BonusFinder>Guide>Online Blackjack Strategies
Blackjack differs considerably from slots. Rather than depending on luck, you must employ optimal strategy to maximize your success at the tables. In this guide, we’ll help you make the most of your hot streaks.
Maximizing Your Odds: Online Blackjack Strategies
Blackjack offers some of the thinnest house edges in casino gaming. Sometimes, it’s as low as 0.42% (single-deck Blackjack).
But to achieve these numbers, you must play optimally. Below, we’ll teach strategies that’ll give you the best possible chance of winning.
Should I Hit or Stand?
It all starts with your hand. For quick reference, check the table below:
| Your Hand | Dealer Up Card | Your Action |
| Hard 4-11 | 2-6 | Hit |
| Hard 4-11 | 7-A | Hit |
| Hard 12-15 | 2-6 | Stand |
| Hard 12-15 | 7-A | Hit |
| Hard 16 (no pair) | 7-A | Surrender/Stand |
| Hard 17-21 | 7-A | Stand |
| Soft 13-18 | 2-6 | Hit |
| Soft 13-18 | 7-A | Hit |
| Soft 19-21 | 2-6 | Stand |
| Soft 19-21 | 7-A | Stand |
Let’s discuss the above concepts.
Standing on 12 or higher when the dealer’s up card is 2-6 may seem strange. But when the dealer starts with a low score, they have a much higher chance of busting (scoring over 21).
Also, if you’re new to Blackjack, standing on 17 or higher may seem like common sense. But if you have a soft 17 (a 17 made with an Ace), hit every time.
Aces can be worth 1 point or 11 points, so if you hit, you have zero chance of busting. The same applies for soft 18s – no chance of busting, and mathematically, you improve to 19-21 enough for it to be a profitable move.
The worst Blackjack hand is a hard 16 versus a high dealer up card. The best setup is a pair of 8s – in this situation, ALWAYS split (more on this later). Literally anything is better than a hard 16. Alternatively, if you can surrender, do so, as you’ll get half your bet back.
Otherwise, stand, but know that you’ll lose a LOT here. Standing means you’ll lose 2.1% less than hitting – not appealing, but statistically, it’s the optimal play.
Should I Double Down?
Any hand can look like a good double-down candidate when you’re running well. But there’s a catch – you only get one more card when you double down.
So, in reality, only a few Blackjack hands are good double-down candidates. If your opening cards total 9-11 (minus the Ace) or soft 16-18 (with an Ace), AND the dealer doesn’t have an Ace, double your wager. Otherwise, don’t bother.
To Split or Not to Split?
Doubling down is simple, but splitting can get complicated. If you’re ever in doubt, refer to the table below:
| Your Hand | Dealer Up Card | Split? |
| 22-33, 66-99 | 2-6 | Yes |
| 22-33, 66-99 | 7-A | No |
| 44-55, TT | 2-6 | No |
| 44-55, TT | 7-A | No |
| 88, AA | 2-6 | Yes |
| 88, AA | 7-A | Yes |
Let’s discuss the above concepts.
The easiest decision comes with TT and paired face cards. NEVER split these – you’re much more likely to win by standing versus hoping for TWO more high cards to come.
Conversely, 99 should be split almost every time, EXCEPT for a dealer 7. This is because the dealer instantly loses on hard 17s (they have to stand) and busts much of the time hitting on soft 17.
AA and 88 should be split every single time. Aces are versatile, as they can be worth 1 or 11 points. And 88? As mentioned earlier, hard 16 is the worst hand in blackjack – so break it up!
Should I Take Insurance?
No. We get it – when you decline insurance, the dealer always APPEARS to roll over a blackjack.
But hard statistics don’t lie – the probability of a dealer blackjack is only 31%, so taking insurance is a negative expected value move.
So don’t listen to the table (or that nagging voice in your head). In the long run, you’ll gain by declining insurance every time.
Decline Even Money Payouts on BJs Versus a Dealer Ace
A Blackjack versus a dealer ten presents a unique dilemma. Sure, you have an unbeatable hand, but if the dealer also turns over a blackjack, you push (i.e., you get your money back, which means NO profit).
So to “guarantee” you’ll make money, the dealer will offer you a 1/1 payout over the usual 3/2.
Do NOT take this deal. The probability of a dealer Blackjack is only 31% – 31% of the time you’ll break even, and get paid at 3/2 69% of the time (nice).
