Online Blackjack FAQ

Online Blackjack FAQ From 17th century card rooms to modern online casinos, blackjack has a long history and has picked up a few quirks and variants along the way. To help guide you through complexities of this fun online casinos game, our blackjack experts have developed this detailed FAQ in simple, easy to understand language that explains blackjack terminology and addresses any issues you may have. Good luck at the tables!

How can I find a reputable blackjack casino online?

The first place to look is on our pages. We thoroughly research each online blackjack casino to be sure it has the best graphics, highest payouts, great bonuses and is safe and secure for your protection.

What do I need to have in order to play online blackjack?

A computer or mobile internet device and an internet connection are all you need to begin. You will have to download the casino’s software, or for Mac and iPhone users, play at online blackjack casinos that offer web-based platforms.

Where do I get blackjack software for my computer?

You get each online casino’s blackjack software at that casino. They are not interchangeable so if you want to play at a different blackjack casino table, you have to download the new casino’s software too. You can also play at no download online casinos but you still have to complete a player registration form first.

Can I play blackjack online for free?

Yes, most online casinos with blackjack offer free games so you can get used to the game, develop your strategy and have fun without risk. However, even though these games will show the winnings mounting up on the screen, you cannot withdraw any money won unless you play in real money games.

What are the abbreviations I see at online blackjack casinos?

For the sake of brevity, most of the table rules are abbreviated. Knowing what is allowed and not allowed will make the game easier for you. Some of the abbreviations used can seem like foreign languages until you get used to them. The most common ones are:

BSE: Basic Strategy Edge meaning you can get better odds using your basic strategy
DOA: Double Down on any of your initial cards
D10/11: You can only double down on 10s and 11s
DAS: Double down is only allowed when you split a pair.
ESR: Early surrender allowed. You won’t find this often, but when you do you can surrender your initial hand when the dealer has a natural blackjack (21).
H17: This means that when the dealer has 17 (as soft hit) he must hit.
LSR: Late surrender. You can surrender your hand, only losing half of your bet when the dealer gets a non-natural blackjack (21).
O/U: You can bet over and under thirteen
RSA: You can re-split Aces
S17: The dealer must stand on 17 (stick on 17).

What does it mean when I “bust”?

If the total of your cards exceed 21 then you are said to have “bust” and your hand is folded and your bet is lost.

What does it mean to “hit”?

Whenever you draw a new card to add to your hand you are said to “hit”.

What is “insurance”?

Insurance is a side bet, of up to half your original bet and can be made when the dealer's upcard is an ace. If the dealer has a natural 21 your insurance bet pays out at 2:1.

What is a “push”?

A push is a tied hand that causes your original bet to be returned to you.

What does it mean to “surrender”?

Surrendering is when you “fold.” Some tables allow surrender and some do not. When early surrender is allowed, you can surrender your hand if the dealer gets blackjack on the first deal, and only lose half your bet instead of all of it.

Is it better to surrender early if I don’t have good cards?

If you surrender early you only lose half your bet, so in the long run it seems to make a lot of sense to get out if your cards are bad. However, it is always a risk because even what seem to be really bad hands can end up winning if played right, and the dealer busts.

Are the odds at winning at online blackjack the same as those playing land-based casino blackjack?

Actually, the odds are better. Online blackjack casinos have far less overhead, and can afford to payout better, and more often. If you do want to play blackjack live, Las Vegas is perhaps the ultimate destination.

Are blackjack games rigged?

No. The online casinos are heavily regulated by all countries that allow them. If the games were rigged, the online blackjack casinos could not exist.

Can I count cards playing online blackjack?

Yes, but it is just as hard, and maybe harder at an online blackjack casino because of the speed that the computer plays. Your edge against multi-deck games is generally less than 1%.

Is blackjack purely luck, or can you use strategy to improve the odds of winning online?

There are many good strategies for playing blackjack, both online and off. You can use any of the common blackjack strategies at online blackjack casinos.

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