, unlike the European variant in which the dealer only draws the second card after all players have decided what to do with their bets.

American Blackjack has a higher house edge due to the larger number of decks used in the game.

With 6 or 8 decks, the house edge in America Blackjack can vary between 0.64% and 0.66%, The more decks used, the higher the house edge.

Vegas Strip Blackjack Game

Vegas Strip Blackjack allows you to choose the number of hands you play. You can play with one hand or multiple hands - the choice is yours. Four standard decks are used, and the rules remain the same as in the Classic Blackjack.

In Vegas Strip Blackjack, you can double down on any two cards from the initial deal and split into a maximum of four hands.

It is possible to split cards worth 10 that are different. For example, you can split if you have a Queen and a King. Doubling down after splitting is another move you can make.

Because of its 4 decks of cards, Vegas Strip Blackjack has a house edge of 0.60%.

Spanish Blackjack

The most distinctive feature of the Spanish Blackjack version is the removal of 10s from the cards. It uses six to eight decks without any of the 10s from each. The game is thus played with 48 cards per deck rather than the standard 52.

Given the smaller number of cards, casinos balance the payouts by introducing more liberal rules. For example, in Spanish Blackjack, if you have a total of 21, it results in an instant win, regardless of the dealer's hand.

It is possible to double down any two cards from the initial deal and even do it after splitting the hand.

In the event that you and the dealer both have a blackjack, you automatically win. However, you will be rewarded differently each time, depending on the cards that make up the blackjack.

Since Spanish Blackjack is played with six to eight decks, the house edge varies between 0.64% and 0.66%.

Pontoon Blackjack

Pontoon Blackjack, also called British Blackjack, is very similar to the classic version of the game. However, there are a few important differences. For example, in the pontoon version, both dealer's cards are face down and are only shown when players have completed their bets. Also, a tie is considered a loss, unlike in the regular version.

The most distinctive feature of the game, however, is the winning combinations. Hitting 21 is called pontoon rather than blackjack, and your pontoon beats the dealer's every time. Hands that exceed this value are considered a loss.

Some rules may vary from one software developed to another. However, the basic requirements remain. Pontoon Blackjack is an excellent choice for those who want to diversify their gambling experience.

How to Play Blackjack Online? A Step-by-Step Guide

Playing online blackjack is relatively easy. There are only a couple of steps to every single blackjack round. These include setting a budget, placing your bet, receiving the cards, and making your move.

If you want to know how exactly these steps go and what moves you can make, our casino experts can help. In the following paragraphs, you'll find a step-by-step guide to playing online blackjack.

1. Set a Budget and Choose a Table with Appropriate Limits

The first thing to do is determine the exact amount you are willing to spend playing blackjack. Then, choose a table that correlates to your budget. For example, if you have set aside ₹500, the table you want to play at should require a minimum bet of ₹20 and a maximum bet of ₹1,000.

2. Place Your Bet

Make your online blackjack bet according to the limits specified in the game. For example, if the minimum bet requirement is ₹20, don't try to bet ₹10.

Also, you should manage the funds you have allocated for gambling wisely and don't make big bets right from the start.

Our rule of thumb is not to bet more than 5% of your total budget in one round. Blackjack casino game requires discipline, and to win, you must strictly manage your bankroll.

3. Receive Your Cards

Once you've placed your bet, the dealer will deal the cards. In most versions of the game, each player at the table will be dealt two cards.

You decide your next move in the context of the cards received. In the next couple of paragraphs, we describe the most common situations in blackjack and what you should do when you find yourself in one.

I Have a Blackjack, What Should I Do?

If you total 21 with the initial deal, you should hold your cards and not ask for more.

In most online casinos, the system will automatically place you in the 'Stand' position, and you just have to wait for the draw to finish to collect your winnings.

You also have the option to make an insurance bet and safeguard against the dealer who might also have a blackjack. You will learn more about insurance bets below.

I Have Two Identical Cards Worth 10 - Should I Split?

Splitting the same hand with two of a kind is quite a contested issue.

On the one hand, players who prefer taking more risk might think splitting is a good opportunity to increase their winnings.

On the other side, blackjack enthusiasts who don't like taking too many risks may hold their cards and hope that the dealer comes up with a worse hand.

Our experts advise that you don't split if you have two identical cards each worth 10. In this case, splitting is a risky business. The sum of the two tens is 20, which is the closest possible value to 21. The chance of the dealer beating you in this situation is only 13%.

I Have Bad Cards, What's My Next Move?

If the sum of the first two cards you are dealt is too low (below 12), you should request an additional card to bring you closer to 21. This decision is called a Hit.

