Online Blackjack Canada

Online Blackjack Canada is the most popular card game in the country either in its free version or with real money at online casinos, with the exception of Poker online, and nothing conjures up the casino atmosphere quite like a blackjack game’s table. Its roots can be traced back to the 1760s when it was called Vingt-et-Un in French, and today it is still commonly known as Twenty One. The rules are simple, it’s easy to learn, and the play can be breathtaking. With one of the lowest house edges available, players also take the opportunity to apply strategies. An experienced player who can play a mathematically perfect game can comfortably turn the odds in their favour.

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Objectives of Blackjack Online

Today, of course, Blackjacks popularity has followed it to the domain of online casinos, where there are now numerous variations available. However, the basic aim in Blackjack is always the same. Players need to beat the dealer to 21 points, without exceeding it. You can do this by getting exactly 21 points with your cards, or closer to 21 than the dealer.

“Blackjack” itself is when you have a combination of a face card or ten, and an ace with your first two dealt cards. You can also win by reaching a final score that is higher than the dealer, or by forcing the dealer to go bust.

Play Blackjack Free

Blackjack Variations in Casinos

Online Blackjack has a huge number of different flavours to engage players and give the game a twist. All of them have varying designs, a different set of rules, a differing number of card decks, and can even have two dealers. For a unique thrill, some casinos also offer exclusive Blackjack variants on their software platforms. They are all great fun to try, but It is important to remember that the house edge can vary with each form, along with the effect on your bankroll.

Super Fun 21

Super Fun 21 is almost identical to the classic Blackjack game, and many players may not even notice the difference. It is usually played with a single deck of cards, although some casinos use two decks. Super Fun 21 provides a novel variation and super-sized payouts for specific combinations of cards. There are also some special rules that benefit the player, the most important of which is that a player’s “Blackjack” hand will always beat the dealer’s “Blackjack”.

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 is another popular variation of Blackjack, that can even be the best bet in the casino if you are looking for a slight change of pace. Depending on the rules, the dealer can stand on a soft 17, and sometimes redoubling is permitted. It can hold some new excitement for players, as the most important change is that all the 10s are removed from the deck thus changing the odds.

Double Exposure Blackjack

In Double Exposure, players are given the advantage of both dealer cards being exposed. Obviously, this means that you are armed with information of the card value and can then take appropriate action. However, there are usually other changes to the rules to compensate for this. To maintain the house edge, the payout for a natural “Blackjack” is reduced from 3:2 to even money, and a tie with the dealer means that you lose.

Blackjack Switch

Any player who has thought how great it would be to swap their cards will enjoy Blackjack Switch. In this game, that is exactly what happens, as you are dealt two hands of cards. In this classic variation, you can make two bets on two different hands, and you are also allowed to switch the upcard. This can increase the strength of your hands and help your chances of winning. This is an interesting twist to the game and a tremendous advantage to players.

Vegas Strip

Vegas Strip Blackjack is an interesting variant in the American Blackjack series. It follows the basic rules of the classic game but has some distinct advantages. The dealer stands on a soft 17, and you are allowed to double down on any two of your cards. However, you are not permitted to surrender your hand.

Vegas Strip is more for experienced players as it offers one of the lowest house edges of all the Blackjack versions.

Pontoon

Players looking for a different experience often favour Pontoon, which is an Australian variant of Blackjack. It has some generous differences in the rules and one of the lowest house edges around. There are two versions, one which is particularly popular in the UK, and the other which is played more in Australia. Both variations have very similar rules to Spanish 21 but use different terminology, for instance, scoring 21 is called Pontoon, and not Blackjack.

Other Blackjack Versions

There are countless variations available online, with new twists being added to the classic game of Blackjack all the time. You can try Elimination Blackjack where you seek to beat other players and be the last at the table, or Chinese Blackjack with five card tricks. Multi-hand Blackjack is a variation which is exclusive to online casinos, or why not opt for Perfect Pairs, with side bets and a jackpot on offer?

Basic Blackjack Gameplay

The basic Blackjack rules are very simple, with the aim of getting close to 21 in your hand, without going over. However, the ultimate objective is to beat the dealer by not going bust, achieving a higher score, or forcing the dealer to go bust.

Blackjack can be played with between one and eight decks of cards, and the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 points.

After wagering is completed, you will receive two cards, and the dealer will have two cards, one of which will be face up. You will then have the option to Stand, Hit, Double, Split or Surrender.

