An Introduction to Online Casino Blackjack
The first ever reference to blackjack was all the way back in the 17 th century by famous author Miguel de Cervantes, a known gambler of that time. The game has changed a lot over the years, and there are numerous variations for players to choose from. Don't let this confuse you, though!
At its core, blackjack is a very simple game. While some variations change the rules slightly, a typical game follows this pattern:
- Players receive two cards face-up
- The dealer deals himself two cards, one face up the other face down
- Players decide to hit, stand, split or double down
- You'll stand a chance to win if your hand is valued at 21 or less
- After all players have played out their hands, the dealer will reveal the face-down card and play accordingly
- Any players with better hands than the dealer will win
Different variations might use a different number of decks, or add limitations to when you're allowed to split or double down. There are also variations that determine when the dealer must hit or stand that can change the odds of the game.
There is a common misconception that the goal of blackjack is to hit 21. While that would make for a winning hand, the fact is that the true goal of the game is to beat the dealer, which can result in some very different strategies.
Find The Best Blackjack Variation for You
How We Pick the Best UK Blackjack Casinos
Our team of casino professionals is dedicated to finding you the very best blackjack games available on the internet. We evaluate online blackjack casinos using various criteria, including:
- Fair House Edge: We seek out online casinos that provide players with the proper house edge, which for standard blackjack is a low 0.5%.
- Fun Variants: Our experienced and knowledgeable professionals have found exciting and unique versions of blackjack for you to enjoy, such as Spanish 21 and Blackjack Switch.
- Promotions and Bonuses: Many casinos offer blackjack, and other casino game, players special promotions and bonuses they can use to increase the power of their bankroll when playing 21.
- Free Games: Excellent game offerings for players looking to enjoy blackjack online for fun with plenty of free online blackjack variations are essential.
- Live Dealer Games: We always look out for the latest technology available offering online blackjack live dealer games.
What are the Different Online Blackjack Variations?
- Single-deck blackjack: One of the most popular variations of the game, this might remind you of how you originally learned the game of 21. With great odds and straight-forward gameplay, this blackjack variation is widely available.
- Pontoon: The British variant Pontoon uses terms 'twist' for 'hit', 'stick' for 'stand' and 'stand' for double down' Other versions offer small rule changes.
- Atlantic City: With Atlantic City blackjack, the dealer always hits at 16 or less and always stands at 17. There's a 'Late Surrender' option, too.
- Spanish 21: This variation allows players to double down and split numerous times and to make a 'Match the Dealer' side bet. Most importantly, all 10s are removed from the deck.
- Double Exposure: Here, the dealer gets both cards face up. By knowing exactly what the dealer has, players get an edge, but there aren't any surrender or insurance options in this variation.
Free Online Blackjack
There are many reasons to choose to play free online blackjack. Even professionals will do it from time to time in order to test out or hone in a new strategy. It can also be useful if you want to try a new casino online without depositing any funds.
It's also just a wonderful chance to simply play blackjack online for fun. No matter why you choose to play free online blackjack, there are plenty of excellent online casinos that will let you enjoy all the thrill of this popular casino game without any risk.
Play Blackjack on Mobile
The good news is that blackjack is also available to play on smartphone devices at most mobile online casinos.
Since it's a highly popular game, online casinos have dedicated a lot of time to perfecting the game's compatibility for mobile devices. As a result, you'll be able to play on iOS, Android, Windows, Kindle Fire or BlackBerry devices.
Conclusion: These are the Best Online Blackjack Casinos
All the best UK online casinos offer traditional blackjack and/or one of its many variations. We've highlighted the best casinos for you to play blackjack online for real money or for free. Our reviews showcase the top casinos for players to experience the best blackjack moments of their lives.
We can guarantee that all our top-rated casinos are 100% reliable, safe and secure. We take great caution in selecting the best UK casinos that offer a wide variety of games while also ensuring they are fair and safe.
Our professional team reviews many casinos, from the biggest names to the newest on the block, searching for the best bonuses and promotional offers while also checking that sites are user-friendly, with easy banking and deposit options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules of blackjack?
While the rules can vary slightly depending on which variation you play, at its core it's a game about beating the dealer as you both strive for the best hand, worth 21.
Is it safe to play blackjack at a casino online?
You can rest assured that playing blackjack online is safe and secure at the best online casinos. These are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, making them among the best online blackjack sites in the world.
Can I play blackjack on mobile?
You can definitely play blackjack on any modern smartphone or tablet.
What's the difference between regular and live dealer blackjack?
Regular blackjack is played using a random number generator (RNG) to determine which card appears next. Live dealer games use actual physical cards dealt by human croupiers, with gameplay livestreamed to your device.
What are the best sites to play online blackjack at?
There are so many excellent sites offering blackjack, each with a slightly different vibe, approach or experience. We've rated and reviewed them to help you find the best online blackjack UK casinos have to offer, with the right site appealing to your specific tastes.
Can I play online blackjack for real money?
Yes, there are plenty of online blackjack real money options available for you at the best online casinos.
Can I play online blackjack for free?
Of course! Most of our recommended casinos have excellent free play casinos where you can enjoy the best blackjack online for fun.
Can I count cards playing online blackjack?
We don't like to say you can't do something, but there really is no point in counting cards when playing blackjack online. With random number generators and card shuffling devices used after every hand, you simply can't get any meaningful advantage attempting to count cards, and you'll just distract yourself from the exhilarating experience.
