- Blackjack is easy to learn for new players.
- Try to make a higher hand than the dealer’s without going over 21.
- Hit to receive more cards and stand when you’re confident.
- Consistency is the winning strategy. Make many small bets over longer play sessions for extended fun and lower risk.
The blackjack table is an iconic symbol of casinos. Aside from offering great odds, blackjack is also highly accessible to new players. Online casinos in Canada made the game even more accessible with immersive live dealer tables and mobile apps. If players want to try their hand at online blackjack, this guide is an entry point to online blackjack in Canada.
How to Play Blackjack Online
Here’s how to play online blackjack for beginners.
Odds are also pretty straightforward. Traditional blackjack has a 99% or higher RTP. A few rules can change this. Playing with fewer decks improves the odds for players, as does the dealer hitting on a soft 17. Some versions of blackjack introduce side bets, but these have famously poor odds, so skip the side bets.
It’s important to have an understanding of the basics of blackjack, including blackjack terminology. Once players are familiar with the basic terms of the game, here’s how to get started.
In most online blackjack games, the player’s goal is to assemble a hand of cards with a total higher than the dealer’s hand, without going over 21. Every number card is worth its printed value, face cards are worth 10, and aces are worth either 1 or 11. If the player’s hand tips over 21, they go bust and lose the hand.
At the start of a hand, players place their bets. The dealer then deals one card to each player and one card to themselves. All of these cards are dealt face up. All of the players then receive a second card that’s dealt face up, while the dealer receives a second card that is dealt face down. If they’re dealt a natural blackjack (10 and an ace), they’ll receive an immediate payout. If not, they can take one of the following actions:
- Hit: Receive another card.
- Stand: Stick with your current hand and take no more cards.
- Double-down: Double your bet and receive a final card.
- Split: Turn a pair into two individual hands, and place an additional bet on the new hand.
Once all players have decided to stand or have gone bust, the dealer takes their turn and reveals their face-down card. The dealer must follow set rules to determine whether they hit or stand. Finally, players compare their hands to the dealer to determine winners, who are paid their winnings.
Payouts in blackjack are simple: if a player wins, they get back a payout of 1:1. Winning with a natural blackjack typically pays 3:2.
Online Blackjack Tips
Although it’s easy for new players to learn how to play blackjack online, there’s still plenty of strategic depth. Players spend years mastering the game, but here are a few quick tips to improve their gameplay.
Betting Systems
A common piece of advice for how to play blackjack is to use a betting system like the Martingale or Paroli system. These systems tell the player what bets to place on each hand, depending on whether the player won or lost their previous hand. The idea is to make up losses and build on wins.
But as a new player, betting systems can be unreliable. Following a system exactly can lead the player to chase losses, which can quickly drain their bankroll. As well, most blackjack betting systems don’t account for rules variations, which can change the odds.
Consider the Dealer’s Cards
Standard blackjack rules mean the players get to see one of the two cards held by the dealer. This face-up card offers information on whether the dealer is likely to stay or hit, and what total you might need to try to beat. Remember, the player wins by getting a higher hand than the dealer.
Balance Your Budget
Reckless spending is the easiest way to cut a play session short and can lead to dangerous gambling habits. Look at blackjack as a form of entertainment and try to squeeze out the most fun possible through careful betting. A blackjack strategy of smaller, low-risk bets is the smart choice.
One reason blackjack is so popular is that, with the right strategy, it has the most favourable odds of any casino game. This means that it can give the player a good chance of breaking even over the course of a play session. But that won’t happen if you spend all your money on the first couple of hands. Be patient and make your bankroll last.
How to Get Started at an Online Blackjack Casino
So now that players have gotten this far in the beginner’s guide to blackjack and know how to play blackjack, they might wonder where they are going to play. When choosing an online casino in Canada, there are several factors to consider.
First, check that a casino platform is safe and reliable. Ensure the site is licensed, uses up-to-date digital security like SSL encryption, and has good reviews from past players.
Next, investigate an online casino’s blackjack game selection. Single-player RNG games are great to play against the virtual house. For a human touch, try live dealer blackjack tables where real dealers are filmed and livestreamed right to your computer or mobile device. The quantity of blackjack games is great, but also look for breadth with unique rules variants.
Once a player has chosen a top-quality online casino, they’ll need to register an account. Players should expect to share personal info like their name and address. After registration, players will need to make their first deposit so that their digital wallet has funds for wagering. Then players can choose their preferred game and start playing.