Note that the number of extra cards you can request varies according to different versions of the game. Also, plan your new card well so that you don't exceed 21.

If your hand total is 12 or more, you'd better stand since the chance of exceeding 21 is relatively high.

The Moment of Truth - Revealing the Cards

When the dealer finishes dealing the cards, there are 4 main scenarios:

• The dealer has more than 21 - everyone at the table wins;
• Your hand is worth less than the dealer's - you lose;
• Your hand is worth the same as the dealer's - it's a tie;
• Your hand is worth more than the dealer's - you win;

Blackjack Payout

Every win is subject to different payout ratios, namely:

• If you have blackjack and the dealer does not, your winnings will be paid instantly at 2.5x your bet;
• If your hand is stronger than the dealer's, the winnings will be paid instantly at odds of 1:1 your bet;
• if you win after doubling your bet, the winnings will be 2x your total bet;
• If you win after splitting a hand, the return is 1:1 for each of your hands;
• If you double your bet after a split, you win 2x your bet on each hand.

Live Blackjack at Online Casinos with Real Dealers

Live online blackjack can also be played at Megapari, Bettilt, Rajabets, and Lopebet online casinos. Once you have gained enough experience with the demo games and feel more confident, you can proceed with betting in live online blackjack games on these platforms.

The software providers on these platforms offer high-level streaming, and you won't encounter any technical issues.

Live online blackjack is a unique experience that unfolds in real-time with real dealers and players. These games offer an authentic casino atmosphere, bringing the thrill of the game to your screen.

One of the key features of live online blackjack is the live interaction with the dealers. This social element adds an exciting dimension to the game, making it more than just a digital experience.

On the other hand, you wager real money, which greatly increases the adrenaline and enhances your experience. And the best part? You get access to all this 24/7, anywhere, anytime.

Accessing live online blackjack is a straightforward process. Simply choose one of the four platforms we've listed, register, and visit the live games section. There, you'll find a variety of blackjack tables from different providers.

Please note that you will not always find a free seat at your favourite online blackjack game table.

Sometimes, you have to wait or change the game. This is one of the limitations of playing with live dealers. Also, it is essential to rely on a stable internet connection to minimize the risk of interruptions during the game.

It is important to note that live blackjack games have higher table limits and are relatively more dynamic and, as such, perhaps not the best options for beginners.

Blackjack Side Bets - Definitions and Types

In addition to the basic bets, there are 3 blackjack side bets you can place during the game. These are insurance bets, perfect pairs, and 21+3.

The basic bet in blackjack is placed on the value of your hand, which should be 21 or as close to it as possible.

Additionally, there are other things to bet on in the game. For example, you can bet that the cards in your first hand are of the same rank, colour, or even suit. Also, you can bet not only on your cards but also on the dealer's first card.

The options for these additional side bets are varied and make the game even more exciting.

Be aware, however, that the rules and odds may vary from casino to casino and depending on the number of cards or decks being played. Therefore, read the terms and conditions of your game carefully.

Insurance Bet

Insurance is a standard side bet in online blackjack games designed to insure the player against the dealer's potential blackjack combination.

Use this bet to safeguard from the dealer who draws a 10, a Jack, a Queen, or a King after receiving an Ace.

The payout is 2:1. So, if the dealer has a blackjack, with an initial bet of ₹100 and the insurance bet of ₹50, you lose the initial ₹100 from the base bet but receive twice your insurance bet - ₹100 in this case.

However, if the dealer's second card is less than 10, you lose the insurance amount and potentially even lose the base bet.

Insurance is, therefore, a risky move, featuring a much larger house edge - between 5 and 7.5% - compared to the main game.

This variation in house edge comes from the number of decks in the game. If you do decide to take advantage of an insurance bet, do so in games with fewer decks.

Perfect Pairs Bet

Perfect pairs is another popular side bet in online blackjack that also comes in many variations.

Perfect pairs bet allows you to bet that the rank of your first two cards will be the same - for example, two 10s. It also allows you to bet that your cards will be of the same colour - spades and hearts, or of the same suit - two hearts.

Combinations are also possible; for example, betting that your two Jacks will also have the same suit.

The payouts depend on the exact type of bet. Two 10s of a different colour pay your bet five times, but if they are of the same colour, you will receive 12x your bet. What's more, if you hit two 10s of the same suit, no matter what suit it is, you can multiply your bet 30 times.

The odds are very high, but the chances of winning could be better. The reason, once again, lies in the big house edge - up to 7%, depending on the number of decks.

