Online Blackjack

Now that you know the aim of a blackjack game - which is to beat the dealer at making a total hand of 21, or as close to 21 as possible – you're ready to learn about the stages of play in an online blackjack game.

The first thing you will need to do when you start a game of online blackjack is to make an initial bet. This must be in accordance with the minimum bet specified at the table you are playing at. Then the dealer will deal each player two cards face down on the table, giving himself two cards, one face up and one down.

Remember that your objective is to make up an online blackjack hand of 21. If you're lucky enough to already have 21 based on your first two cards, you have a "blackjack" or a "natural" and you automatically win.

However, if you don't have a natural, you need to make a choice. Your options are to "hit" where you will be dealt another card, to "stand" or take no more cards, or to "double down" which is when you will double your bet, take one more card and stand afterwards. Some online blackjack players also "split" which is when you double your bet and use each of your existing cards to make a new hand. You can only do this if you have two cards of the same value and if multiple hands of blackjack are permitted.

After all players have made their choices, the dealer turns over his hidden card. Common online blackjack rules at most casinos dictate that the dealer must hit if he has a total of 17. If he busts, all players win and are paid out on their bets.