Beating the House at Online Blackjack

When it comes to online blackjack, everyone's got their own system they swear by. There is, however, a basic online blackjack strategy that you should always employ, no matter what the situation. Here are the online blackjack rules you've got to follow, if you want a shot at beating the house!

Online Blackjack - Counting Doesn't Count

One of the most popular casino strategies is blackjack card counting. That way you know what's left in the deck and what's likely to come. Online blackjack, however, makes this impossible. How? After every virtual deal, they virtually shuffle the deck. So don't even attempt this time-honored casino gaming trick - count what's left of your money instead!

Online Blackjack - Insurance is No Insurance

When the online blackjack dealer turns over an ace for his hand, you're usually given the option to purchase "insurance" in case he's got a face card - in other words, blackjack! We advise you not to buy this safety net. Statistically, it gives the house the edge, as you're actually betting more money before you know the outcome. In the long run, it's better to gamble that you still have a shot at beating the dealer.

Online Blackjack - The Basic Table

Any basic blackjack strategy guide or book will usually contain a table that shows you what to do in any given online blackjack situation. It will list the cards you receive, whether you should stand (not ask for any more cards) or ask the dealer to "hit" you (ask for another card). Statistically, if you follow this table closely, you will reduce the house's edge from five percent to more like .05 percent. It's probably your best shot at how to win at blackjack, instead of following some other crazy, convoluted systems.

Online Blackjack - A Free Deal is a Good Deal

A major advantage of online casinos is the ability to play most online games without putting any money down - and a free blackjack game is usually one of those available. Playing blackjack free not only helps you try out various systems, but it also allows you to try out the various different variations of online blackjack offered (Super 21, Double Exposure, Atlantic City, etc.). Note the different odds and payoffs in these variations, as they can make a huge difference!

Online Blackjack - Wave the White Flag?

In most basic online blackjack, you're given the option to surrender before you see the dealer's hand - which means you usually only lose half what you're betting. It is, however, the first decision you have to make and you've got to make it only seeing one of the dealer's initial two cards. If you’ve got a 15 or 16, you know your chances are small. The odds dictate that a 16 should be an unconditional surrender - but you should only give up on a 15 if the dealer has a ten or face card showing. If you make it to 17, then stand your ground and hope you've got a win.

Online Blackjack Strategy

No matter what your blackjack strategy, the house always has some kind of edge. If you follow some simple blackjack rules, however, you can lower the odds considerably and, if luck is with you, come out of the virtual casino with more than you went in with!