Blackjack: Basic Strategy Guide

A game of skill and chance, blackjack holds a beloved spot in our casino games collection at Jackpot City. Want to get the most out of your gaming? Play with a blackjack strategy that works for you.

Premier Blackjack with Side Bets

What side bet do you prefer?

Premier Blackjack with Side Bets

You can play with two different side bets on the Premier Blackjack with Side Bets game from Microgaming and Switch Studios. You can play with the Perfect Pairs™ side bet that looks at the first two cards you receive. The 21+3™ bet works as a three-card poker side game.

Real™ Blackjack with James

A welcoming face for a fun game.

Real™ Blackjack with James

Real™ Blackjack with James is a game that features a live dealer-style environment. James will guide you through each game, where you can place a wager and receive your cards. You can double down or split at various points, or you can keep playing and go for a 6 Card Charlie.

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Classic Blackjack Gold

Experience a casino classic.

Classic Blackjack Gold

Classic Blackjack Gold is a game that requires the player to get a more valuable hand without busting. The classic blackjack rules are easy for players to review, plus players can double down or split at varying times during this game.

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Premier Blackjack With Lucky Lucky™

Go for the lucky shot!

Premier Blackjack With Lucky Lucky™

Premier Blackjack with Lucky Lucky™ is an eight-deck blackjack game where you can play with the Lucky Lucky bonus wager. This option pays when your first two cards and the dealer’s first card total 19, 20, or 21, with bonuses for when there are three 7s or a straight of 6, 7, and 8. You’ll also find different double down and split rules in this game.

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European blackjack

Play & Win Big Online

European blackjack

Experience the thrill of European Blackjack! Enjoy a unique twist on the classic game with exciting switch mechanics, enhanced strategies, and big wins. Play now and test your skills in this engaging online casino game!

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Classic Blackjack

Ultimate Online Casino Experience!

Classic Blackjack

Discover the excitement of Classic Blackjack! Enjoy a fresh take on the traditional game with innovative switch mechanics, strategic gameplay, and the chance to win big. Play now and elevate your online casino experience!

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How To Play Blackjack At Jackpot City

The process of how you learn to play blackjack with a basic strategy includes:

Know the Objective: Your main goal in online blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it.
Sign Up at Jackpot City to Play: Simply click/tap on any of our Sign Up buttons and enter your required details on the registration form.
Choose Your Blackjack Game: Once registered, navigate to the Tables > Blackjack or Live Casino > Blackjack online to select a game that suits your style.
Place Bets, Get Cards: After placing your bet, you’ll get two cards (both face up) from the dealer, who in turn will also have two cards (one face up, the other face down).
Make Strategic Decisions: Based on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card, choose when to hit (draw another card), stand/stay (keep your current cards), double down (double your bet before getting another card from the dealer) and split (splitting two identical cards to form two separate hands).
Practise in Demo Mode: Remember, selected blackjack games are available in Demo, which means you can practise risk-free without real money and begin to formulate a blackjack strategy that works best for you.

Blackjack Basic Strategy Options

Blackjack is a game of both chance and skill, which is why a strategy is considered so useful. While it does not guarantee you a win, it can see your gameplay and winning opportunities improving. Below, some blackjack basic strategy options to keep in mind.

Blackjack Strategy For A Hard Hand

A hard hand in blackjack means you have a hand that either doesn’t have an Ace or does have an Ace valued at 1 or 11.

Hard Hand

DEALER HAS
2 to 6

DEALER HAS
7 to ACE

4 to 8

ASK

Hit

Double Down

Hit

10 or 11

Double Down

DOUBLE
If you have more than the dealer

12 to 16

Stand

Hit

17 to 21

Stand

Double down if you have 10 and the dealer shows 9 or less.
Hit if you have 10 and the dealer shows 10 or an Ace.
Double if you have 11 and the dealer shows 10 or less; hit if the dealer shows an Ace.

Blackjack Strategy For A Soft Hand

When you play blackjack online, a soft hand is any hand with an Ace valued at 11 instead of 1.

Soft Hand

DEALER HAS
2 to 6

DEALER HAS
7 to ACE

13 to 15

Hit

16 to 18

Double Down

Hit

19 to 21

Stand

Soft hands of 13 to 15 should be hit when the dealer's card is 2 to 6 and when the dealer's card is 7 to Ace.
On a soft hand of 16 to 18, double down when the dealer's card is 2 to 6 and hit when the dealer's card is 7 to Ace.
For a soft hand of 19 to 21, the recommended strategy is to stand regardless of the dealer's card.

Blackjack Strategy: Split Hands

Splitting hands involves separating a pair into two distinct hands, doubling the initial bet and playing each hand independently.

Split (Yes or No)

DEALER HAS
2 to 6

DEALER HAS
7 to ACE

2/2, 3/3, 6/6, 7/7, 9/9

Yes

8/8, A/A

Yes

4/4, 5/5, 10/10

After splitting, you should apply the basic blackjack strategy for each new hand to optimise the potential for a successful outcome.
It is generally advisable to split Aces and eights, as doing so can improve the overall chances of achieving stronger hands and winning against the dealer.
Evaluating the dealer's face-up card is crucial when considering whether to split a pair, as this can impact the decision and potential outcomes.

