Skip to content

The best blackjack online strategy

Written by
Checked by Geraldine S.Lorella F.

Are you ready to take your online blackjack skills to the next level? We’ll provide you with the keys to unlock your blackjack potential, from the fundamentals of the best blackjack strategy to pro tips and advanced betting systems.

Let’s kick off with some of the best blackjack casinos where you can take your blackjack skills on a test drive.

Casino Logo Odds rating Bonus Go to casino Button Show more T&C
1
DraftKings casino review
98/100 Games rating by Anna M. 89% Playscore based on 100% up to $500 or 100% lossback up to $1,000
Play now

Good to know

  • USA's #1 casino app
  • 1,000+ games
  • Exclusive games

13 payment methods

Play+
Visa
VIP Preferred
Discover
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Cash at Casino Cage
Wire Transfer
American Express
MasterCard
Venmo
Check
Apple Pay
Play now
2
Golden Nugget casino review
95/100 Games rating by Alex K. 87% Playscore based on 100% up to $1,000 + 200 free spins
Play now

Good to know

  • 25 software providers
  • Quick and simple registration
  • Fast support response times

13 payment methods

American Express
Bank Transfer
Discover
MasterCard
PayPal
Visa
VIP Preferred
Cash at Casino Cage
PayNearMe
Play+
Safekeeping
Wire Transfer
Check
Play now
3
Sweeptastic logo
Sweeptastic casino review
95/100 Games rating by Paul P. 89% Playscore based on 27,777 Lucky Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins
Play now

Good to know

  • 690 games
  • Crypto Mondays
  • Regular promos

5 payment methods

MasterCard
Bank Transfer
Cryptocurrency
Diners Club
Visa
Play now
4
Mohegan Sun casino review
92/100 Games rating by Lorella F. 85% Playscore based on 100% up to $1,000
Play now

Good to know

  • Email, live chat, phone support
  • iOS and Android apps
  • Over 790 slot games

9 payment methods

VIP Preferred
ACH Network
Play+
Bank Transfer
PayNearMe
MasterCard
Visa
PayPal
Cash at Casino Cage
Play now
5
Pulsz casino review
92/100 Games rating by Claire S. 84% Playscore based on Up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 free Sweepstakes Coins
Play now

Good to know

  • Social media and VIP rewards
  • Regular tournaments and contests
  • 700+ games

8 payment methods

Visa
Skrill
MasterCard
American Express
Bank Transfer
Apple Pay
Trustly
Google Pay
Play now
6
SugarHouse casino review
91/100 Games rating by Ian Z. 92% Playscore based on 100% match bonus up to $250
Play now

Good to know

  • 1x bonus wagering
  • 28 software providers
  • Exclusive software on offer

10 payment methods

Discover
MasterCard
Visa
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Wire Transfer
Play+
PayNearMe
VanillaDirect
Cash at Casino Cage
Play now
7
888 casino review
90/100 Games rating by Lorella F. 87% Playscore based on $20 no-deposit bonus
Play now

Good to know

  • Quick and simple registration
  • 600+ games
  • iOS and android apps

9 payment methods

Bank Transfer
PayPal
Play+
Visa
MasterCard
Discover
PayNearMe
Cash at Casino Cage
ACH Network
Play now
8
Harrahs casino review
90/100 Games rating by Sarah C. 80% Playscore based on 100% up to $100 + 100 free spins
Play now

Good to know

  • 850+ slot games
  • iOS and Android app
  • Simple registration

9 payment methods

Visa
PayPal
PayNearMe
MasterCard
Discover
ACH Network
Bank Transfer
Play+
Cash at Casino Cage
Play now
9
WOW Vegas casino review
90/100 Games rating by Anna M. 92% Playscore based on 1.5 million WOW Coins + 30 free Sweepstakes Coins
Play now

Good to know

  • Daily log-in bonus
  • 756 slots to play
  • Regular promotions

8 payment methods

American Express
Apple Pay
MasterCard
Skrill
Visa
Trustly
Discover
Diners Club
Play now
10
Sweepsteaks Ltd
Stake.us casino review
90/100 Games rating by Claire S. 96% Playscore based on 250,000 Gold Coins and $25 Stake Cash
Play now

Good to know

  • Exclusive Time2play bonus
  • VIP rewards program
  • Giveaways and challenges

11 payment methods

Bitcoin
Binance Coin
Bitcoin Cash
Cryptocurrency
Dogecoin
EOS
Ethereum
Litecoin
Tether
Ripple
Tron
Play now

Do blackjack strategies actually work?

If you’re familiar with online blackjack, you’ll know that, like all casino games, it’s based mainly on luck. So, you may be thinking that blackjack strategies are useless.

Not quite. While blackjack strategies won’t guarantee wins, they will give you the tools to extend your bankroll and take more control over your betting when playing at blackjack casinos or sweeps cash casinos.

The best blackjack strategy types are also very flexible. The first thing you’ll need to do is identify the type of strategy you need – is it for beginners or experts? Let’s dive deeper. 