After all the players have had their turn, the dealer then turns over the face down card and will take another card if their score is 16 or less. If they score more than 21 points, then any players who did not go bust will beat the dealer. If the dealers score stays under 21, then players that have higher points will win.

Blackjack Equipment

The standard Blackjack table is shaped like a half oval, with the shoe that holds all the decks of cards at the top. The dealer stands on the straight side, and there will be a card nearby which lists the important rules for that particular game. On the table itself, you will see the betting limits and the markings where you will place your bets and receive your cards. Players sit around the oval section, and there will be up to seven seats available for play.

Blackjack Etiquette

Online Blackjack can be a great deal of fun and very lucrative, with the live casino bringing the ultimate in a realistic experience. If you decide to play, then it is important to be aware of the game etiquette. Understanding how to behave at the table, how to buy chips, place a bet, and handle your cards, will ensure that the experience is an enjoyable one.

Blackjack Deck

There is no limit to the number of cards that can be used in online Blackjack. Casinos most commonly play the game with between six and eight standard decks of 52 cards but exclude the jokers. However, there are also some variations that are played with four decks or less. This is an important factor when choosing your game, as It will impact both on the house edge and any card counting possibilities.

Card Value And Scoring

Understanding the values of the cards in Blackjack is easy, as they correspond to the numerical value from 2 to 10. The face cards of Jack, Queen and King also count as 10 points. The Ace itself can count as either 1 or 11, depending on which suits your hand the best. A score which includes an Ace valued at 11 is called a soft hand, and the suit of the cards do not affect their points value.

Colour Coded Blackjack Cards

While the actual colour of the cards has no effect, many players do use a strategy which involves colour coding moves. They compile a chart of all the possible actions of Stand, Hit, Double, Split and Surrender to try to help in determining the best move. They simply then find their hand value and that of the dealers. Following these two lines will then lead to a recommendation on the next course of action.

Single Deck Blackjack Games

Those players who are fans of Blackjack strategy will often choose to play Single Deck Blackjack. Played with just one deck of cards, this game offers one of the best chances to make a profit. The house edge is only 0.15% in this variation, so many experienced players are drawn to the challenge. They also prefer this variant for the opportunities it holds for easier card counting, although theoretically, it is no easier online as Internet cards are automatically shuffled after every hand.

Double Deck Blackjack Game

The same implication of advantage also surrounds Double Deck Blackjack, which is played with two card decks. Although attracting the expert player, beginners will also enjoy this version. The goal is the same as for any Blackjack game, but the dealer must stand on soft 17, which improves the overall odds. It also allows doubles after any splits and does not have the option to surrender. With a perfect strategy, you can reduce the house edge to around 0.45%.

Four Or More Decks Blackjack

The common variations of Blackjack nowadays are played with either 4, 6 or 8 card decks of cards, which was originally introduced as a means to counteract card counting. The main concern for players is the differences between the games, and how the number of decks can affect the odds. However, when playing online, it is not the number of card decks that count, but more the difference in rules that can affect the casino odds of these multi-deck games.

Blackjack Rules

Once you have placed your bet and the cards have been dealt, you will decide how to play your hand. This is where the importance of the differing rules come in.

In basic online Blackjack, the dealer must draw cards when they have a total of 16 points or less. If they have 17 or more points, then they must stand.

In some games, the dealer must also draw more cards if they have a “soft” 17. This includes hands that have an Ace, the most common being the Ace-6, which could also be calculated as just 7.

All these rules, together with differences in the shoe games, can shift the house edge so it is worth researching well.

Online Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack Strategy Card

When you play Blackjack, the house wants you to try to get 21. When this is attempted you will nearly always lose. Many times, you could stay with a lower score and win but are tempted to take another card and go bust. When you play against the house, you have to go first, and that is the best advantage that the house has. In Blackjack, there is a set of basic rules that provide the optimal way to play each hand. This basic strategy is based on mathematics and will maximise winnings and reduce losses over time. The first step towards becoming skilled is to learn the basic strategy through this Blackjack chart , which once mastered, will reduce the casino’s edge.

♠️ Importance Of Strategy and a Blackjack Chart

Having a strategy will help you to master the game better, and following the Blackjack chart is the first step and an extremely important tool. Compared to other games, like online slots which are completely random, Blackjack enables players to directly influence the game. Your choices and actions as you play will always affect the outcome. Once you have mastered this basic strategy, then you can move on to more detailed strategies and try them out.

♠️ Basic Strategy Calculator

A Blackjack Basic Strategy Calculator is an easy way to help you make decisions. It details the statistically best way to play and sets it out in a simple chart. You simply find your Blackjack hand on the left-hand side and the dealer’s card on the top, and it shows you the best options. You can find these charts online and print them off to keep next to your PC.

