Blackjack Guide

It is easy to see why blackjack is still the world’s favourite casino card game. With its fast, simple gameplay and the chance to make your own big decisions, it provides a great blend of action and strategy. Blackjack is a game of chance at heart, but you also need the knowledge and skill to make the best of each hand that you are dealt.

Our own experts have collaborated with specialists from around the casino industry to bring you this comprehensive blackjack guide.

Chapter 1

Blackjack has a long and rich history that we will fully explore in this fascinating chapter. Find out how it began, when it first became popular, and how the game has changed over time. By learning the key facts about the history of Blackjack, you will be well on the way to gaining a deeper understanding of the game.

Chapter 2

Written by Vegas Aces founder Heather Ferris, this chapter takes you deeper into the game, by introducing you to the basic rules of blackjack and how to play it effectively. Most people already know something about how to play blackjack, but this section is designed to help you clear up any doubts and remove any misconceptions you might have.

Chapter 3

You won’t make any embarrassing or costly blackjack etiquette errors after reading this part of the guide. Written by Nicholas Colon, a former player-manager of the famous MIT Blackjack team, it covers issues such as how to interact with the dealer and other players. You will also see how you need to handle your cards and chips, as well as other vital matters related to blackjack etiquette.

Chapter 4

In this section, you can discover everything that you need to know about how to work out card values in blackjack. It has been put together by Blackjack expert Nicholas Colon and clearly explains all of the details you need to understand. After reading this guide you will be fully briefed on which cards to look out for and just how much of an edge the dealer has over the player.

Chapter 5

A solid understanding of basic blackjack strategy is vital if you are going to play this game successfully. This is where probabilities expert Michael Shackleford takes us through all of the points that make up a good approach to playing each hand you are dealt. No matter how good or bad the cards in front of you are, following basic strategy allows you to maximise your chance of winning. Find out when to hit, when to stand, and when to carry out more advanced moves like surrendering, splitting, and doubling down.

Chapter 6

You might think of blackjack as being just one game, but the truth is that its wide popularity has led to various versions popping up. This part of our blackjack guide is where we look at what differences are found in the main ways of playing blackjack. We will look at games including the classic American Blackjack as well as variations like Blackjack Switch, Perfect Pairs and Multi-hand.

Chapter 7

In this part of our guide, casino expert Angela Wyman takes an in-depth look at how the move to online blackjack has changed the game. How does traditional blackjack in a land-based casino compare to playing on the internet? Discover the advantages and drawbacks of each of these ways of playing, to see which one suits you best.

Chapter 8

Michael Shackleford has covered the most popular betting systems and how effective they can be in blackjack games. Many betting systems promise fantastic results, but the founder of the Wizard Of Odds gambling website will explain the merits – or lack of – the most well-known of these strategies. From the famous Martingale to less popular concepts like D’Alembert and Parlay, we have got you covered.

Chapter 9

How much can you hope to win when playing blackjack? This section of our guide looks at the payouts made by casinos for winning hands, including an extra amount for winning with a blackjack. We also look at the house edge, to see how it works and just how much it can affect your chances of winning.

Chapter 10

There have been some big winners at the Casino.com blackjack tables over the years. We take a look at the stories behind those major wins with interviews from the players themselves. Our VIP manager here at Casino.com brings you all the details.

Chapter 11

Lots of people have become huge blackjack fans over the centuries, but who are the legends that are famous for their blackjack skills and unforgettable feats? Read about iconic players like Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Canley, Lawrence Revere, and other big names who stand out from the long history of this game.

Chapter 12

The 21 plus 3 side bet is one of the most popular additional wagers made at the blackjack table. Our betting expert Heather Ferris explains how to make this bet, and outlines the potential payouts and probability of winning different hands.

Chapter 13

Our Blackjack FAQ section will give you the answers to some of the most common queries about this game, as well as some more complex issues. If you are wondering about matters such as insurance, tipping dealers, card counting and what happens in the event of a tied game, this section will satisfy your curiosity.

Chapter 14

Playing blackjack is a lot easier once you understand the key words and terms used in this game. Our final section in this guide covers the detailed explanations of blackjack terms that you need to know about. There will be no surprises left once you have read through this glossary.