Discover Blackjack at Casinonic

If you gravitate towards card games, we bet you’ll be interested in getting to know more about online blackjack! Card games come in forms and size. However, there are three games which are considered the building blocks of the gambling industry. Those are blackjack, poker, and baccarat. In this article, we’ll focus on online blackjack and delve into some important issues regarding this iconic card game. Let’s kick off our review with some historical facts!

Backstory

There is still much debate about when blackjack was invented. According to some researchers, blackjack originated in the 18th century in France. Back then, it was called Vingt-en-Un. In the 19th century, the colonists brought the game to Northern America where it grew wildly popular under the name of 21. There is also a theory claiming that blackjack was invented by Romans. Whoever came up with the idea for this fantastic game, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts! It was a truly landmark event which shaped the emerging world of gambling!

How to play online blackjack

Blackjack is played with one to eight 52-card decks. The maximum number of participants is 7. The objective of the game is to end up with a hand total which adds up to 21 or comes closest to this number without exceeding it. The Player places a bet. The Dealer deals two cards to themselves and two cards to the Player. Here comes an important thing. While both of the Player’s cards are closed, one of the Dealer’s cards is dealt face up, i.e. other players can see it. The Player and the Dealer evaluate their respective hands. The Player has two options. They can either take an additional card (speaking in professional terms, “Hit”), or pass (“Stand”). Hitting is always a risky thing to do. Why? Because if you take a card and your hand total exceeds 21, you instantly lose (“Go bust”). After the Player has made their choice, the Dealer makes their move. Next, the sum of card values in each hand is calculated. Cards 2 through 9 are worth their nominal value (e.g. a 3 is worth 3 points). Picture cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10 points. Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 points. The person whose hand is closer to 21 wins.

About natural blackjack

Natural blackjack is the most coveted thing in blackjack online. It’s a situation when the Player or the Dealer has an Ace and a face card (J, Q, K) or 10 in their first hand. Since the hand total amounts to 21, the person with a natural blackjack immediately wins the game. Natural blackjack is paid 3 to 2.

Additional online blackjack rules

Along with the classic online blackjack version, there are multiple variations of the game. Each online blackjack variation has its own rules and betting options. In some online blackjack games, players are allowed to split and double their hands. Also, there is the Surrender option.

On top of that, don’t be surprised if you come across the rule saying that the Dealer must always hit on Soft 17 (Soft 17 is a hand with an Ace which is counted as 11.). Moreover, there are blackjack online games where the Dealer is obliged to do just the opposite, i.e. always stand on Soft 17.

Optimal strategy

Luckily for gamblers, they have a real chance to increase their winning odds at online blackjack by using the optimal strategy. The best online blackjack strategy is basically a chart saying what move you need to make (Hit, Stand, Split, etc.) based on the dealer’s open card. This amazing strategy takes down the house edge from 5% to 0.5%, making online blackjack really profitable to play. The strategy is presented in the form of a small table that you can have handy. Print out the strategy or pin the browser tab with the strategy to be able to take a sneak peak at it whenever you’re in doubt.

Card counting in online blackjack

Card counting is probably one of the most popular winning systems invented for blackjack. First used in the 1950s in Las Vegas, the system allowed players to minimize the house edge. Naturally, land-based casinos didn’t like the new trick. As a result, players who were tracking cards were banned from entering the casino ever again. Although there is nothing illegal about this tactic, brick-and-mortar casinos are still hunting card counters. The good news is that you can use this system all you want when playing blackjack online!

Blackjack insurance

Some casinos offer players to buy blackjack insurance to minimize the risk of losing. Plainly speaking, blackjack insurance is a side bet made by the Player against the Dealer hitting a natural blackjack. This side bet has a fixed size and amounts to 50% of your initial bet. If the Dealer happens to have a natural online blackjack on their first hand, you’ll only lose half of your initial wager and get the other half back. In all honesty, insurance in online blackjack is hardly ever useful. Keep in mind that you can only use the insurance if the Dealer’s face-up card is an Ace.

FAQ on blackjack

What blackjack games are available at Casinonic?

- Knowing New Zealders’ passion for online blackjack, Casinonic has gathered a stunning collection of online blackjack variations. Some of the most prominent titles include Multi-Hand Blackjack, Premier Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, 3-Hand Blackjack, Spanish Blackjack, and more.

Can I play blackjack online for free?

- Absolutely. All online blackjack games on our website are available in demonstration mode. Explore new exciting blackjack online variations, expand your gambling horizons, test strategies, and train your skills without putting your money at risk!

How can I win at blackjack online?

- Applying the basic blackjack strategy is a surefire way to boost the game’s RTP to a staggering 95.5%. You can easily find the basic strategy online. There is nothing complicated about it, even for online blackjack rookies!