♠️ Blackjack Surrender Strategy

The surrender rule is also important and gives you the option of quitting while you are ahead. Understanding this rule will improve your game strategy, and it is an advantage to players. It means you can choose to retain half of your bet rather than risk losing everything. It is, therefore, important to understand both the early and late surrender and develop a strategy for their use.

♠️ Blackjack Pair Splitting Strategy

Splitting is a difficult aspect of Blackjack strategy and will depend on the game that you are playing. Once your two cards are split, you will have two hands, with double the bet, and can play each of them independently. Even experienced players can have difficulty in mastering this, but if you want to win, then it is crucial to use the correct strategies for splitting.

♠️ Blackjack Doubling Down Strategy

Another important thing is to use a mathematically correct method for doubling down. Most players focus on their best first hands, which is a good option, but you can also miss out on the opportunity of taking advantage of weak hands that the dealer may have. Understanding when it is the right thing to double down can reduce the house edge by as much as 1.43%.

♠️ Blackjack Hit & Stand Strategy

The question that will face newer Blackjack players the most is when to Stand and when to Hit. More experienced players will develop their strategies, but newer players can use a simple table to help make this all-important decision. For novices, it is also critical to practice these techniques as much as possible.

♠️ Blackjack Insurance & Even Money Strategy

Mathematically speaking, taking an Insurance Bet or Even Money is an identical proposition. They are designed to lower your losses, but you can win more in the long run if you do not use these options. For this reason, many experienced players think that they are a bad strategy. However, it is important to understand how they work and to develop your own strategy for them.

♠️ Blackjack Strategy Charts Explained

Blackjack Strategy Charts are extremely useful tools and point you in the direction of optimal play. They can help you to get a feel for any game and its differing rules, and to learn how to make the best decisions in any hand. All the information is laid out in an easy to read chart, which you can study, or refer to when you play.

♠️ Bad Blackjack Strategies

There are copious amounts of information around, which also includes some bad advice on Blackjack strategies. Expert players can sometimes deviate in very specific circumstances, but staying with the correct basic Blackjack strategy is always the best thing to do. Anything else will immediately raise the house edge and reduce your chances of winning.

♠️ How To Practice Your Strategy

Blackjack is a game of skill, and there are a possible 340 hands that you can hold, so continual practice is a must. It is recommended to study your chart every day, make flashcards, and test yourself on the strategic decisions. Do not deviate and start to investigate other strategies or card counting. Never play using your intuition only and practise as much as you possibly can for free before wagering.

Basic Betting Strategy for Online Blackjack Canada

Most experienced players will tell you that you must have a sound betting strategy when you play Blackjack. This will help you to increase winnings and also limit possible losses, or even recoup them.

The most popular Blackjack betting strategy is flat-betting, which simply means that you bet exactly the same amount on each hand. This allows you to exert control on winning streaks and not impose risks that can lead to losses. Your wager will depend on how many hands you want to play and your total budget, and you do not deviate from this amount. Then the focus is on using your Blackjack basic strategy to provide wins.

Blackjack Odds And Tips

As with any casino game, it is a fact that the house always has an edge over the players. However, in Blackjack, there are many alternatives which can be used as advantages over the dealer. These make it possible for you to perfect your game and drastically lower the house edge. Strategies are so important as they are the key to understanding the odds and probabilities of any card combination.

Whichever cards you are dealt, you must be aware of the winning odds and the probability of going bust. Focusing on the dealer’s hand is just as important, as their probability of going bust plays a role in the strategic decisions.

✅ Understanding The House Edge

On a normal game of classic Blackjack, the house will always have an edge of around 8% over players. By adopting the Blackjack basic strategy, experienced players can lower this, depending on the particular rules of the game. It can be reduced to as low as 0.2% to 0.5%, by using the player’s advantages in a mathematically correct and systematic way.

✅ The Shuffle And Cut

Most online casinos automatically shuffle the cards after every hand, while some shuffle at random times throughout gameplay. Manual shuffling and cutting are more open to a biased shuffle, which has led players to try and shuffle track and dump cards. The basic Blackjack strategy is based on a freshly shuffled deck, which is the case when playing online with a continuous shuffler.

✅ The Deal

In classic Blackjack, the dealer will first deal to each player in turn, starting on their first left and moving around the table to the right. Cards are all dealt face down, finishing with the dealer’s card. A further card is then dealt to each player, but this time the card will face up. Finally, the dealer will take their last card, also face upwards.

