How to play Blackjack online – your step-by-step guide

Published: Dec 15, 2025 02:19

by Nicola Davidson

17 min read

If there’s one game that epitomizes casino play and the aura of gambling, it’s how to play Blackjack. Ever since it was first introduced to the casinos of France in the 18th century, it has captivated the hearts and minds of players all over the world. Fascinating them with its intriguing blend of simplicity and strategy. 

With its easy-to-understand rules, it’s the perfect entry-level table game for beginners. But with the world of decision-making and possibilities that lie underneath. It’s equally as enthralling for expert players, too. No surprises as to why it’s been a casino staple and a firm favourite for hundreds of years. 

Whether you know it as Vingt-et-Un, 21, Pontoon, or just plain Blackjack, it’s a game that’s guaranteed to deliver non-stop excitement, adrenaline, and (if you’re lucky) maybe even a few winnings too. 

If you’ve never played before, though, the idea of taking on a table game can be daunting – which we completely understand. That’s why we’re here with a step-by-step guide to playing Blackjack online! It’s everything you need to know as a beginner, all laid out in a user-friendly format. So whether you’re starting from scratch or returning for a refresher, you’ll find everything you need to get your game on with confidence. Let’s go! 

How to Play Blackjack?

Can’t get off to a simpler start than this. Understanding exactly how to play Blackjack is, right from the word go! As we’ve already mentioned, it’s one of the most popular casino games in the world, and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, fast to play, and offers some of the best odds in the casino. 

Not only that, it’s a skills-based game as well, unlike purely luck-based games like slots. What this means is that while there’s still an element of chance involved. If you’re able to improve your skills, play strategically and make smart decisions. And you could end up influencing the outcome of the game in your favour and lowering the house edge at the same time. All of which means a huge boost to your bankroll! 

But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Before we get into all the technicalities, let’s reduce how to play Blackjack down to its basics. Starting with the ultimate goal.

If you’ve ever seen Blackjack played in movies or on TV, or even in real life, you likely already know the point of the game. To get your card hand value as close as possible to 21 without going over, while beating the dealer’s hand. Get that down and you’re a winner. Simple, right? 

When you Play Blackjack, it can be that simple

Actually yes, it is. Remember that the point of Blackjack isn’t to get exactly 21 every time you play. That would be impossible, and hugely frustrating too. Instead, all you’re trying to do is get as close as possible to the magic number while beating the dealer at the same time. 

It’s this shift in mindset that’ll stand you in good stead at the tables going forward. Concentrate on just beating the dealer. And you’ll have taken the first step to becoming a more strategic player. 

So, how do you get a card hand value of 21 (or as close to it as possible)? By building a solid hand from the cards dealt to you. As you’ll learn in Blackjack, each type of card has a value as follows: 

• Number cards (2 to 10) are worth their face value
• Face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10
• Aces can be 1 (hard) or 11 (soft), depending on which value benefits your hand most (we’ll get into this a little later) 

Get over 21, and you’ll go bust or lose. Get closer to 21 than the dealer, and you’ll be a winner, with standard payouts set at 1:1. So if your hand beats the dealer’s, you’ll get double your stake back. 

Even better, if you win with a natural Blackjack hand (an Ace and a 10-value card; unbeatable except by a push or draw), you’ll be paid out at 3:2, giving you even more to celebrate! 

Key ingredients to Play Blackjack

Right – now that you know how to play Blackjack is and the basic structure of the game, it’s time to get playing! While every online casino is different and offers a range of Blackjack games from various providers. The general flow of a game of online Blackjack is as follows: 

• Find a Blackjack variation that suits your bankroll, and choose a bet size that fits your budget. 
• Click ‘Deal’ to start the game. 
• You’ll then be dealt two cards, both face up, while the dealer will be dealt one card face up, and one card face down (the hole card).
• If you’re dealt an Ace and card with a value of 10, you’ll immediately have what’s known as a natural Blackjack hand, and you’ll be paid out at 3:2. 
• If the dealer also has a natural Blackjack, the hand will be drawn (or pushed) and you’ll receive your initial bet back. 
• If you don’t have Blackjack on the initial deal, then the game will continue, and you’ll have a number of decisions to make, such as: 
  • Stand – Keep your current hand as is. 

