Online Blackjack Do’s and Don’ts

To win consistently you must know online blackjack’s do’s and don’ts. Blackjack, or ‘21’ remains one of the best online table games in the world. In its most basic form, a hand total of 21 or a ‘natural’ is the aim of the game.

Of course, that’s never going to happen with every round you play. In the absence of a ‘natural,’ the player needs to get more than the dealer without going bust. Players should know the rules of blackjack to win real money.

Refer To A Cheat Sheet

Although Blackjack is an easy game to play it’s difficult to beat the dealer. Advantage blackjack players keep their cheat sheets on hand when they play at online casinos. Blackjack cheat sheets may seem confusing, but it’s nothing more than a basic strategy. They instruct players when to hit, stand or split for optimal real money wins.

Having all these options on one reference sheet may complicate things even more. USACasinos247 put together three easy-to-understand tables for you with legends included. Refer to them after receiving your first two hole cards and the dealer’s first face-up card.

Because soft and hard hands play differently, we’ve indicated them separately for you. There is also a table to assist you with pair splitting. The cheat sheets indicate the players’ hands on the left vertical line. You’ll also see the dealers’ first card on the top horizontal mark.

To the far right of each table, we’ve indicated the hand options, for example soft, hard, or pairs. Simply check where the hands meet and make that call to play Blackjack optimally. Moreover, you can also use these cheat sheets at live dealer blackjack casinos.

Don’t Confuse The Hit, Stand, Split and Double-Down Actions

Each of the Blackjack actions has an impact on your bankroll. So, when you decide to ‘hit,’ you receive an extra card that adds to your hand total. Then, players continue to hit until they decide to ‘stand’ or ‘split.’

Once you indicate that you ‘stand’ your hand, the dealer then reveals the second house card. You can split your cards when you hold two cards of the same value, like two eights, for example. If you do split your cards you must make a wager that equals your initial bet. Sometimes, the second card for any split hand may bring another identical card.

In these cases, the player may opt to split again. Doubling down in Blackjack allows players to increase the value of the initial bet. In this instance, you receive only one additional card, presented sideways.

Only double down when you are confident in your hand total as a loss eats into your bankroll. You may prefer to double down after splitting your hand, but that will require an additional wager.

Don’t Gamble On A Double-Down Bet

If you don’t have the conviction to do it, then rather don’t do it. A win, in this instance, pays equal money, so it’s a risky move. However, doubling down on your hole cards makes for more action if you’re that way inclined. So double down in the following instances only.

Your two cards total 9, and the dealers’ open card is between 2 and 8. Double down when you have 10, and the dealer’s face-up card is anything but a 10, J, Q, K, or Ace. Play the bet when you hold an 11, and when the dealer has an Ace card.

Don’t Confuse The Blackjack Variant Rules

There are numerous Blackjack variants available at the best online casino sites for US gamblers. Two of the main ones are American and European Blackjack. All variants have different rules pertaining to the number of decks used as well.

Some play with only a single deck, while others may have up to eight. A significant distinction lies in whether the dealer may or may not stand on a soft 17. Always check your variant’s rules and understand them before betting real money at online casinos. Should you want more exposure to a specific variant, play Blackjack for free in practice mode.

Don’t Forget The House Edge

Most of the better-known Blackjack variations play at a house edge of 0.5% and a 3:2 pay structure. Conversely, a game carrying a 6:5 payout holds a higher house edge at 1.9%. When you play Blackjack for an even money payday, it increases up to 2.8%.