21+3 Bet

21:3 is another possible online blackjack side bet, where you bet on your two and the dealer's face-up card.

You can bet that the three-card combo will be of the same suit. If you guess correctly, you get 5 times your bet. The other option is to bet on three consecutive cards, for example, 7, 8 and 9, no matter their suit. If you are correct, you will be rewarded with 10x your bet.

Yet another option is to bet on the same cards. If they are of the same value, for example, a Jack, a King, and a 10, you get 30 times your bet.

If they are of the same rank and colour, you get 40 times your bet. If you bet that you and the dealer will have three of a kind of the same suit, you win 100 times your bet.

These types of bets are extremely attractive and are sure to ignite your blackjack casino experience further. Be careful, though; their house edge is less than forgiving.

What Are the Odds of Winning at Blackjack?

The odds of winning in online blackjack depend on several factors. These include your skill, experience, and strategy, as well as the game rules and the number of cards involved.

The crucial factor that determines whether you win is the hand total of your cards. The closer to 21 this total is, the more likely you are to win.

In the table below, you can check out the winning percentages for each hand total in online blackjack.

Terms You Need to Know When Playing Blackjack

Every move or situation in blackjack has its specific name, and learning these terms will help you navigate the game more easily.

We've prepared 16 basic blackjack terms and explained them in an easy-to-understand language. You'll learn what they are, as well as how and when to use them.

The following table presents a brief glossary of basic blackjack terms that you need to know to play the game more effectively.

Also, you can learn more about the game's terminology in our detailed article on the subject.

Strategies for Playing Blackjack Online

Blackjack is a game of chance, but you can still use strategy and increase your chances of winning.

There are two main strategies for playing online blackjack: the basic and the imitation strategy. The basic strategy for playing online blackjack has to do with your own game, while the imitation strategy is more closely related to the dealer's game.

We take a closer look into these two strategies and provide easy-to-understand examples of how they are used and what the house edge on them is.

Be aware, though, that no strategy can guarantee you anything. A strategy is a series of actions or refusal of actions made to reduce the house edge, not to guarantee a win.

You should have a specific exit plan from these strategies and reduce the likelihood of wrong decisions.

Basic Blackjack Strategy

The so-called basic online blackjack strategy involves specific moves you make depending on the value of your hand and the dealer's face-up card.

The basis of this system is to know when to hit, double, split, surrender, or take no action.

The usage of the basic strategy can vary dramatically, as it depends on the natural course of events during the game. For example, let's say we're playing at a standard 6-deck blackjack table, and the dealer has to draw a card.

In the same round, your hand total is 16, and the dealer draws 7. If we follow the basic strategy, you should hit. Once you do, and if that card is 5, your hand will total 21.

At this point, you decide to stay. The dealer draws another 10, making his hand total 17. He also stays, but you win because your hand is now 21.

Mathematically, the basic strategy has been shown to reduce the house edge from 2% to 0.5%, so it is an excellent place to start if you're a beginner.

Immitation Blackjack Strategy

The imitation strategy involves making decisions based on the dealer's actions. The rationale here is that the dealer knows what he's doing, and copying his decisions will improve your performance.

Some of the basic rules in this system include:

• stand if your hand totals 17 or above;
• Also stand if you have between 12 and 16 and a dealer draws between 2 and 6;
• Hit if your hand total is less than 12.

The imitator strategy for online blackjack is easy to follow. However, it's not as effective as the more fluid basic strategy.

Blackjack Bankroll Strategies

Apart from playing strategies, blackjack has a host of bankroll strategies you can use.

Let's look at 3 bankroll strategies for online blackjack that affect how you bet, or, in other words, how you manage your funds. These include popular bankroll management systems, such as Martingale, 1326, and 212.

We have prepared detailed descriptions of these systems and easy-to-understand examples for each. Combining these with a complementing playing strategy may not guarantee you win, but it will put you in a better spot.

The Martingale System

The Martingale bankroll management strategy aims to win one bet, whether with your first hand or the twentieth.

In practice, this means doubling your bet after each loss to compensate for the lost initial amount. For example, if you bet ₹100 and lose, you bet another ₹200. If you lose that too, you bet ₹400 and increase your bet until you win.

The Martingale approach is highly risky, and we do not fully endorse it. Our experts believe winning with it in the long run is almost impossible.

The main reason is that nobody has an infinite budget, and besides, online blackjack tables have a limit.

To get a better idea of how much money you need, let's assume that your initial bet is ₹100, and you lose 5 rounds in a row. Using the Martingale system, the 6th bet will have to be ₹3,200 with no guarantee of winning!

