Online Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack, also referred to as Twenty-one, or Vingt-et-un (French for Twenty-one), is arguably the most popular casino game ever to be invented. The main objective of Blackjack is to build a hand valued as closely to 21 as possible without going over.

If your hand is under 21 and greater than the dealer's hand, you win!. Combining chance with elements of strategy and skill, Online Blackjack will surely put your dexterity to the test, as well as engross you with its easy-to-play, exciting, fast-paced action!

A Blackjack is when the sum of the first two cards totals 21. The combination can be any Ace with any card with a value of 10.

The term Blackjack originates from earlier versions of the game where a hand with an Ace of Spades and a black Jack (either the Jack of clubs or the Jack of spades) received a payout of 10-1.

Although this payout was quickly abolished, the term 'BlackJack' remained. If you want to learn more about blackjack remember to also check out our Blackjack Glossary to keep updated in the latest lingo related to this great game.

How to Play Online Blackjack

Bet
A game of Online Blackjack begins with the player taking the initiative. Click on the chips to place a bet. You can place a minimum bet of $2 and a maximum of $250 at our Blackjack tables.

Deal
After placing a bet, click on 'Deal'. Initially, both the dealer and the player are dealt two cards per hand. The player's cards are dealt face up, while the Dealer is dealt one card face up (Up Card) and another card face down (Hole Card).

Card Values
Number cards carry their face value and Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10. You can count an Ace as either one point (Hard Hand) or 11 (Soft Hand), whichever helps your hand most.

Player's Turn
Once the player and dealer are both dealt their initial cards, it's time for the player to make a decision.

Stand
The player chooses this option if he/she wishes to stand with the cards they have.

Hit
The dealer gives the player another card.

Double
The player can choose to take one single hit and double the amount of his/her bet. This option may vary in how it is offered., the double option is provided when you are holding two cards. The double option, if played correctly, can be very beneficial for the player.

Split
If the player has two cards of equal value, he/she can choose to split the cards into two hands by doubling the amount of the bet. In a Split, receiving a 'Blackjack' is not recognized. As with a Double, if played correctly, Splits can increase the player's odds of winning significantly. The VIP Lounge Casino rules allow you to split on two aces. However, aces cannot be re-split and you can only hit once on each hand.

Insurance
An insurance bet is one in which you can insure yourself against losing when the Dealer's up card is an Ace. There is a possibility that the Hole Card could reveal a Blackjack, so you can buy yourself insurance for half the cost of your original wager.
'Taking Insurance' is a side bet on whether the dealer has blackjack or not. If the dealer has blackjack the insurance bet is a winner. If the Dealer doesn't have a Blackjack, then you lose your insurance bet and continue to play your hand. An insurance bet carries a payout rate of 2:1

Dealer's Turn
After you play your cards, it is time for the Dealer to reveal his hole card. Depending on the hand, they will opt to hit or stand based on a series of rules that the Dealer must follow:

• Hit on any total of 16 or less
• Stand on any total of 17 or more

There may be a case when the Dealer's card value matches yours. This is considered a tie (also called a Push), and your bet is returned.

You Win when

• You get a Blackjack.
• Your hand is closer to 21 points than the Dealer's hand, without going over.
• If the Dealer busts and you do not.

BLACKJACK RULES

At VIP Lounge, our Online Blackjack game pays out at 3:2 when you receive blackjack on the first 2 cards. This means that when you are dealt two cards adding up to 21, you win 1.5 times your bet amount. This has to be a combination of an Ace with a 10 or any face card. If there is a push, you get back your ante (initial bet).

Playing two hands at once
Here at VIP Lounge we also offer our players the option of going up against the dealer using two hands, therefore giving another opportunity to beat the house.
In order to activate this option, once you have made your initial wager, place a second bet when the arrow pops up pointing to the other betting circle and click on 'Deal'.

Both of your hands will be dealt before the dealer's, and you will get to act on both of them before the dealer gets his turn.
If you bust on any hand or reach 21 with one, you continue playing on the other. You can choose other options of split or double on each hand independently.