At some point in time you are going to feel the 007 in you ready to come out and play Blackjack for Real Money. When this happens you’ll want to be ready, prepared and have a strategy at hand to help you take on the game like a pro. After all, if you’re ready to spend money on the game loved by so many then you’ll want to make sure it’s worth your while.

Before you dive right into the gaming experience you’ll need to brush up on your strategy, skim through a reminder of how the game is played and maybe even catch a few tips that will help you play like a pro. Luckily we’ve made sure you can get all that in one spot so you won’t have to spend hours and hours going through research before you can unleash your suave alter ego into the wild world of Real Money Blackjack.

Standard Rule Variations

There are many different rules in Real Money Blackjack variants but there are some communities that are spread across the different variants of blackjack found online.

By The Numbers

The majority of blackjack variants make use of more than one deck of cards which can be anything between two and eight. There are some single deck blackjack variants but most casinos shy away from these variants as it is easier for players to count cards with these. Also the house edge tends to be higher with the number of decks used.

Soft 17 Stand

With most blackjack variants the dealer tends to stand when they have a soft 17. In some variants dealers are allowed to hit passed that and if this happens the house edge is increased by a mere 0.2%.

Double, Double Toil and Trouble

There are a few variants of blackjack that only allows you to double on certain hands. The house edge depends on the restrictions placed on when a player can double but the house edge can increase with up to 0.18% if this happens. This places you in a disadvantage as doubling can be very profitable.

Split then Double

There are blackjack variants that allow you to double after splitting and these are ones to look out for. This option is highly advantageous for you as a player.

Re-splitting

This betting option only appears in some blackjack variants and is extremely advantageous when done in the right circumstances.

Surrendering

This option is definitely not allowed in classic blackjack variants but luckily there are many variants that do allow it. Surrendering means you forfeit your hand after a deal but only lose half you stake. It’s a nice to have but it is not vital to your gameplay as surrendering is only of advantage to you in certain situations.

Peek-a-Dealer

The Dealer Peek rule allows the dealer to check for blackjack if their face up card is an ace or a ten. If they have blackjack then the round ends and believe it or not this is of advantage to you as a player. When the dealer checks for blackjack it could prevent you from making any further losses before his cards is revealed.

6 Common Blackjack Mistakes

Blackjack is a highly addictive game and this isn’t always in a bad way. It’s fun, it requires thinking and skill and it awakens the competitive spirit within. For some it becomes too much of a competition which could mean they lose a lot of money. It is for this reason that your main priority before you start playing should be to decide on how much you are willing to spend during the day playing blackjack and stick to that amount.

The only way to do this is by:

- Choosing a realistic bankroll: An amount you are comfortable losing

- Cash out anything you win: Stick to your bankroll and cash in anything more than that.

- Keep track of your bets: Don’t spend your entire bankroll in one game round.

Remember: The more tiny bets you make with your bankroll, the longer you will be able to stay in the game. It might be difficult especially if you feel the need to go all in but this is still a game of chance and even with strategy the results won’t necessarily be in your favour. Stick to your budget and just have fun.

Another easy way to ensure you don’t shoot yourself in the foot while playing a game of blackjack is to avoid the 8 mistakes most players make when their eagerness to play gets the best of them. Always keep in mind that the strategy around blackjack is not only in the moves you make throughout the game but also in what you do before and during the gameplay.

Avoid these mistakes to keep enjoying blackjack like a pro

1. Not checking the Game Rules

Each blackjack variant has a set of rules, sometimes it’s the same but there can be extra rules that could affect your gameplay. Quickly read through the game rules that will be available immediately once you’ve opened the game and read through them to make sure the game rules are favourable for you.

2. Not applying basic strategy to your gameplay

While Real Money Online Slots require nothing but your money and time, Blackjack actually requires some thinking and skill. The best thing for you would be to go through the basic strategy of playing blackjack before getting into the game. Using basic strategy can help you avoid unnecessary losses.

3. Don’t try to beat the house by overthinking

No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to beat the house by betting more or less based on the outcomes of your earlier hands. Stick to strategy as it’s the best way to win or lose.

It’s sad but true… Many players are fascinated with the idea of being able to beat the house through betting progressions. In reality there is no mathematical proof that you can improve the chances of winning with you next hand by betting according to the results of your previous hands.