So if you take the even money payout, you’ll sacrifice 50% of your BJ profits – that’s a LOT of money over the long run.
Choose Variants That Use Less Decks
The more decks used in a Blackjack game, the fatter the house edge.
So, to minimize the house’s advantage, play Blackjack titles that use as few decks as possible. Doing this increases your odds of drawing a Ten or Face card in double-down situations.
Pushing these thin edges will reduce your long-term losses and slightly increase your short-term probability of hitting a winning hand/blackjack.
Take Advantage of Blackjack Bonuses
To attract and retain customers, most online casinos offer welcome bonuses. But while many of these target slot players, Blackjack-specific bonuses do exist.
For example, 888 Casino often runs a promotion that mixes bonus cards into their live dealer casino game section. If you draw one, you win the amount shown as bonus funds.
By participating in these promos, you can win cash that’ll further reduce the site’s edge.
Stay Disciplined at the Tables
Your biggest enemy isn’t the dealer at the blackjack table – it’s your emotions. Cards have no memory, they don’t have vendettas. They simply fall based on statistics. So don’t take that third improbable win-in-a-row by the dealer personally. If it’s statistically possible, it can and will happen.
As a player, your job is to employ optimal strategy against whatever the dealer shows. The second emotion enters the equation, step away from the tables and take a break.
Blackjack Systems
Before we start, a disclaimer – NO betting system can overcome Blackjack’s house edge. In fact, these systems can magnify the house’s advantage (i.e. when luck turns against you, you lose your money quicker).
Nevertheless, many gamers swear by their favourite system. Below, we’ll talk about the ones commonly used by seasoned Blackjack players.
The Martingale System
The Martingale System appears to be rock solid. The idea behind it is simple yet elegant – by doubling your bet after each loss, you’ll eventually make back the deficit.
However, this strategy has two fatal flaws. Firstly, the Martingale System only works in games with no house edge. In blackjack, every hand has negative expected value. So, in the long run, you WILL lose money, regardless of bet sizing.
And secondly, Martingaling can put serious pressure on your bankroll. For example, if you’re betting $10/hand and you hit a five-hand losing streak, by the fifth hand, you’ll need to wager $160.
Because of this, following the Martingale System exponentially increases your risk of ruin (especially if you’re tilting).
The Paroli System
Whereas the Martingale System is based on negative progression, the Paroli System employs positive progression. This means you’ll double your bet when you win, and if you hit three wins in a row, you’ll return to your initial stake.
If you don’t want to bust your bankroll, the Paroli System beats Martingaling. But like the Martingale System, Paroli cannot overcome Blackjack’s house edge.
Here’s why: the house edge is a statistical measure, which means it’s not affected by your bet sizing. So for every win streak captured by Paroli, you’ll lose your share of doubled and quadrupled wagers (and then some).
Oscar’s Betting System
Oscar’s Betting System is a hybrid between the two systems described above. It employs positive progression whenever you win and negative progression when you lose.
Start with a specific size (say, $10/hand). After every win, you would raise your stake by one unit, so the next bet would be $20. Every win adds another unit to your bet size ($30, $40, etc.)
But once you lose, you’d cut your wager back to the initial bet sizing – in this case, $10.
However, like the other systems, Blackjack math wins in the long run (i.e. over time, your losses will always overshadow your wins).
Take the House by Storm
Like any other casino game, Blackjack has a house edge. But thanks to its thinness, you can go on short-term runs.
BonusFinder Tip
To extract the maximum, you must stick to optimal Blackjack strategy religiously. Use our advice, and you'll make the most of any hot streaks that come your way!
Henri Ojala
Head of Content
Internationally renowned author Henri Ojala has spent more than a decade mastering the ins and outs of the gambling industry, focusing on online poker, sports betting, and casino games. With over 10 years of experience in the gambling industry, he is a respected expert in various forms. Henri shares his extensive knowledge of strategies, odds, and risk management, earning him recognition as an authority in the online casino field.
FAQs
How do you win big in online blackjack? ›
- Understand the difference between online and live blackjack. ...
- Memorize card rankings. ...
- Exercise caution when deciding to Hit or Stand. ...
- Stick to your favorite online blackjack game type. ...
- Don't make insurance bets. ...
- Learn and embrace blackjack's basic strategy. ...
- Hit on a soft 17.
