Play the Best Online Blackjack Versions

One of the best things about online blackjack is that there are just so many different types to play. Every version of online blackjack does something slightly differently, so you can guarantee that the game will never get boring. If you're a beginner, you might want to start off playing a free blackjack game so that you can get the hang of the rules and hone your skills before playing for real money.

Here are just some of our favorite blackjack game varieties.

Perfect Pairs in Blackjack

Perfect Pairs is a side gamble in which you have the opportunity to win huge payouts when your first two cards are in rank and suit.

Blackjack Switch

With Blackjack Switch, you wager on two hands but are able to exchange the second card of each hand to improve your chances.

European Blackjack

European Blackjack varies from the regular game in that the dealer is dealt one face-up card at the beginning of the game. This renders them unable to peek for a blackjack after the players have made a first action.

Win Real Money Playing Online Blackjack

One of the best reasons to play online blackjack is the chance to win real money. Blackjack generally has one of the lowest house edges of any of the online casino games. Whether you enjoy playing at traditional real-money casinos or whether you enjoy the atmosphere of a live dealer casino, few games are better suited to a seasoned player than blackjack.

Here's how to get started playing blackjack online for real money:

Choose one of our recommended blackjack casinos. After registering your account, find a blackjack game in the casino. It’s usually better to start with the standard blackjack game rather than a variation, especially if you’re new to the game.
In regular blackjack, the dealer gives you two cards and themselves two cards: one face-up and one down. Numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards are 10, and aces are 1 or 11, whichever is best for your hand. You need to be nearer to 21 than the dealer without going over to win.
You can decide to "hit" (take another card) or "stand" (finish your turn) when it's your turn to play. You typically hit with hands of 11 or fewer points because they cannot bust, and stand with 17 or more. Hands between these values are a situation of what you have and what the dealer has showing.
After you complete your turn, the dealer will turn over their cards. They must abide by the rules, typically hitting on 16 or less and standing on 17 or more. Then, the hand that is nearest to 21 without exceeding wins! If you bust (exceed 21), you lose immediately; if you don't bust but the dealer does, you win outright.
Once the hand is done, you can bet again and play another hand. Pay close attention to your choices every time, and you will notice how your outcome gets better.

Expert Tips for Winning at Online Blackjack

While blackjack strategy is a topic that can consume entire books, you don't need to read much to play better. Our expert advice below will help you prepare to play online blackjack for real money, increase your chances of winning, and avoid some of the rookie errors.

Bet more aggressively with soft hands than with hard hands. Soft hands are those in which an ace is still worth 11 points, so you can never lose by taking another card, while all other hands are "hard" because their value can never decrease.
Always split if you have an eight or ace in your initial hand. On the other hand, you should not split hands that begin with a pair of fours, fives, or tens because these hands contain too much value to be split.
You need to double your wager at all times if you have 10 or 11 points, and your hand is higher than the dealer's upcard. This is the best way in which to take advantage of your edge with these good hands.
Never take insurance. That is, never even take "even money" in blackjack, an insurance wager by another name. You'll win more in the long term by letting hands play instead.
Some online blackjack games offer surrender, where you get half your bet returned and give up the round. It is the right play in some of the worst hands you can have, such as when you are dealt a hard 16 versus a 10 dealer.

Good Hands in Online Blackjack

Good blackjack hands give you the best chance of winning a round, and occasionally can have you win more than you would otherwise. These are four good hands to search for when playing online blackjack.

Classic 21

This hand, also known as blackjack, wins automatically and pays out at a 3-to-2 ratio!

Hard 20

This hand is extremely strong, as it can be beaten only by the dealer making a 21. Always stand with this hand, regardless of what the dealer holds.

Soft 18

This hand gives you the chance to factor in doubling down against weak dealer cards (2 through 6), and also allows you to play cautiously against the dealer's best cards.

Hard 11

If you start with an 11-point hand, you will almost always want to double your bet—except when the dealer has an ace!