If you’re looking to learn about all things blackjack online related, then you’ve come to the right place. Sometimes called the game of 21, blackjack is undoubtedly one of the most iconic card games when it comes to casinos.
The origins of the actual game are still under debate, but most would agree that it originated in a French casino sometime around the 1700s, and was the same wildly popular card game that was played during the reign of King Louis XV.
The age of the Internet has brought about the most popular variant to date – online blackjack with both its virtual and live casino versions ranking amongst the most sought-after casino games of all times – right after online slots of course!
Terms and conditions apply
Claim your
30 Free Spins with your first deposit of £10
on the Big Bass Splash slot!
Terms and conditions apply
Terms and conditions apply
Terms and conditions apply
Terms and conditions apply
Terms and conditions apply
Terms and conditions apply
Terms and conditions apply
Terms and conditions apply
Blackjack Rules UK
The Deck
In online blackjack, a standard deck of 52 cards is generally used, however multiple decks are generally shuffled together in live blackjack online and held in a plastic container that’s referred to as the shoe. Multiple packs ensure that there’s no possibility of card counting, whereas the RNG (Random Number Generator) engaged in its virtual counterpart ensures that your gaming experience is totally legit.
Card Values
In blackjack online, face cards are all worth 10 points, whereas numeric cards retain their card value irrespective of suit. Aces are worth one or 11 points depending on the requirements of your current hand.
Betting Options
Before a round kicks off at the blackjack table, each player is requested to make an initial by placing chips within a designated area. Minimum and maximum limits are established for each table, so it’s always a good idea to check those out before actually kicking off your next round of online blackjack.
Shuffling, Cutting, and Dealing
Here, your blackjack online live dealer or virtual assistant will thoroughly shuffle the decks until they’re in a definite random sequence. The dealer will then assign one card face up to each player, and another face up to him/herself. Players will then receive another card face up, with the dealer assigning his/her second card face down.
Gameplay
The aim of any blackjack online game is to beat the dealer by getting as s close to 21 points as possible in a single hand, without going over.
If your first two cards happen to be a 10-point card and an Ace, then this is considered a natural blackjack and you’ve essentially just won the round. If this happens to the dealer, then all bets are automatically forfeited.
If none of the parties hold a natural, then the player is asked to make his/her first move. In this case, you’re able to:
- Stand -hold onto your current hand as is
- Hit – request a new card to increase your hand value
- Bust – should your current hand value exceed 21 points
Blackjack Basic Strategy
Blackjack is a game of both skill and chance, which suggests having your blackjack basic strategy in order is always a good start. Winning tactics in online blackjack generally require making the most out of every hand in a calculated way, while always keeping a keen eye on what’s going on with the dealer’s side of things. In essence:
- The dealer’s draw
- Soft hands and doubling down
- Splitting
The Dealer’s Draw
For instance, if the dealer’s face up card happens to be of high value, let’s say from seven upwards, then the idea here is to keep hitting until your card value is at least worth 17 points or more.
If the dealer’s card is a low one, let’s say anywhere between four and six, then you can probably stand anywhere near 12 points or more. And finally, if the dealer’s card is unpredictable, let’s say a one, two, or three, then it’s probably a good idea to stand anywhere around 13 points or more.
Soft Hands and Doubling Down
Whenever soft hands are involved, the general consensus is that you’d keep hitting until you’ve acquired 18 points or more. Whereas whenever it comes to doubling down, always do that on a hand worth 11 points, or a hand worth 10 points unless the dealer’s face up card is worth 10 or 11 points.
Splitting
When playing blackjack online, the general strategy when it comes to splitting includes always splitting a pair of Aces or eights. Identical five and ten cards should never be split, as they are already worth 10 points and qualify for doubling down. Fours should also never be split, as they are worth eight points which is always good to hit on.
As for the rest of the cards, twos, threes, or sevens may all be split as long as the dealer doesn’t have a card worth eight points or more. And finally, sixes should never be split unless the dealer is showing a very poor card worth less than six points.
Blackjack RTP
Blackjack RTP refers to the house edge, or the theoretical return to player that’s attached to every individual game. As is the case with most games, this may vary from one title to the other so it’s always good to double check. You can do this by simply hovering over your preferred game to reveal its RTP.
Blackjack Table Games UK
When it comes to blackjack table games in the UK, the selection is wide and varied. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular options:
- Vegas Single Deck Blackjack
- Multi-Hand Classic Blackjack
- Live Blackjack UK
Vegas Single Deck Blackjack
As the title might suggest, Vegas Single Deck Blackjack is played with one deck of 52 cards. Just like regular blackjack, the dealer will then deal two cards with the aim of collecting as close to 21 points per hand as possible.
Multi-Hand Classic Blackjack
Probably best suited for more experienced players, Multi-Hand Classic Blackjack offers the opportunity of playing the classic game of online blackjack while holding multiple hands per round.
Live Blackjack UK
The most interactive of the lot – Live Blackjack UK is streamed live from a professional casino studio, with a live dealer, across any device on a 24/7 basis. Players are able to connect at any time and take a seat at a live blackjack table while being able to exchange messages with both the dealer, as well as other players at the table. Discover the full range of live blackjack UK games at Platincasino.
Mobile Blackjack Online
Whether its virtual or live, all our mobile blackjack online games have been optimised to perform equally on any screen size, on any device. Whether it’s a mobile phone or a tablet, your Kindle, or your laptop, all of our games are available whenever, wherever. Apart from that, all of our promotions are also transferable across all devices.
Blackjack Online FAQs
What’s the difference between 21 and blackjack?
Whereas the name 21 relates back to an older version of the game of blackjack we know today, the two names are used interchangeably in modern blackjack online.
Is it legal to play blackjack online in the UK?
While you’re playing at a reputable casino, then it’s perfectly legal to play blackjack in the UK. Platincasino for instance is operated by a licensed operator that’s regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which implies that your gameplay is entertaining and safe.
What is the most popular blackjack game?
Just like everything else, it’s always a matter of taste. Certain players might prefer online blackjack games because they tend to be faster and eliminate the pressure of playing with others, whereas other players prefer live blackjack games in the UK due to their more realistic game experience. There’s no worst or best game, essentially, it’s all about which game suits your gaming style most.
Can I withdraw my online blackjack winnings instantly at Platincasino?
Whenever you sign up for a free account at Platincasino, you’ll be asked to verify your profile before being able to proceed with any deposits or claim any promotions. Once that’s done, you’re able to deposit and withdraw any funds at Platincasino with no extra processing time required.