4. Betting more when you ‘feel’ a win coming up

It is very often that players have this idea in their head that blackjack is a 50/50 type of game. For them losing a few times in a row means they’re bound to hit a win very soon. This often leads to players placing higher bets but this could lead to even more disastrous results.

Quit while you’re ahead! Don’t chase your losses ever! This is one of the cardinal rules of online gambling whether it is real money blackjack, slots or any other type of game. You’ll end up losing more and only frustrate yourself.

5. Forget about insurance

Unless you are a pro who knows how and when to take out insurance it is best to avoid this bet option. The name itself fools you into believing that it would be the smartest move to make seeing as you tend to insure valuables in your daily life. Unfortunately in online gambling this is not a protection mechanism as it doesn’t increase your chances of winning the original bet. Think of it as a side bet on whether or not the dealer will hit blackjack.

6. Unfocused, a little drunk or just a little too eager

Let’s face it when we are tired or even had a little too much to drink it always seems like a good idea to play a game. You’re feeling lucky after all, so what can go wrong? Everything, if you are playing blackjack. This game requires clear thinking and using brain power to follow a strategy that will lead to a possible win. If you’re not thinking straight you should stick to slot games or something that doesn’t require you to put your thinking cap on.

Basic Rules & Strategy

The aim in blackjack is to beat the dealer by creating a hand close to or equal to 21. You want to do this before the dealer gets the opportunity to do so. The biggest pay-out of the game is normally 3:2 although in some variants it can be lower (this is why reading through the game rules is extremely important).

Skilled players will have their own personal strategies that work for them but the basic strategy applies to everyone.

If you are new to blackjack then these strategies should be used in your gameplay.

• If you have an Ace and other cards valued at 6 or less then the Ace should be counted as a 1. In any scenario where the card total is above 6 the Ace should be counted as an 11.
• When your hand consists out of cards totalling from 3 – 11 on the initial draw then you should opt to Hit.
• If your cards total in 12-16 you should only hit if the dealer’s face up card is a 6 or less, if the dealer has a face up card of higher value it is best to Stand.
• This goes without saying but it doesn’t hurt to have it as a reminder – If your card value comes to a total of between 17 and 20 you should always Stand. The only exception to this rule is if you have an Ace and a 7 or the dealer’s face up card is an 8 or less. If that is the case then it would be in your best interest to hit.
• If the dealer’s face up card is of higher value than your entire hand it could be a safe bet to double down – if you’re card value is between 9 and 11.

Fan Favourites Blackjack Variants

Feel the excitement rushing in as you get closer to the end of brushing up on all the need to know information of blackjack and finally diving into a thrilling gameplay experience.

Take a look at the most popular blackjack variants found online and get a sneak peek in what these games offer.

• Spanish 21: This variant is also referred to as Spanish Blackjack and it removes all 10 Card leaving you with a deck of only 48 cards. The game comes with extra pay-outs such as 3:1 when you have a seven card 21. Any number of cards can be doubled down on and a late surrender option is available.
• Double Exposure Blackjack: In this variant both of the dealer’s first two cards are dealt face up. The downside is you lose on a tie but Blackjack pays out even money.
• Vegas Strip: The Dealer Peek option is implemented in this game which means if a dealer’s face up card is an ace or a 10 point value card they have to check for blackjack. You will also have the opportunity to split up to three times and double down after a split. However you can only split once after getting an ace. Splitting an ace and getting a 10 point card afterwards does not count as blackjack.
• Pontoon: This variant is extremely popular in Australia and Asia and bears a lot of similarities to Spanish 21. All 10 cards are removed from the deck and the dealer’s second card is only revealed at the end of the round. If you have an ace in a pre-double hand it counts as 1 and not 11.
• Perfect Pairs: Much like European Blackjack the game has a side bet which allows you to get a win if your first two cards make a pair.
• Blackjack Surrender: General blackjack rules apply but you can surrender your hand an only suffer losing half your initial wager.
• Progressive Blackjack: These blackjack games add in the additional excitement of being the player to trigger a mega win on the a progressive prize pool version of the game.

Another immensely popular way to play real money blackjack is at Live Dealer tables. If you love the thrill of testing your skills not only against a real croupier but also against the play style of the other players at the tables check out our recommended casino selection.