How to Play Blackjack Online Step by Step

• Hit – Choose to receive one or more cards until you’re either happy with the value of your hand (or you go bust).  
• Double down – Double the size of your bet in exchange for just one more card.

• Split – Split a pair of cards (i.e. two 5s) into two separate hands, after doubling the size of your bet. You’ll then play both hands independently, choosing to hit or stand as you wish. Tip: Different casinos have different rules on splitting so it’s best to be aware of these before you start placing your bets. 
• Once you’re happy with your hand and have chosen to stand, the dealer will then reveal their hole card, and will have to play according to fixed rules (more about this in a bit). 
• Your hand will then be compared with the dealer’s, and if yours is higher, you’ll be paid out 1:1. If it’s a draw or push, you’ll receive your bet back, and if the dealer’s hand is higher, you’ll lose (sorry!). 

Hard and soft Blackjack hands 

Before we finish up this section, one last important point. The difference between hard and soft hands. This goes back to the fixed rules we mentioned that the dealer has to play by. 

A hard or soft hand contains an Ace – in a soft hand, the Ace is worth 11; in a hard hand, the Ace is worth 1. So if you have a hand with an Ace and a 6, that’s known as a soft 17 (11 + 6).

Why does this matter? Understanding the difference between hard and soft hands is important when it comes to strategy. If you hit on the soft 17 from our example and get a 5, you won’t go bust. Instead, your card hand value will change from soft 17 to hard 12. Which means you’ll be able to hit at least once more if you choose to. Something to bear in mind. 

Something else to bear in mind is that some Blackjack casinos require the dealer to hit on soft 17, while others require that they stand. You must know the rules of your particular casino before you play, as it could have a significant impact on your decision-making and the outcome of your game. Always make sure to read the rules before you place your bets (good advice for any casino game, in fact!).

What does this all ultimately mean? That’s because the dealer has to follow strict rules, while you have the freedom to decide what you want to do. Blackjack has a unique strategic edge you won’t find in many other casino games. Which means that the decisions you make matter. A lot. So think carefully!

Your step-by-step guide to Play Blackjack Online

Now that you know more about Blackjack the game, and the format it follows, it’s time to take you through how to play Blackjack at an online casino, from the beginning of the entire process to the end. So you’ll know everything you need to, with no surprises. 

Step 1: Choose the right online casino

Before you even start to place your bets, you’ll need to make sure you’re gambling at a reputable online casino first. By far the most important step in any gaming session. This means you’ll need to ensure that your proposed casino has: 

• The correct legalities are in place, and proper licensing from a recognized gambling jurisdiction.
• A variety of top-quality Blackjack games, from classic Blackjack to live dealer Blackjack and even progressive Blackjack as well. 
• Competitive welcome bonuses for new casino players. 
• Fair gaming and compliance certification from a third-party auditor such as eCOGRA or similar.
• A range of world-class deposit and withdrawal options with reasonable fees, limits and processing times. 
• A verified support team with availability across multiple channels to respond to any queries. 

Not all casinos are created equal, so check to ensure yours is legal, licensed, and above board before placing any bets with them. It may take some time to verify its trustworthiness. But it’s a necessary step for both your bankroll and ongoing peace of mind. 

Step 2: Choose your Blackjack variation

Once you’re confident in your choice of online casino, it’s time to look at the actual game of Blackjack you’ll be playing. Every casino offers a different range of games, so there’s plenty to suit every budget and every personality. Some of the most common variations include: 

• Classic Blackjack – This is the closest you’ll get to the land-based version that you’re probably already familiar with, so if you want to start with a more traditional variation, this is your best bet.
• European Blackjack – Similar to the classic version but with one key difference – in European Blackjack, the dealer starts with just one, rather than two cards. This small change makes a big impact, changing the strategy slightly and reducing the risk of early dealer Blackjacks.

A Look at the Most Common Blackjack Games

• Atlantic City Blackjack – Want to add more decks into the mix? Then try this player-friendly version played with multiple decks that allows late surrender, doubling, and splitting flexibility.
• Spanish 21 – Ready for a hit of adrenaline? Spanish 21 is a fast-paced take on Blackjack that removes the 10s from the deck but adds extra bonus payouts and player-friendly rules to even things out. You’ll get the hang of it! 
• Blackjack Switch – Here you’ll be dealt not one, but two hands at the start of the game – and with this unique variation, you’ll be able to switch the top cards between them to improve your card hand values. Choose wisely! 
• Live Dealer Blackjack – Want to get the feeling of real live Blackjack from the comfort of home? Log onto live dealer Blackjack where you’ll have all the action streamed to you from a live casino environment, with a real live croupier in charge of the game. It’s like you’re really at the casino – but instead you’re home on the couch in your pjs. Which is what we call a win! 

