Live dealer blackjack NZ – how to play online and win real money

Classic blackjack

This is the most basic of blackjack variants, with dealer and player getting 2 cards each. Score a higher hand than the dealer without going over 21 and you win.

Single Deck blackjack

This one has the lowest house edge of all blackjack variants, at 0.15%, which is why it’s so rare to find. Only one deck is used and the dealer hits on soft 17.

Blackjack Switch

This live dealer blackjack game lets you play two hands together and to switch the top cards from each hand, giving you better odds.

European blackjack

The most widely played of live blackjack dealer games, this variant only lets you split once during the round. You can only split 10-value cards with the same face or value.

Spanish 21

You won’t be dealt any number 10 cards, but the rules are less strict than other live blackjack types. You can double down as much as you like and all face cards have a value of 10.

Double Exposure blackjack

The dealers’ first cards are dealt face up when playing live dealer blackjack of this type. However, if both player and dealer hit a natural blackjack, the dealer wins.

Play for free now

So you’ve decided that you’d like a bit more time before plunging into the world of live blackjack casino. The good news is that you can practice some basic blackjack strategy on the free demo versions that our recommended sites offer for RNG blackjack. 

You won’t be able to try out actual live blackjack games for free, but as soon as you’ve built up the confidence you can move on to the real tables.

• 1

  Join your preferred live blackjack table

  Make sure that the minimum buy-in is suited to your budget and that you pick a basic variant for the first time. European or Classic blackjack should work out well.

• 2

  The dealer announces that the table is closed

  At this stage, no new players can join so the dealer starts giving out the cards.

• 3

  You’re dealt your cards

  You will be dealt two cards face up. The dealer and any other players also get two cards. However, the dealer’s hand only has one card face up.

• 4

  Decide whether to hit or stand

  Check your cards carefully and see whether it’s worth standing or if your hand is low enough to risk another hit. If you decide to stand, the dealer follows the same process with the rest of the players.

• 5

  The round ends

  This is when the cards start being revealed and you can gauge how you’ve done.

• 6

  The winner is revealed

  The round is won by players who scored higher than the dealer without going over 21.

• 7

  The next round starts

  You’re invited to take part in a new hand or to leave the table.

• Understand how blackjack strategies work

  Find a good live dealer blackjack strategy and incorporate it within your game. Even if you do it perfectly, the outcome depends on luck. However, a structured approach to bet types, insurance and so forth can increase your chances of a win.

• Choose variants with a low house edge

  This applies mostly to newbies, as once you’re used to the game we encourage you to experience the different thrills all variants offer. Single Deck blackjack and Atlantic City blackjack have the lowest odds at 0.13% and 0.36% respectively. Be aware that different bet type will also affect the house edge.

• Try to understand card counting

  Not one for everyone, but if you manage to get the hang of live blackjack game card counting you’ll be maximising your chances considerably. Be warned that you’ll need to focus well and to employ some arithmetic, so try to practice alone beforehand.

• Figure out what the different bet types mean

  Read through the basics so you know when to split, which side bets are allowed on your variant, if you’re allowed to resplit and when and how to double down.

• Face cards shouldn’t be split

  Doubling your hand doesn’t mean doubling your chances of winning. It does mean doubling your chances of losing, though.

• Do split Aces and 8s

  An exception to the above is when you’re dealt aces or 8s. A hand of 16 is not worth standing for and it’s too risky to hit, so splitting is the only way out. Aces follow the same reasoning, whichever value you give them.

• Don’t chase losses

  A losing streak happens. Don’t try to break it by going over budget as that’s the start to a slippery slope.

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