Basic blackjack strategies

Blackjack basic strategy is where all beginners or casual players should start as an introduction to blackjack strategies. Essentially, a basic system is one that is easy to learn with fewer rules and steps than a more advanced blackjack strategy online. If you’re just starting with blackjack, a basic strategy can help you better understand the game and make your money go further.

 Let’s go through some blackjack vocabulary to get you started.

  1. Surrender: When your hand isn’t good, you can choose to surrender and lose half your wager while getting half back. Doing so can help reduce losses, as your weak hand would typically result in you losing the entire stake.
  2. Split: If your hand shows two cards of the same value, you can split them to create two separate hands. Doing so means you will now be betting with two different hands, so you will need to make an additional equal wager on the second hand.
  3. Double: The most complex standard blackjack strategy bet, the double down, is when you double the value of your wager. However, there are only specific scenarios when you should do this, depending on the cards you hold.
  4. Hit: A basic move where you request an additional card from the dealer after receiving your first two cards. Players choose to hit if their hand has a value that is too low, and they want to improve it.
  5. Stand: The opposite to a hit is a stand, where you decide to play with the two-card hand you are dealt and don’t request further cards. Doing so would mean the two cards you have are of sufficient value to give you a chance of beating the dealer’s cards.

While many basic blackjack strategy charts involve learning betting patterns, they can also be as simple as knowing the game rules. For example, understanding the above beginner-level aspects of the game will allow you to make more accurate betting decisions.

The best way to get used to how blackjack is played is to try a few hands for free. Many online gambling sites will offer demos of blackjack games. This goes for all casinos available in legalized states, such as NJ online casinos, PA online casinos, or WV online casinos.

Blackjack charts

Many strategies come with a blackjack rules card, which is essentially an explainer showing what bets to make on all possible hand scenarios. A blackjack strategy chart is a quick reference guide for the betting decisions you should make for each hand.

A blackjack chart highlights the action to take based on your hand and the card the dealer is showing. If you have a hard 11 (remembering that hard hands don’t contain an ace, whereas soft hands do), and the dealer’s showing card is a 6, your best betting decision should be to double.

Your Hand Dealer Card: 5 Dealer Card: 6 Dealer Card: 7
Hard 10 Double Double Double
Hard 11 Double Double Double
Hard 12 Stand Stand Hit

 

The above is just an example that gives you an idea of the importance of blackjack strategy charts.

In advanced strategies used in blackjack tournaments, blackjack charts can become highly complex. When you select the blackjack best betting strategy you like, take the time to memorize the strategy card to better understand which bets to make across all scenarios. In the meantime, we created a blackjack strategy chart to get you started.

blackjack-strategy-chart

Advanced blackjack strategies online

As you become more familiar with strategies, your blackjack tactics will become more dynamic, and you will explore more advanced systems. While beginners should stick to a blackjack basic strategy, more experienced players, especially when playing live blackjack, can try one of the following more complex tactics:

Blackjack strategies martingale strategy

Martingale strategy

Thanks to its simplicity, the Martingale system is potentially the best blackjack strategy for beginners graduating to full betting systems. Its ease of use and logical approach makes the Martingale one of the most popular strategies. It relies on simply doubling your bet each time you lose a hand. While increasing bets on losses may be scary, the logic is when you eventually win, you get your investment back plus the initial stake in profit. For example, if you bet $10 and lose the first hand, you will then double to bet $20 on the second round. If this is also a loss, you will bet $40 on the third hand. But if the third hand wins, you would get back that $40, putting you $10 in profit ($40 win – $30 total bets = $10).
Blackjack strategies 1326 betting

1326 betting strategy

Also known as the 1-3-2-6 system, this blackjack strategy online uses a progressive (positive) methodology. It is a somewhat risky system that relies on you winning four rounds in a row. That is why it’s better suited to experienced bettors. For this example, if we use even money odds (1:1) and a $10 bet, your first wager would be $10. If this bet is a win, add $10 to what is on the table ($20) for a $30, second bet. After winning this next bet, there will be $60 on the table. You then take $40 and wager $20 on the third round. If this also wins, you will have $40 on the table. Add another $20 for a $60 fourth bet. If this also wins, there will be $120 on the table, all profit.
Blackjack strategies 212 Manhattan

The 212

The 212 or Manhattan strategy is a blackjack twist on the popular d’Alembert system in roulette. In that system, you increase bets on a win and bet the original unit amount on the loss. With the Manhattan, you take a similar tactic but reduce your wager only on the first win before increasing on subsequent successes.
Blackjack strategies ace sequencing

Ace sequencing

Based on shuffle tracking, ace sequencing allows players to use knowledge of the cards to make good betting decisions. This blackjack strategy isn’t an easy technique; even many experts avoid it because only a few people have been able to master ace sequencing. For this technique, the player tracks areas of the deck/s of cards to see where aces may be located.
Blackjack strategies card counting

Card counting

Even beginner players have heard of card counting, a technique that is hard to master but still possible in theory. In fact, casinos will actively seek to ban known card counters, even though it isn’t necessarily illegal. This technique involves tracking both high and low-value cards that the dealer has already dealt. The concept is that if you know what cards have already come, you have an idea of what is left and can make more accurate betting decisions.
Blackjack strategies fewer decks

Tables with fewer decks

This is a basic rule all beginners to blackjack strategies should remember: the fewer decks, the better. Why? Well, the chances of getting 21 are better with fewer cards. Games with fewer decks have a lower house edge than those with more, giving you a higher chance of winning. However, games with more decks often have rules that make them worth checking out. You will get access to betting options such as surrender, Double After Split (DAS)

Further blackjack tips to help you win real money

At the heart of all blackjack basic strategy is an understanding of the game’s core mechanics. Of course it also helps if a casino offers some type of no-deposit bonus to help you get settled into playing.