Not sure where to start? We don’t blame you! If you’re a beginner, the sheer volume of choice can be a little overwhelming. Keep things simple by choosing classic Blackjack to start out. The rules are straightforward to understand, and there are plenty of strategy charts available to help you.

Step 3: Set yourself a budget

You knew this was coming! We’ve said it before (so so SO many times), and we’ll say it again. Strategic bankroll management is by far the best way to ensure long-term success at the casino, no matter what game you’re playing. So, since you’re playing Blackjack, let’s look at it from that perspective. 

One of the biggest advantages of playing Blackjack is its relatively low house edge, usually around 2%. Which you can decrease even further if you know what you’re doing. That said, playing Blackjack still involves an element of risk. Which means you’ll need to be careful with your money if you want to keep your bankroll looking healthy. Here’s how:  

• Add gambling expenses to your budget. Your gambling should form part of your monthly entertainment budget – that way, you’ll have specific funds earmarked for it, and you won’t be tempted to use funds that have been allocated to other expenses. Decide how much you’re comfortable with spending (and potentially losing!) every month, and that’s your gambling budget right there. 
• Break your bankroll into smaller session limits. Once you’ve got your gambling budget worked out, a good tip is to break it down further from a monthly amount into a weekly or even a session amount. If you’re able to play through your session budget and leave the casino when you’re done, you’ll always be able to come back to a healthy bankroll. It’ll take some self-control, but it’ll be worth it in the end! 

Smart Bankroll Management for Long-Term Blackjack Play

• Never chase your losses. You already know this, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat it. If you ever find yourself on a losing streak, don’t throw good money after bad in an attempt to win your losses back. This never works, and it’s a disaster waiting to happen. To avoid falling into this trap, simply end your session and walk away. Give yourself a mental and physical break and come back when you’re refreshed and raring to go. 
• Play with a clear head. And by that we mean, don’t play when you’re feeling tired, frustrated or emotional, and NEVER play with alcohol in your system. Being in a negative space or having your decision-making abilities dulled by alcohol will have a significant effect on your bankroll, and a negative one at that. Save your gaming for when you’re feeling cheerful, and save your celebratory drinks for when you’re done. Easy!

Remember that these tips aren’t meant to be punishing or restrictive. Instead, they’re meant to give you the freedom to play over a long, sustained period. And the confidence that comes from having your finances fully in order. Bringing that kind of calm, contented energy into the casino is a secret weapon like no other! 

Step 4: Place your first bet

Ok, you’ve chosen a casino and a Blackjack variation, and you’ve set yourself a budget. Now it’s time to play! 

To do that, you’ll need to calculate a bet size that you can afford (bearing in mind that you can always increase or decrease it as you go). Blackjack bet sizes usually vary by casino and table, but typically, online Blackjack allows for very flexible betting, with minimum bets often set at just a few coins. So if you’re trying to keep a tight rein on your budget, it’s one of the better games to play. 

Just look at your budget, look at the game’s minimum and maximum bet amounts and table limits, and choose a bet size you’re comfortable with. Then you’ll be ready to go! 

Step 5: Understand your starting hand

Once you’ve placed your bet to start the game, you’ll receive two cards, both face-up, while the dealer will receive one face-up and one face-down (known as the hole card). Now it’s time for you to take a look and evaluate what you’ve been given. Do you have:

• A strong hand (usually a total of 17 or more)?
• A low total that needs to be improved?
• A soft hand (where an Ace counts as 11)?
• A pair of cards with identical values (e.g. two 5s) that you could potentially split? 

Understanding what you’re holding and what your potential next move could be is the foundation on which you’ll base your decisions for the rest of the game.

Step 6: Make your decision

It’s time to play Blackjack! We’ve already touched on some of the possible decisions you could make, but here’s a deeper explanation of each possible move.