1326 Blackjack Bankroll System

With the online blackjack system called 1326, the first number stands for 1 unit. Before applying the system, you need to determine what amount you will consider as one unit. For the sake of argument, let's say that 1 unit is worth ₹100. Initially, you bet 1 unit.

If you win, you increase your bet three times, or ₹30. In the second round, you bet two units, or ₹20. If you win this hand, you bet 6 units, or₹ 60.

If you win, you should withdraw your winnings and start from scratch. In case you lose during the betting in any of these four units, you also start from scratch with betting 1 unit.

212 Blackjack Bankroll System

The third blackjack system is known as 212 or Manhattan, and it is similar to 1326. According to the 212 system, you initially wager ₹200, then ₹100, and again ₹200. You win and start again. And if you lose at any stage of the combination, you start again with a bet of ₹200.

Expert Tips for Playing Blackjack Like a Pro!

To help you play blackjack online like a pro, we've put together 5 expert tips you can use. These include knowing the rules, setting a budget, setting goals, avoiding chasing losses, and only playing at licensed casinos.

Online blackjack is a game of luck, patience, and knowledge. By following these simple rules, combined with a high degree of discipline, you can make your own luck and increase your chance of winning.

Learn All Blackjack Rules by Heart

Just because you have mastered the basic blackjack casino rules does not necessarily mean you know the requirements every particular version of the game. Blackjack comes in many variations with different rules; you'd better learn them before starting your game.

Online casinos may also set additional requirements for their games. Therefore, you must ensure you are well-versed in the terms and conditions of the game you're playing. If you go blind at it, you will most likely lose.

Have a Predefined Budget

Before you start playing blackjack, set yourself a specific budget and stick to it.

Only play with what you can afford to spend on gambling, and stop immediately if and when you lose that amount. Then give yourself a little break from the game and distract yourself with something else. Do not, under any circumstances, continue playing above the set budget.

Set Winning Goals

Determine a realistic amount you want to win at blackjack and stop playing when you reach it. After a series of winning hands, you'll be tempted to keep playing.

But then things could turn against you and you could lose what you've won. Reaching the target win helps you walk away from the game as a winner and keep your emotions in check.

Never Chase Losses

If you lose you predefined gambling budget, you should stop playing. Do not try to recover the lost funds. Experience shows that players lose much more money if they chase losses. Stop the blackjack game and wait until you can afford another loss.

Play Blackjack Only at Licensed Online Casinos or Land-Based Rooms

Always play blackjack and bet your money at internationally licensed online casinos or land-based blackjack rooms. Avoid dubious sites and unconfirmed operators because you can easily fall victim to fraud or theft. On our website, you can find a complete list of licensed, tried and tested online casinos available in India.

Are There Special Bonuses for Playing Blackjack Online?

Having special online blackjack bonuses is not a common practice among online casinos available in India. In most cases, casinos try to attract potential customers through welcome bonuses or promotions reserved for slots.

There are, however, two ways to increase the money in your blackjack casino account.

Firstly, check whether the casino's current bonus offers cover blackjack games. There are different types of online casino bonuses, including welcome, cashback, and reload bonuses. Some may include extra money for the live casino section, where there will surely be at least one blackjack game.

Secondly, keep an eye on the personal offers you receive in your email or casino account. Even if there is no special blackjack offer on the casino's website, it doesn't mean that there are no offers at all. If the operator notices that you have an interest in blackjack, they will probably try to boost your activity with a special bonus related to this game.

How to Count Cards at Blackjack - Everything You Need to Know

To count cards at blackjack, you need to follow 5 basic steps, namely:

1. Select a counting system: The most commonly used is the Hi-Lo system. In it, cards 2 to 6 count as +1, cards 7 to 9 count as 0, while cards 10 to Ace count as -1.
2. Keep the current count: As cards are dealt, add or subtract the appropriate values to your count. For example, if you notice a 2, a 5 and a King, the current count would be +1 (+1 for the 2, +1 for the 5 and -1 for the King).
3. Calculate the true count: If playing with more than one deck of cards, you must divide the current count by the number of decks remaining to get the true count. For example, if your current count is +6 and you have 3 decks left, the true count is +2.
4. Adjust your bets: Increase your bets when the true count is high. High true count means that more high-value cards are in the deck, favouring the player. Decrease your bets when the true count is low.
5. Practice: Card counting takes practice to do quickly and accurately. Practice at home with a deck of cards until you perfect your skills. Another way to do it is to play online blackjack for free.