- RULE #1: ALWAYS DOUBLE DOWN ON 11, UNLESS THE DEALER SHOWS AN ACE.
- RULE #2: WHEN THE DEALER'S UPCARD IS 2-9, ALWAYS DOUBLE DOWN ON AN INITIAL SCORE OF TEN.
- RULE #3: WHEN THE DEALER'S UPCARD IS A 5 OR 6, ALWAYS DOUBLE DOWN ON A SOFT 13-18.
Always use the basic playing strategy for playing blackjack on an online site. Consider using the composition-based basic playing strategy to decrease the house edge to as low as possible. Most online casinos shuffle after every hand making card counting useless.
How do you win blackjack on Fanduel? ›- Always double down on a hard 11 (hand without an ace)
- Always hit soft 18 (hand with an ace) when the dealer's upcard is 9, 10 or Ace.
- Never split a pair of 5s or 10s.
- If the dealer's upcard is 9 or less, always double down on 10.
- Against a dealer's 2 or 3 upcard, always hit a hard 12.
When holding nine or less or 12-16 it's best to hit, but stand on a total of 17 or more. If the dealer's card is a four, five or six it is vital you do not bust. It is common practice to hit on eight or less, but stand on anything 12 or higher.
Does virtual blackjack have worse odds? ›What could be affecting your losing all the time, Raylon, are video blackjack machines that don't pay you the true value of a blackjack (3 for 2). Most machines pay even money on natural 21s. Because you can expect a blackjack every 21 hands in live play, the loss of that bonus will cost you an additional 2.3%.
Is online blackjack profitable? ›Yes, blackjack is one of the most lucrative online casino games. Certain variations provide a greater than 99.5% return to player (RTP).
What is blackjack perfect strategy? ›Bottom line: Your best strategy is to always hit A-7 when the dealer shows a 9, 10, or Ace with a goal of getting to either a soft 19–21 or a hard 17 through 21. (Note: There is one exception to the above strategy.
How many hands should you play in online blackjack? ›Playing two hands is an excellent way of increasing your bet spread when the count is in your favor. You can also bet 50% of what you would have bet on one hand, on each of two hands, with less risk and variance.
Do you hit on 13 in blackjack? ›Blackjack: When to hit
Ultimately, the game's main aim is to beat the dealer's hand. While it's not advised, some players choose to hit when they have a hand total of 12 or 13 and the dealer has a lower card.
Do you hit a 12 against a 3? ›
No, you should hit a hard 12 against a dealer 3. The decision is close but does favor hitting statistically. If you're counting then you should stand if the true count is 2 or higher.
How do you automatically win blackjack? ›A two-card hand of 21 (an ace plus a ten-value card) is called a "blackjack" or a "natural", and is an automatic winner.
Can I make a living playing blackjack? ›It's definitely possible to play blackjack for a living. It takes hard work, determination, and self control, but we are living proof that you can make a living counting cards at blackjack (not to mention the 100 people we hang out with at the blackjack ball, half of which are millionaires thanks to the casinos).
What is the best blackjack strategy without counting cards? ›Another advantageous without card counting technique is “Front Loading”. Front loading is the most lucrative legal maneuver in the Advantage Players arsenal. Front loading is when the dealer exposes the hole card while pulling the card out of the deck or when in the process of sliding the card underneath the top card.
Do you hit on 13 against a 2? ›14 stands against dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit. 13 stands against dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit. 12 stands against dealer 4 through 6, otherwise hit.
Do you hit or stay on 15 in blackjack? ›Question: “When should I hit on my 15?” Sam says: “Always hit a hard 15 when the dealer's up-card is a 7 through an ace. If you stand on that 15, you will win 25.36 percent of the time and lose 74.64 percent of the time. That makes a net loss of 49.28 percent.
Should you always double down on 11? ›For most people, particularly those who are newer to blackjack, it's almost always a good idea to double down when you are showing an 11.
Is it better to play blackjack online or at a casino? ›Pro – Online Blackjack Is Faster
If you want to get a lot of action, online blackjack is the clear winner over land casino blackjack. When you're playing blackjack online at most casinos, you don't have to wait for the other players' decisions. You don't have to wait for the dealer to shuffle the cards.
Single-deck Blackjack offers the best odds of any online casino game in the US. The house edge stands at just 0.13%. Using just one deck instead of six or eight makes the biggest difference. The house edge is also brought down by the dealer standing on soft 17.