✅ Naturals

When a player receives an Ace and a card worth 10 points in the first two cards, then the total is 21, and this is known as a “Natural”, as well as a “Blackjack”. If you are dealt a “Natural” and the dealer can not match it, then it is uncontested and the dealer loses. You will then receive one and a half times the wager amount.

✅ The Play

Play starts with the player on the dealer’s left. You can choose to Stand, which means that you will keep your two cards, or Hit, which means you will be dealt one more. You can Hit as many times as you want. If you Double, it means you will double your bet and only receive one more card. You can also opt to Split, if you have a pair, or two 10-point cards in your hand.

✅ The Dealer’s Play

When each player has made their decision, the dealer then turns over their face-down card, which is known as the hole card. If they have 16 points or less, they will Hit and take one more card. Depending on the specific game rules, the dealer may also Hit on an Ace and cards totalling six points, or 7 points, which are the soft 16 or soft 17. Hands are then compared to establish the winners.

✅ Signalling Intentions

Blackjack hand signals are used during play to communicate with the dealer, so it is important to note the different hand gestures, or where to place your cards. Hand signals usually differ between games that are played with the cards face down or face up. To ensure a smooth and fun time, make sure that you watch the other players before joining the game.

✅ Reshuffling

In any game that uses a shoe, the house will always predetermine when the deck is shuffled, and the dealer will insert a card at that point. For example, a casino may specify after 1.5 decks on a 6-deck shoe. Some casinos are now using automatic shufflers to save the dealer time. If you play online, then most casinos will shuffle after every single hand, although some shuffle randomly.

How To Count Cards

Although card counting is frowned upon in casinos, many players try to increase their odds by using this practice. If you want to learn how to count cards, fortunately, it has nothing to do with memory but is mathematically based. In Blackjack, it is always more favourable when the shoe contains more Aces and cards worth 10 points, as there is less chance of going bust. Card counting, therefore, uses a system that keeps track of the density of high cards to low cards that remain in the pack.

➡️ Entry-level Card Counting Systems

There are numerous card counting systems available, but if you are a new player you will want to opt for one of the simplest Level 1 systems. They are still very effective, and you can move up the scale when you are familiar with the process. Hi-Lo is probably one of the most used, as it is known as a balanced system and great for novices.

➡️ How Card Counting Works In Blackjack

The more complex card counting systems can yield a higher profit, but they all work similarly to establish odds. Players assign a value to every card, then keep a running count of the values of the cards that are dealt during play. This allows them to calculate the true count and make betting decisions based on probability.

➡️ Learning The Hi-lo Card Counting Systems

The popular Hi-Lo Counting System is widely written about, and the one most used by experienced players. It was invented in 1963 by Harvey Dubner, and there are many books that you can use for reference, as well as the internet. However, this strategy is difficult to use if you are playing online, as you cannot track the number of spent decks.

➡️ How To Use The Running Count In Single And Double-Deck Games

Once the first card is dealt from a newly shuffled deck, counting the value of the cards begins. A lower value card adds one point, and a higher value card subtracts one point, with any cards between 7 and 9 considered neutral. When you first try this running count, you can use one deck of cards. Count through the cards, and if you are correct, then you should end up with 0.

➡️ How To Use True Count For Betting In Multi-Deck Games

When players bet or play with a balanced strategy, the running count needs to be adjusted by the number of un-dealt cards. This is what is known as the true count. When there are multiple decks, then the true count is even more crucial. To do this, the running count is divided over the decks in the game to provide greater accuracy.

➡️ How To Use True Count To Vary Your Playing Strategy

As the cards are dealt, and the shoe composition alters, the concept is that players are either less or more likely to get “Blackjack”. The probability is based on the remaining number of high cards left to be dealt. You can, therefore, make assumptions and bet larger amounts when the odds are in your favour. The use of the true count determines player advantage and is the ultimate tool.

➡️ Unbalanced Card Counting Systems

The difference between a balanced counting system, and an unbalanced one like KO Count, is simple. The sum of the card values in a balanced system is always zero, and in an unbalanced system, it is not. There is no true count in an unbalanced counting system either, as the number of decks is already accounted for. They are generally more difficult, but more profitable if they are used perfectly.

➡️ How To Enhance Your Edge

There are other ways to enhance your edge, increasing your bets without further risk. You can work with a partner, pooling your bankroll and splitting the profit and loss. The percentage of cards dealt before shuffling is also important – the larger this percentage, the better. Single and double deck games are also a wiser option. You can even get yourself a Blackjack software programme to test your card counting skills.