Ultimate Blackjack with Olivia

Compete with Olivia!

Popular Blackjack Strategies

Many a blackjack strategy has been formulated over the years. We take a brief look at some of the most well-known, including their benefits and what to consider when implementing.

Martingale System

Rating

7/10
Player Level

Intermediate-Advanced
Strategy

Progressive betting after losses.
Considerations

High bankroll requirements.
Benefits

Potential quick recovery from losses.

Paroli System

Rating

7/10
Player Level

Intermediate
Strategy

Progressive betting after wins.
Considerations

Risk of losing streaks.
Benefits

Capitalise on winning streaks.

Oscar’s Grind System

Rating

6/10
Player Level

Intermediate-Advanced
Strategy

Incremental betting system.
Considerations

Requires patience and discipline.
Benefits

Slow and steady profit accumulation.

Parlay Betting Strategy

Rating

6/10
Player Level

Intermediate-Advanced
Strategy

Compounding wins for higher returns.
Considerations

Increased risk with each bet.
Benefits

Potential for rapid profit growth.

Flat Betting

Rating

6/10
Player Level

Beginner-Advanced
Strategy

Unchanging wagering approach.
Considerations

Limited profit potential.
Benefits

Reduced risk of significant losses.

Labouchère

Rating

7/10
Player Level

Intermediate-Advanced
Strategy

Numerical betting system.
Considerations

Complicated tracking of bets.
Benefits

Customisable to player’s risk tolerance.

Martingale System

A popular but risky blackjack strategy that involves doubling one’s bet after each loss, with the aim being to recover losses and make a small profit.

Paroli System

A strategy for placing higher bets on a winning streak to maximise profits, and lowered bets when on a losing streak to minimise losses.

Oscar’s Grind System

Aimed at meticulous players with the patience and discipline to grind out small blackjack wins on a regular basis.

Parlay Betting Strategy

A high-risk strategy for online blackjack players in NZ, stakes are gradually increased after several winning hands and decreased after losing hands.

Flat Betting

A simple blackjack strategy that’s reliant on controlled bankroll management, so you wager the same amount regardless of prior wins or losses.

Labouchère

Well known among online blackjack players, this strategy entails wagering an amount that’s equivalent to the first and last numbers on your list.

Vinnie Jones Blackjack

Go toe to toe with Vinnie.

Atlantic City Blackjack Gold Series

Realistic visuals, and smooth gameplay

Classic Blackjack With Ten 20™

Look for the 22x payout on Ten-20™

Switch Vegas Strip Blackjack

Ultimate Casino Thrills Online!

Blackjack Rules

Insurance Pays 2 to 1:

Insurance is a side bet on the dealer having blackjack.

Double Down On Any Two Cards:

Double your initial bet after receiving your first two cards.

Split Pairs Up to Three Times:

Double your initial bet after receiving your first two cards.

Split Pairs Up to Three Times:

Split a pair into two separate hands, with the option to do so up to 3x.

Dealer’s Hand:

The dealer must stand when reaching a total of 17 or higher.

Blackjack Strategy Tips

Top Tip

Steer Clear of Side Bets: Many blackjack variations feature side bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3, which often come with a significant house edge surpassing 10%. It's best to avoid all side bets in blackjack, including insurance bets.

Classic Blackjack with Sweetheart 16™

A lovely blackjack game for all fans.

Blackjack Strategy Terminology

Bankroll: Total funds set aside for gambling.
Blackjack: Best hand (Ace and a 10-value card) pays 3:2.
Bust: Exceeding 21, resulting in a loss.
Double Down/Doubling: Doubling the bet for one more card, only with first two cards.
Hard/Hard Hand: Hand without an Ace counting as 11 (e.g., 10 and 7 is a hard 17).
Hit: Requesting an additional card.
Insurance: Side bet if dealer shows an Ace, pays 2:1 if dealer has blackjack.
Push: Tie with the dealer, keeping the original bet.
Soft/Soft Hand: Hand with an Ace counted as 11.
Split: Dividing two equal cards into two hands.
Stand/Stay: Keeping the current hand.
Surrender: Forfeiting hand to reclaim half of the bet before the dealer's hand is revealed.

Blackjack Strategy FAQs

What is the best blackjack strategy?

The best blackjack strategy involves using basic strategy charts, which provide players with the optimal moves based on their hand and the dealer's visible card. These charts are derived from mathematical probabilities and can significantly reduce the house edge. However, always remember that no blackjack strategy guarantees a win as it’s also a game of chance.

Can I use a basic betting strategy in blackjack?

Yes. Popular blackjack strategy options include the Martingale system, where you double your bet after each loss, and the Paroli system, where you increase your bet after a win. These strategies can help manage your bankroll and potentially maximise your winnings. At Jackpot City, players can apply these betting strategies while enjoying a variety of blackjack games.

Why is strategy important in blackjack?

Because it minimises the house edge and potentially maximises your chances of winning. By using basic strategy charts and proper betting strategies, players can make more informed decisions, reducing losses and increasing potential profits.