Is it better to play blackjack on a machine or at a table? ›Video blackjack moves much faster than table blackjack. At a full seven-player table, you'll play between 50 and 60 hands per hour, and playing head-to-head with the dealer, you'll play more than 200 hands per hour. On a video game, we're talking more like 800 hands per hour, so size your bets accordingly.
What is the average income for blackjack? ›
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $40,000 | $3,333 |
| 75th Percentile | $36,000 | $3,000 |
| Average | $28,185 | $2,348 |
| 25th Percentile | $18,000 | $1,500 |
Key Takeaways. If you win above a certain amount, the payer will deduct 24% from your winnings on the spot. When you file your annual tax return, you'll report your winnings and your tax payments. Depending on your tax bracket, you may then have to pay more or you may get a refund.
How many decks do online blackjack dealers use? ›And you generally play these tables solo, so you cannot see other cards at the table. But online casinos like to be authentic and offer tables with six to eight decks, too, although these will be shuffled automatically each hand.
What is the 21 3 rule in blackjack? ›The “21 + 3” blackjack side bet is based on examining the player's two cards and the dealer's up-card. If the three cards form a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind or straight flush, the player wins.
Do you split 8s against a 10? ›Michael Shackleford, who calls himself "the Wizard of Odds," says splitting 8s against a dealer 10 has the "smallest expected loss" (as opposed to staying, hitting or doubling) of all moves with a pair of 8s.
Why is 3 to 2 better than 6 to 5 in blackjack? ›What's The Difference? The difference between 3:2 blackjack and 6:5 blackjack is simple. If you have a winning blackjack hand, you get paid 3 dollars for every 2 that you bet, or 1.5:1 odds. In 6:5 you get paid $6 for every $5 you bet, which is 1.2:1 odds.
What percentage of your money should you bet in blackjack? ›Blackjack bankroll strategy
Doing so is fine in moderation, just make sure you don't overstretch and stick to the 3% blackjack bankroll rule. Another way of working out your necessary funds is by looking at how much you want to bet each hand. Let's say you want to play blackjack for $25 a hand.
- Play games with liberal playing rules.
- Learn the basic playing strategy.
- Use a strategy card.
- Avoid making the insurance wager.
- Ignore your fellow players.
- Avoid progressive strategies.
- Don't believe you are due to win.
- Don't play on tables that use a continuous shuffler.
Putting this in terms of numbers, you should have at least 30-40 times the amount you'll be betting in your bankroll. So if you bet $5 a hand, you should have $150 in your bankroll.
What are the odds of losing 15 hands in a row blackjack? ›It was play and go Multihand blackjack if anyone wants to know… I'm not sure the odds of winning any given hand, but it's close to 50%. I've only GCE maths, but I think the odds of losing 15 consecutive hands would be approximately 1 in 16,000 (given that the first loss to start the sequence is 100% likely).
What are the odds of losing 12 hands in a row in blackjack? ›
The odds of losing twelve out of three hands is 12/3=4, or 400% Q.E.D. Probability is sometimes difficult to understand.
What is the average number of blackjack hands per hour? ›Blackjack probably plays at 30 to 40 hands per hour. Ultimate Texas Hold'em is probably capped at about 30 hands per hour. But, there is another factor that impacts all of this. This is the number of players at the table.
What is the 17 rule in blackjack? ›In most casino blackjack games, a dealer must take a card if he hits 16 or below and stand at 17 or above. Some tables, though, say the dealer must hit soft 17, meaning he has a chance to increase his score up to 21.
What is the 16 rule in blackjack? ›If the total is 16 or under, they must take a card. The dealer must continue to take cards until the total is 17 or more, at which point the dealer must stand. If the dealer has an ace, and counting it as 11 would bring the total to 17 or more (but not over 21), the dealer must count the ace as 11 and stand.
What is the 11 rule in blackjack? ›The Dealer's first ace counts as 11 unless it busts the hand. Subsequent aces count as one. If the player's total is closer to 21 than the Dealer's, the player wins even money (1 – 1). If the player's total is lower than the Dealer's total then their Blackjack wager will be lost to the House.
Do you split 7s against a 3? ›In multi-deck games, always split 7s against a dealer's 2 through 7, otherwise hit. In double-deck games, split 7s against dealer's 2-8 if DAS or 2-7 if NDAS; otherwise hit.