• Hit: If your total is too low to stand safely, and runs the risk of being beaten by the dealer’s hand, you can choose to take another card (or more).
• Stand: Happy with what you’ve got? Confident it can beat the dealer based on what you can see of their hand so far? Or is it too close to 21 to risk hitting again? Then keep your hand as is and stand.

Your Blackjack Decisions, Explained

• Double down: Here’s one for the confident players. If your hand shows that the odds are strongly in your favour (i.e. you have a starting hand of 10 or 11), and the dealer’s card is weak, you can choose to double down on your hand by literally doubling your bet, taking one more card, and standing. It’s a strategic move where the chances of you landing a strong final total are so high that you’re able to seize the opportunity and maximize your profits with just one decision. Of course no guarantee doubling down will win you the hand, so you’ll still need to think carefully and decide whether the rewards outweigh the risk.
• Split: Got two cards of the same value? Why not split them into two separate hands and double your potential winnings? When you choose to split, you’ll be doubling your bet and essentially playing two hands of Blackjack simultaneously. It’s a powerful strategic move when played correctly, particularly with a hand of Aces and 8s, and can result in significant rewards.
• Surrender: This option isn’t available in all versions of Blackjack, but when it is, it allows you to fold your hand immediately and receive half of your bet back. If your starting cards are weak and the dealer’s are strong, such as a 10 or an Ace, it’s an option you might want to consider to reduce your losses. Be careful, though. Even weak hands can play out more strongly than expected if you follow through with them, so don’t be too quick to count yourself out. If you surrender too often, you could be giving up profitable opportunities and losing money unnecessarily. So while this choice exists, use it sparingly.  

Step 7: Watch the dealer play

Once you’re done making decisions, it’s time for the dealer to play. Their hole card will be revealed, and they’ll play according to fixed house rules, which we’ve already touched on:  

• The dealer will hit until their card hand value reaches at least 17.
• In some Blackjack variations and according to some casino rules, the dealer must hit on soft 17.  
• There is no strategic freedom to make decisions – the house rules need to be followed exactly. 

While your hand can be played strategically, the dealer’s hand is played automatically. And predictably as well. It’s for this reason that experience and informed decision-making are so important in Blackjack, as you’re the one holding all the power to influence the outcome of the game. 

Step 8: Compare your hands 

After the dealer has completed their turn, the game will compare the final hands:  

• If your total is higher without going over 21, you win!
• If the dealer busts, you win! 
• If you bust, you lose. 
• If you both have the same total, the game will be declared a draw (or push), and you’ll receive your original stake back. 

As we’ve already mentioned, a hand of natural Blackjack (an Ace + a 10-value card) usually pays out at 3:2; however, some casinos offer 6:5. While this might look like a lot at first glance, these odds are actually worse for you, so avoid these tables wherever possible and stick to 3:2 payouts instead. 

Basic Blackjack strategy

There you have it! You now know what online Blackjack is and how to play a game from beginning to end. We’re not quite done yet, though. Because over and above this knowledge, we also want to offer you some tips on how to give yourself the best chance of winning, too. This is where Blackjack strategy comes in. 

Now, since we don’t want to overwhelm you with too much information, we’re just going to touch on the basics for now. You can then build on these over time as you gain experience. The best rules to remember are: 

For hard hands:

• Always stand on 17 or higher.
• Always hit on 8 or lower.
• Only hit on hands of 12 to 16 when the dealer shows a 7 or higher.
• Stand on hands of 12 to 16 when the dealer shows a 2 to a 6.

Soft hands:

• Always hit on soft 17 or lower.
• Double soft 18 against the dealer’s 2 to 6.
• Stand on soft 19 or higher.

For pairs:

• Always split Aces.
• Always split 8s.
• Never split 5s, 10s or face cards. 
• Split 2s, 3s, 6s, and 7s against low dealer cards.

This is just scratching the surface of Blackjack strategy. Even following these basics can dramatically increase your chances of winning, which is what you want! 

It’s time to play online Blackjack! 

So there you have it. Your step-by-step guide to learning and playing one of the world’s most popular online casino games. As you can see, it’s simple enough to start with as a beginner. So, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. And if you want a little experience before playing for real money, you can always try a demo version first. 

So get out of your comfort zone and try something new. The rewards could be beyond your wildest dreams!