Learn How to Play Blackjack

Live dealer blackjack is one of the most popular games played online. With a small house advantage and engaging gameplay, it’s no wonder that experienced players prefer this type of game. On this page, we’ll guide you learn how to play blackjack and the process of playing blackjack in a live dealer casino.

Live blackjack is easy to play, and after learning the game rules and available moves, players can place their bets and enjoy the interactions at the table and the real-time play of an exciting and life-like blackjack game.

As a new player, it’s essential to take the time to understand the version of the game offered in the live dealer casino, and familiarize yourself with the basic rules and strategies that can increase your chances of winning. With the right knowledge and approach, you too can experience the thrill of live dealer blackjack.

Learn the Basic Rules and How to Play Live Blackjack

Playing live blackjack requires a goal to have a hand that totals as close to 21 as possible without going over. In casino blackjack, players compete against the dealer with the aim of either the dealer or the player winning.

Every blackjack hand is the total sum of all cards held by the player. The outcome of the game is determined by comparing the player’s hand against the dealer’s. Each card will have an assigned value, and face cards are always worth 10. The ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points. Any card combination that includes an Ace is referred to as “soft.” For example, an Ace + 7 hand is called a Soft 17.

Players will look at their cards and decide on their next move. With live blackjack, there are various options available to players, such as standing if they believe their hand will beat the dealer, or hitting to receive another card. There are also options to split pairs, double down and take insurance if there is a chance the dealer has a blackjack.

Learn the proper steps to play live blackjack and increase your chances of winning.

Master the Game of Live Blackjack: A Step-by-Step Guide

With this step by step guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pro at live blackjack and increasing your chances of winning.

1. Find a reputable live blackjack casino and table. Once you open the game, you may need to take a seat. Some live blackjack tables have limited seats, while others don’t. Regardless, you will use the chips to select your stake according to the table’s betting limits. Here are some great live blackjack games to play for real money.
2. Receive your initial hand and compare it to the dealer. You will receive two cards initially. You will be dealt two cards, commonly known as “hole cards.” These cards form the foundation of your strategy as you move forward. The dealer will also deal two cards to their own hand, but you will only see one of the dealer’s cards. The other card will stay hidden until the end of the round.
3. Resolve potential Natural Blackjack. The term “blackjack” or “natural” refers to a player hand that immediately draws one Ace and one 10-value card. This hand totals 21 and wins the round outright. However, if the dealer’s up-card is a 10 or 11, they will “peek” at the down-card to see if they also have a natural. If they do, your bet is a “push” and the full stake is returned to you.
4. Make your Move(s). The dealer will then go from player to player and wait for their decision. Your options are to Hit, Stand, Double, or Split – you can find the details on what each move does below.
5. Dealer Reveal. The dealer will then reveal their second card. If they get Blackjack, all players lose. If not, they will draw according to the table rules. Most tables have the dealer draw on any hand value under 17 and stand on 17 and over.
6. Round Resolved. If the dealer goes over 21 while drawing, all players at the table win (unless they also went bust.) If not, players closer to 21 than the dealer win while others lose.

Blackjack Moves and Strategies

Stand

Standing in Blackjack means that you don’t want to draw any more cards that round. You can choose to Stand at any moment while it’s your turn, and most live blackjack games automatically stand you if you hit 21. The point of this decision is to avoid “busting” – going over 21.

Hit

To Hit in blackjack means to receive one more card from the shoe. You can hit whenever it’s your turn to play, regardless of your current hand total. That said, some games won’t allow you to do so if you have 21. Of course, you don’t want to hit if your hand is already close to 21, which is basic blackjack strategy.

Double

Doubling in Blackjack allows you to double your stake in the current round, potentially doubling your payout as well. When you can double in blackjack depends on the table rules, but most allow you to double on any hand total. However, you can only double directly after your initial 2-card hand was dealt. After doubling, you must draw one more card and then Stand. You cannot double down after hitting in the current round.

Split

If you have two cards of the same value in your hand, you can Split them. Splitting in blackjack essentially turns these two cards into two separate hands. You have to provide the stake for this additional hand, after which they can both win or lose independently of each other. Note that some tables allow you to “re-split” hands that were created after splitting. Some tables also prohibit picking to Double after a Split.

Make sure to read also our Blackjack strategy guide to help you maximise your winnings.

Side Bets in Blackjack

Many live blackjack games these days have side bets. These are special wagers that you can place alongside the main bet. Side bets can win or lose independently of the main bet. They are made at the beginning of the round and resolved before its end. Note that blackjack side bets may have different rules and limits, depending on the table.

Insurance in Blackjack

An Insurance bet in blackjack allows you to protect yourself from a dealer blackjack. If a dealer shows an Ace in the initial draw, you are at risk of losing to a dealer Blackjack. In this situation, players can choose to take an Insurance bet. An Insurance bet wins if the dealer draws Blackjack and pays 2:1. However, your main bet will likely lose in this scenario, unless you also have Blackjack. The Insurance bet can only be half the original bet. Not all table blackjack rules allow insurance. Importantly, blackjack insurance is never a smart move. Statistically, it’s never worth it, and won’t pay off a majority of the time. If you know how to play blackjack or basic strategy, you will likely never play this bet.

How to Play Blackjack Frequently Asked Questions

Is blackjack easy to learn?

• Blackjack is considered a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master, tough it is more complex than casino games such as roulette or baccarat.

How do I place a bet in blackjack?

• To place a bet in blackjack, you need to put your stake on the designated spot on the table.
• Make sure that your bet falls within the table’s betting limits.
• You can also place side bets in addition to the main bet.

What is an Ace in blackjack?

• In blackjack, an Ace can either be counted as 1 or 11, depending on which value is more beneficial for the current hand.
• A hand that contains an Ace is called “soft” because the value of the Ace can change to avoid going over 21.

How does blackjack payout?

• Standard payouts for blackjack are 1:1 for regular wins, 3:2 for Blackjack, and 2:1 for Insurance.
• However, some tables may offer worse odds such as 6:5 payouts for Blackjack, it’s better to avoid these tables.

How does the game end?

• The round of blackjack ends when all the cards are revealed and compared.
• All player hands must either Stand or Bust by going over 21, and the dealer’s hand must also draw until Standing or Busting.