Do you split 6s against a 2? ›You may find the following two rules an easy way to remember how to play your 6s: In a single- and double-deck game with DAS, split 6s against dealer's 2‒7; otherwise hit. If NDAS, split against 2‒6. In a multi-deck game with DAS, split 6s against dealer upcard of 2‒6; otherwise hit; if NDAS, split against 3‒6.
Do you double down on 11 against a 10? ›When you double down, you risk losing double your original bet, but with 11 vs. 10, you win double your bet more often, giving you a higher average profit.
What is the 5 card Charlie rule? ›Chances are, you had a rule whereby if you collect five cards in your hand without busting, you automatically win – unless the dealer has a blackjack. The rule about five cards is so common in family games that most of us assume it must be a standard element of the blackjack games enjoyed in land or online casinos.
What is the 5 card rule in blackjack? ›Five Card Trick: In the event you draw 5 cards to a hand without exceeding 21, you automatically win and the Dealer will pay you even money. ANY PAIRS Any Pairs is an optional side wager offered on certain Blackjack Challenge tables.
What is the Charlie rule in blackjack? ›
A Charlie Rule is a rule that means the hand that shows the correct number of cards (five, six and so on up to ten) without being busted automatically wins.
Do professional blackjack players count cards? ›Becoming a pro is more accessible than most blackjack enthusiasts expect. But... It does take commitment, a stellar ability to count cards in blackjack, solid money management skills, and a lot of luck. That's among many other things.
What are the odds of busting on 16? ›Hit on 16 = 62% chance of busting. Hit on 15 = 58% chance of busting. Hit on 14 = 56% chance of busting. Hit on 13 = 39% chance of busting.
Are there pro blackjack players? ›John Ferguson, a gambling author best known for his book Professional Blackjack, goes by the pen name Stanford Wong. He is a professional blackjack player who began gambling as a source of money while in graduate school.
Is blackjack mathematically beatable? ›The two games most commonly believed to be beatable are blackjack and video poker, mostly because they have the lowest house edge of all traditional casino games. But in this day and age, you'll need to think outside the box to get it right. Unfortunately, blackjack is no longer a realistically beatable casino game.
How do blackjack dealers count so fast? ›Blackjack dealers often have competence in mathematics, which empowers them to calculate the earnings of winning customers accurately. They also use mental math during the game.
Does card counting work in online blackjack? ›Many online casinos employ continuous shuffle machines. Those make card counting ineffective. But for online live dealer blackjack games that don't use a “CSM,” they will have the dealer shuffle in the middle of the shoe. The best I have seen is a dealer shuffling after 4 of 8 decks.
What are the odds of winning blackjack online? ›The real odds of winning in online blackjack games are 1.37/1 and payout odds are 3/2. Both real odds and payout odds are the same in online blackjack and real-life blackjack.
Can you win big on video blackjack? ›"They won't win much, but they'll get a lot of entertainment value." Some could argue that one of the downsides to video blackjack machines is loneliness. Because the game pits you one-on-one against the dealer, the "social" element of the traditional game is eliminated.
Can you make a living off of blackjack? ›It's definitely possible to play blackjack for a living. It takes hard work, determination, and self control, but we are living proof that you can make a living counting cards at blackjack (not to mention the 100 people we hang out with at the blackjack ball, half of which are millionaires thanks to the casinos).
What is 14 rule in blackjack? ›
17 and up always stands. 16 stands against dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit. 15 stands against dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit. 14 stands against dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
Is it better to play blackjack online or in person? ›Pro – Online Blackjack Is Faster
If you want to get a lot of action, online blackjack is the clear winner over land casino blackjack. When you're playing blackjack online at most casinos, you don't have to wait for the other players' decisions. You don't have to wait for the dealer to shuffle the cards.
A soft 17 includes an Ace being counted as 11. Ace-6 is a soft 17, as are Ace-2-4, Ace-3-3, Ace-Ace-5 and others. When the dealer hits soft 17, the house edge against a basic strategy player is about two-tenths of a percent higher than if he stands.
Is it easy to count cards in online blackjack? ›So, sadly, you can't effectively count cards in online blackjack. Anyone who tells you otherwise is likely trying to sell you a scam.
Can you count cards in online blackjack? ›Yes, you can count cards playing blackjack online. Although, most online casinos use software that shuffles the cards every time a new hand is dealt, making it a bit tricky. There are some programs you can use which will count the cards for you, but they are generally forbidden to use.