Blackjack is an immensely popular casino-style card game, with millions of fans playing it online worldwide.

One of the main reasons for its popularity is that Blackjack is so simple to play. Learn how to play online Blackjack in just seven steps:

Step 1: Place your bet

Step 2: Receive your cards

The dealer will give you two cards and show one of theirs.

Step 3: Decide if you want to double your bet

The player can double their bet any time before they hit or stand, and can split if dealt two cards of the same value.

Step 4: Consider if you want to ‘hit’

Choose “hit” to be dealt another card. If your hand exceeds 21, you automatically lose.

Step 5: Click ‘stand’

Click “stand” when you’re ready to play your hand.

Step 6: Learn the dealer’s hand

The dealer reveals their hidden card and must hit on 16 or lower, and stand on 17 or higher.

Step 7: Win or lose

You win if your hand’s value is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21. You lose if you bust or have a lower value than the dealer.

What are the online blackjack rules?

Playing online Blackjack is a fun way to pass the time, develop strategic thinking, and test your ability to act under pressure. To get the most enjoyment, you need to know the rules. These 14 key rules will help you play free blackjack games effectively:

14 key rules to follow when playing online blackjack

Your aim is to get a score of 21 or higher than the dealer.

If your score exceeds 21, you bust and lose.

If your score ties with the dealer, it’s a push and your bet is returned.

You place your bet before cards are dealt.

You’re dealt two face-up cards.

The dealer has one face-up and one face-down card.

An Ace counts as 1 or 11, whichever benefits you most.

Ten, Jack, Queen, and King each count as 10.

Cards 2–9 count at face value.

Choose “hit” to receive another card.

Choose “stand” to end your turn.

You may split pairs into two separate hands.

The dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more.

You may take insurance if the dealer shows an Ace (not recommended).

How to win at free online blackjack

There’s no guaranteed strategy—luck and skill both play a part. Use these five tips to improve your chances:

Five tips to help you win

Tip 1: Learn the basic strategy

Use a basic strategy chart to know when to hit, stand, double, or split based on your hand and the dealer’s up-card.

Tip 2: ‘Hit’ if you’re dealt 8 or less

Always hit when your hand totals 8 or lower—there’s no risk of busting.

Tip 3: Never split these pairs

Avoid splitting 4s, 5s, and 10s—splitting these rarely improves your odds.

Tip 4: Never stand on these numbers

If the dealer shows 7 or higher, don’t stand on a hard 12–16—hit instead to try improving your hand.

Tip 5: Avoid insurance bets

Insurance side-bets generally favor the house and reduce your expected return.

How to count cards

Card counting can shift the edge in your favor. Here’s the basic four-step Hi-Lo method:

Counting cards in blackjack in four steps

Step 1: Give every card a value

Assign +1 to cards 2–6, 0 to 7–9, and –1 to 10–Ace.

Step 2: Maintain a running count

Start at zero and add or subtract based on each card dealt. A positive count favors the player; a negative count favors the dealer.

Step 3: Calculate the true count

True count = running count ÷ number of decks remaining in the shoe.

Step 4: Alter your bets as the true count increases

Raise your bet proportional to the true count—higher counts mean a better probability of player advantage.

How to deal when you play blackjack online

No dealer to worry about—simply click the “Deal” button to start your hand, and the virtual dealer handles the rest!

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