Advanced betting systems and blackjack strategies are exciting, but making simple decisions can enhance your experience when playing at real money casinos. With the following straightforward tips, you can take your basic blackjack gameplay to the next level:

no-insurance
Tip 1

Don’t take insurance bets

In principle, blackjack insurance sounds good. It’s a way to protect your losses if the dealer holds an ace on the face-up card. As there is a good chance the dealer will get blackjack, insurance (in theory) adds protection to your wager. However, in reality, it isn’t a helpful feature since you must bet more to attain it.

playing-cards
Tip 2

When to surrender a hand

Blackjack has two surrender options: an early surrender or a late surrender. Both offer the ability to recoup half your bet if you think your hand isn’t particularly good. Even so, the early surrender is a much better choice, but it’s rare, even at the best online casinos. In terms of when to surrender, if your hand has a 70-80% of losing, taking a surrender is a good option.

cards-and-chips
Tip 3

Doubling after splitting

This is one of the best blackjack betting options but also exceedingly rare in online blackjack. As the name suggests, doubling down after splitting (or DDAS) allows you to double your bets on the two hands created when you split two cards of equal value into two separate hands.

roulette-chips
Tip 4

Bet within your bankroll

It seems fundamental, but it’s blackjack strategy 101 to always play within your means. You know your budget and what you can afford, so set your bankroll and stick to it. Only wager with disposable income that you can afford to lose. Furthermore, if your bankroll for the session, day, week, or whatever is gone, it’s best to walk away to play another day.

roulette-table
Tip 5

Know the table

Possibly the best blackjack strategy online involves learning the table rules of the online blackjack variant you are playing. Get familiar with the number of card decks, betting limits, available bet options (surrender, insurance, etc.), and the payout rate (Return-to-Player) of the game.

Best blackjack strategy for different hands

Knowing how to win at blackjack online involves employing the best blackjack tips on this page. It also involves understanding what bets to make when you are holding specific cards. Below we will delve into a deeper understanding of blackjack hands, helping you improve the best blackjack strategies to win.

Splitting pairs

  • Soft 20 (A,9) always stands
  • Soft 19 (A,8) doubles aginst dealer 6, otherwise stand
  • Never stand on 17 or less
  • If the dealer shows a 5 or 6 face card, double down soft hands 13 to 17

Soft hand

  • 17 and up always stands
  • 11 always doubles
  • 8 always hits
  • Hit on any hard hand under 8
  • Double down hard 10 except when the dealer has a 10 or ace
  • Double hard 9 when the dealer has 3, 4, 5 or 6

Hard hand

  • 17 and up always stands
  • 11 always doubles
  • 8 always hits
  • Hit on any hard hand under 8
  • Double down hard 10 except when the dealer has a 10 or ace
  • Double hard 9 when the dealer has 3, 4, 5 or 6

FAQs

Which are the best sites to practice your blackjack strategy?

Our experts have done a deep dive to find casino sites where you can practice your blackjack strategy for real money or on demos.

What is the best strategy to win at blackjack?

Employing a basic blackjack strategy online sets you up for improved success for all levels of players. Fully understanding the fundamentals of the game and knowing how to make key betting decisions will help your bankroll last longer and give you more chances of success. We also recommended looking at blackjack charts, as they can inform you of the best bets for each possible hand scenario.

Can you win blackjack with a basic strategy?

Absolutely! When looking at how to win at blackjack online, a basic blackjack strategy will offer the essential tools of online blackjack gameplay that will give you more control over your betting. While no betting system can guarantee you a win, the best blackjack strategy will help you manage your budget and make wiser betting decisions.

Are there any strategies in blackjack?

There are many blackjack strategies you can use when playing online. These range from simply understanding the odds and values of cards to complex betting systems or expert-level card or shuffle tracking. These blackjack tactics can be helpful for players of all skill levels.

Does Martingale work for blackjack?

Yes, in theory, you can use the Martingale betting system to your advantage in blackjack. However, it’s always worth remembering that no blackjack best betting strategy can guarantee wins because blackjack is a game of luck. Even so, the Martingale is a popular system you can use when playing online blackjack.

Is card counting legal?

While card counting is technically a legal blackjack strategy, many brick-and-mortar casinos are known to ban card counters. Keep in mind that card counting is impossible when playing blackjack online as virtual blackjack games use software instead of actual cards.

Copyright ©2023. Time2play.com. All rights reserved.
Other topics