Card counting is a technique that has been around for a long time, and If done correctly and diligently, it can boost your chances in online blackjack. It is believed that combined with basic strategy, card counting gives players a 1% advantage over the dealer.

So, if you want to win at blackjack or any card game for that matter, you need to learn to count the cards.

There are several card counting systems for blackjack apart from the Hi-Lo. The Red Sevens strategy is also very popular. It closely resembles the Hi-Lo model but differs in the way the weak cards are counted. The red weaks count as +1, while the the black weaks count as 0. It is believed that this system is more accurate compared to the Hi-Lo.

DID YOU KNOW... ?

American mathematics professor Edward O. Thorpe is considered the father of card counting! His book, 'Basic Card Counting', describes the basic strategies and methods for this strategy. Another one of his books, 'Counting Every Card of the Deck,' can be found online at edwardothorp.com.

Card counting is a good way to practice your counting skills in conjunction with a specific blackjack strategy.

Applying it in online casinos, however, is almost impossible because all the cards in the deck are shuffled. Employees at land-based casinos also don't look kindly on counters and find ways to penalise them or restrict their access to the casino.

So, be careful with this technique and remember that gambling is not a means to get rich but a way to have fun.

DID YOU KNOW... ?

In 2002, the Blackjack Hall of Fame opened at the Barona Casino in San Diego! It gives every member a free room, food, and drinks for life. In return, the members are not allowed to sit at the blackjack tables. It's an interesting way to restrict access to the best card counters in the world.

Blackjack Movies

Given the game's relative simplicity and charm, quite a few movies feature blackjack. The best of the bunch include The Gambler, 21, and Rain Man.

If you need inspiration for your next game, the following blackjack movies are worth your attention.

• The Gambler (2014)

Meet Jim Bennett (Mark Walhberg), an English professor in debt and trying to get out of it. He manages to win at blackjack but loses at roulette. The film follows his attempts to turn things around.

• 21 (2008)

Kevin Spacey plays a professor whose access to casinos is banned. Therefore, he forms a team of students and teaches them how to beat the casino at blackjack. The movie is inspired by real events.

• The Rain Man (1988)

Tom Cruise plays a man who discovers that his deceased father left millions to the autistic but brilliant brother he knew nothing about (played by Dustin Hoffman). The two hit blackjack tables, where Hoffman's amazing abilities help count the cards. This is truly one of the best blackjack movies ever made.

Celebrities Who Play Blackjack

A handful of celebrities, such as Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, 50 Cent, Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, are not indifferent to the high odds of winning at blackjack. Their fame goes hand in hand with their skill level at the blackjack table.

• Ben Affleck is considered the best blackjack player among the celebrities. In 2014, he was politely asked to leave a Vegas casino because of his winning streak.

• Matt Damon is another popular blackjack enthusiast among the actors. He is said to have become passionate about the game while preparing for the 1998 film 'Rounders.'

• 50 Cent is an American rapper almost synonymous with blackjack. He is believed to have made millions playing the game.

• Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer in modern sports history and an avid blackjack fan. He is famous for playing with big bets.

• Michael Jordan is hailed as the greatest basketball player of all time and a fierce competitor at the blackjack tables.

Popular Blackjack Books Worth Your Attention!

If you want more than the inspirational stories of real people or movie characters, we recommend three books about blackjack that are absolutely worth a read. In them, you will find valuable tips and shared experiences that you can apply to your next game.

• Playing Blackjack as a Business by Lawrence Revere

Although written some 50 years ago, this book offers strategies that are very relevant today and applicable to modern variations of the game.

• Million Dollar Blackjack by Ken Uston

This book contains step-by-step guides to playing optimal blackjack. However, the title is a bit of an exaggeration.

• Theory of Blackjack by Peter Griffin

This book will introduce you to basic blackjack strategy - when to double, when to split, and how to calculate your moves relative to the dealer's card.

Conclusion

Blackjack is a fascinating casino card game where luck and skill go hand in hand. Despite its simple rules, there are a lot of strategies you can use to increase your chances of success.

Learning blackjack is an enjoyable process, especially when you're experimenting with various techniques and systems in the free versions of the game. Once you gain the necessary experience and confidence, you can then start playing for real money.

Even if you don't make millions like, for example, 50 Cent, you will at least feel like one of Kevin Spacey's students in the movie 21.

Remember, though, that no matter how many strategies or budget optimisation systems you use, none of them can guarantee winnings in blackjack. The results of casino games have been and always will be determined by pure chance.

Follow our expert tips to avoid unfortunate situations and truly enjoy the pleasure of online blackjack.