There’s no doubt that when you log into any online casino, the crown jewel is the top-tier slot games. Even though slots are the most abundant, the stage continues to be set for other riveting games like online blackjack. Of all the games that continue to benefit tremendously from technological leaps, online blackjack takes the cake.
The game remains straightforward; however, your online blackjack choices continue to grow and expand. Before you sit at the virtual blackjack table, give this guide a read about how to get the most out of the top-tier online blackjack games.
What Is Online Blackjack?
Online blackjack is the digital format of the classic 21 games that you find in land-based casinos or if you’re playing in the backroom with friends. However, thanks to the rise of dial-up modem online casinos starting in the mid-90s, online blackjack has bad thirty years to build a new devoted audience. In all the online blackjack variants, the rules and game mechanics operate the same. However, in some variants, you might have special rules and possibly side bonuses to make the game more compelling.
Basic Structure of Online Blackjack
Unlike slot games where you deal with rows and reels, you play online blackjack either through the live dealer or as standalone games. Still, when playing online blackjack, you deal with these layouts:
- The Table Layout
The top online blackjack developers spare no expense in developing an authentic-looking blackjack table to immerse you in the gaming experience. While you can’t buy chips in person, you can choose your bets by clicking on the different colored chips.
- Hitting
All online blackjack games support the basics of hitting, which means to draw a third card. Of course, for every hit you make, the odds of busting increase, which means an automatic end to the playing round.
- Doubling Down
For a more aggressive form of hitting, seasoned blackjack players choose to double down. However, doubling down means you have to match your original bet, and you can no longer hit during that playing round.
- Standing
Standing means not to choose to hit and finish the playing round with your current card hand. In most real money online blackjack and sweepstakes games, the dealer must hit until they get to seventeen or better. And the dealer must stand on a soft seventeen, which is an ace and a six.
- Splitting
Fortunately, most online blackjack games support the option of splitting a pair. Just like playing in person, it is incredibly popular to split aces. Splitting pairs, let alone aces gives players a chance to potentially win two playing hands.
- Surrender
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of playing online blackjack, compared to playing in person, is the chance to surrender a weak playing hand. Some online blackjack variants, like “x-change,” even support late surrender or the chance to sell or trade weak playing cards to try to salvage the playing hand. With Blackjack x-Change, after making their moves, players can often surrender late to save half of their losing bets.
How Does Online Blackjack Work?
Online blackjack is played identically to playing in person. Unlike poker, you don’t go against other players, so you don’t have to worry about bluffing. Instead, all the blackjack players go against the dealer. The goal is to have a playing hand worth 21, or at least one that is higher than the dealer to win. That way, the game goes much faster compared to poker.
When playing online blackjack, players have the option to play against a live dealer or against the CPU. For those who prefer a more authentic and challenging playing experience, the live dealer is the way to go. However, for those learning the ropes, you might want to try going with the CPU blackjack games. These games are usually budget-friendly and come in different themes to help immerse you into the experience.
Why Is Online Blackjack So Popular?
Online blackjack bridges the game between classic blackjack games and new online variants. That way, blackjack traditionalists and new players can effortlessly enjoy both styles. With the live dealer right at your fingertips, you can enjoy an authentic playing experience 24/7 with beautiful resolution.
Also, with online blackjack, variants like Gravity and Lightning Blackjack support bonus features. In addition to winning regular amounts, you can win a great chunk of extra dough with these winning bonuses. Live VIP Blackjack affords players who can afford higher stakes to play like a true Vegas high-roller, even as much as $10,000 per playing hand.
Conclusion
Even as we speak, online blackjack is going through a new technological revolution. With the ever-growing presence of AI, playing online blackjack is a much more personal playing experience. Also, AI can help players play online blackjack that much better. And with sophisticated mobile apps, feel free to play and big playing online blackjack at home, the office or anywhere where the online casino is legal.