➡️ Casinos’ Countermeasures Against Card Counters

Casinos can employ numerous measures and techniques to prevent or minimıse card counting. Preferential shuffling is normally used, which means when the count gets high, or when a player increases their bet, the shoe is shuffled. They can also prohibit mid-shoe entry, which prevents players from any back-counting. Along with this, they will often change rules or stakes, and try to distract players during the gameplay.

➡️ How To Disguise Your Skills

Aside from winning, there are many things that will attract attention, so players need to learn to disguise their skills. The list covers everything from big buy-ins to those who never drink or tip. If you watch each card, remain too calm when losing, or vary your wagers too much, you will stand out. So, always study the list, avoid the common pitfalls and fit in with the environment.

Bankroll And Rate Of Return On Blackjack

Money management is a discipline when playing Blackjack. It is critical to set a realistic return for each game, which will depend on your bankroll, and then play until you reach it. The way to achieve a profit and keep it is to be content with small regular wins and not chase big ones. Stick to your strategy, set small goals for winning and stop immediately that they are achieved.

History Of Blackjack

Following its early French roots, house-banked Blackjack was originally established in Nevada in 1931, retaining its name of 21. To attract players, some casinos implemented an attractive additional payout of 10:1. When a player achieved 21 points from an Ace of spades and a Jack of either spades or clubs, they would win this special wager. The name of the game was born and has been used ever since. Gambling legalization then brought a requirement for a set of standardized rules, which were defined by the Nevada Gaming Commission, and are still in use today.

How To Play Blackjack Online

The arrival of online casinos brought many innovative variants, but originally, there was still the disadvantage of a lack of ambience. Card counting became almost impossible, and there was a lack of trust in the random number generators.

All that changed with the fantastic option of live casinos Canada. With full HD high-quality streaming and real dealer action, players are treated to the ultimate in realistic and exciting gameplay. Options for multiple camera angles, bet behind, side bets and interaction with the dealer offer an outstanding choice for most players. If you want to know how to play Blackjack online, it could not be easier, as you can try it for free before wagering any real money.

System Requirements

All the best casinos online Canada will have some basic system requirements that may vary. However, the top casinos around today are powered by software giants like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt, meaning that you are in for a real treat. Their table games and live casino options are all compatible with casino mobile devices. Optimised for the smaller screen means you can enjoy the same high quality gameplay whatever device you are using. There is no loss of graphics quality or features, allowing you to enjoy the Blackjack experience on the go!

Blackjack FAQs

✅ Is it better to play with less or more players at the table?

Most players, particularly beginners, will find it best playing at a full table. This slows the game, lets you learn, and makes your money last longer. However, players using strategies are always better choosing a table with fewer players.

✅ What is the basic Blackjack strategy and should I use it?

Basic Blackjack strategy is about making decisions based on mathematics, to improve odds. These correct decisions have been turned into rules in an easy table, and tell you what to do with any card hand, and the dealer’s up card.

✅ Is playing single deck Blackjack better than the multiple deck options?

Depending on the game rules, single deck Blackjack offers a lower house edge than multiple deck games. However, be aware that casinos can adjust other rules to negate the benefit. For example, you might find a reduced payout for “Blackjack”.

✅ Is there a good card counting system that beginners can use?

Card counting itself can take many years to master perfectly, but you can start learning a basic strategy immediately. The Hi-Lo strategy is the most popular with beginners and once mastered, many players then choose the Red Seven Counting System.

Glossary Of Blackjack Terms

As a new Blackjack player, you will hear lots of slang and Blackjack terms during your research and gameplay. It is essential to know the terms of the options you have when you are playing a hand, but the others are not quite as important. If you intend to play in a live casino, simply find a glossary of terms or a Blackjack dictionary and use it as a reference. Some examples of what you will find:

  • The shoe - Blackjack equipment used to hold multiple decks of cards and prevent card counting.
  • Bust card - the card that is dealt which brings a players hand over 21 (they go bust)
  • Five-card-Charlie - A hand of five cards that is does not go bust. It is a rare occurrence.
  • Insurance - Allows the player to insure his hand against the dealer hitting Blackjack. It is treated as a side bet.
  • Natural Blackjack - A two card hand naturally adding up to 21.

You will soon pick up the terminology, that is the easy part!

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Written by: Petricia Brown Petricia holds the position of Casino Review Manager. She is a gambling expert with more than 10-years experience in the casino Industry.
Updated Date 10/12/2021