Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games and is commonly known as 21. 21 is the highest points you can make exceeding which you are bust, i.e. you lose. Online blackjack casino games are played against the dealer, so he’s the one you want to beat.

Online Blackjack Free Practice Play

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games across the globe. It’s an intriguing game that requires skill, blackjack strategy and a good understanding of the rules and of course some good luck. Blackjack is also known as ‘21’ simply because it’s the number of points that must be achieved to win and players must not exceed 21 points.

Card Values
Cards 2 to 9 have face value that is the value shown on the card.

Card 10, Jack, Queen, King have a value of 10 points each.

The Ace has a value of 1 or 11, as the player chooses. This is an important strategy in Blackjack
Remember the color and symbol of cards don’t matter in online casino games like Blackjack. Just the values and of course playing smart!

How to play
The player places his bets at the start of the online blackjack casino game, just before the cards are dealt. The Dealer deals two cards face-up or face-down according to house rules. He deals them clockwise, starting with the player from the left. The total of the cards you have is your score. The Dealer deals a card for himself, first card face down and the next one face up.

The point of the online blackjack casino game is to make a card total higher than the Dealer but not to exceed 21. If you cross 21, it is known as ‘busting’ or ‘breaking’ and you lose. You are playing against the Dealer so keep on close eye on the cards he has.

Hitting and Standing
After the first two cards are dealt, based on your score, you can opt to draw another card (HIT) or not draw anymore cards (STAND).

Doubling Down
After the first two cards are dealt, but before you Hit, you can opt to double the bets and only take one more card face up. This is a great way to make some money. But here is some advice on doubling down, the best time to Double Down is when the Player has 11 and the Dealer has a 5 or less showing.

Splitting pairs
If the player is dealt a pair, that is two cards of a kind, the player has the option to split the pair into two separate hands before other cards are dealt. This helps you double your bets as each hand requires a bet of your original hand. When pairs are split, each hand is played normally. However if a pair of Aces are split, only one card can be drawn for each hand.

Here’s a useful tip on splitting pairs that players swear by in online blackjack gambling: Only split Aces and eights.

Blackjack
If you make 21 on the first two cards dealt, it’s called a blackjack. And the cards don’t have to black to make a blackjack.

Insurance
If the Dealer’s card that’s facing up is an ace, the Dealer will offer you insurance. The insurance is against the Dealer, in case he gets a blackjack. Insurance is usually half of the original bet and is paid to the casino if the Dealer has a Blackjack. The player can choose if he wants insurance. Insurance is often a lost bet for the Player. So unless you are sure of your bet before you place money on insurance, you may lose the bet.

Push
If your hand has a numerical value of 21 or under and you tie the Dealer (say you have 20 and the Dealer has 20) this is called a "Push" or "Stand Off".