•BLACKJACK
Introduction
Blackjack is the most popular casino table game. The game is available at nearly all online casinos. Blackjack's low house edge and acceptable variance make it an excellent choice for playing through bonuses when allowed.
Rules and Play
Blackjack hands are scored according to the sum of card values. For example, a hand composed of a 4, 5, and 6 is scored as 4+5+6=15. Face cards each have a value of 10. Aces can be valued as either 1 or 11, so an ace and 7 could be scored as either a 8 or a 18. The objective in blackjack is to have the highest card sum that does not exceed 21. A sum of greater than 21 is called a bust. If the player busts, he loses his bet, regardless of the dealer hand. A 2-card 21 is known as a "blackjack" and is the highest ranking hand. The player receives a bonus for having a blackjack. Blackjacks pay 3:2, while other wins pay 1:1.
After placing a bet, the player and dealer are each given two cards. One of the dealer's two cards is face up and visible to the player. Under standard rules, if the dealer has an ace or 10-point card showing, he will peek for a possible blackjack. If the dealer has an ace showing, the player has the opportunity to buy "insurance" against the blackjack. Insurance pays 2:1 if the dealer's remaining card is a 10 or face card to form a blackjack. With single-hand play, the house edge on the insurance bet of is 2-15%, depending on decks and cards played. So it is not to the player's advantage to buy insurance, excluding special situations in which the deck is known to be tens rich (multi-hand with 1-2 decks and few tens drawn, or card counting). See the insurance exceptions page for more detail. If the dealer does have a blackjack, the hand will end. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, then the player must decide how to play his hand. Possible options are listed below:
Stand -- The player can keep his cards and end the hand.
Hit -- The player can take another card. The player can continue hitting until reaching 21 or busting.
Double -- The player can double his bet and take another card. The hand ends after this 3rd card is drawn. The player is not able to hit after a double and may only double on a 2-card hand.
Split -- If the player has two cards of equal value, he can split the cards into two separate hands. The player's bet is doubled to make one bet for each of the two hands. After the split, the player is given another card in each hand to form two 2-card hands. If the player splits a pair of aces, the hand ends after the 2nd card is drawn. If the player splits any other card, he can choose to hit, stand, or double on each of the remaining hands. A 2nd split may be allowed as well (see rule variations below).
Side Bets
Many blackjack games offer an optional side bet, which pays if the player's hand contains a unique combination of cards. As a general rule, avoid side bets. Nearly all online blackjack side bets have a much higher house edge than standard blackjack. One of the only exceptions to this generalization is games with an abnormally high progressive jackpot. See the blackjack side bets page for a list of specific bets and the corresponding house edge.
Rule Variations
Blackjack has many possible rule variations. Rule variations used in online casinos are listed below:
Number of Decks -- The number of decks used in online play generally varies from 1 to 8. A lower number of decks reduces the house edge.
Hit or Stand on Soft 17 -- Some casinos require the dealer to stand on all 17s. Other casinos require the dealer to stand on a "hard" 17 that does not include an ace, but hit a "soft" 17 with an ace. Hitting a soft 17 increases the house edge.
Peek for Blackjack -- Under standard rules, the dealer peeks for blackjack when an ace or 10-point card is showing. Under "European blackjack" rules, the dealer does not peek for blackjack, so the player may lose 2x his bet if he doubles or splits and a blackjack is drawn. Peeking for blackjack favors the player.
Double on... -- Most online blackjack games allow you to double on any set of 2 cards. Some games limit that you may only double on hard sums of 9 to 11, and not on soft sums including an ace.
Double after Split -- Most online blackjack games allow you to double after splitting your cards into two hands. Some games do not allow a double after a split.
Resplits -- After splitting your cards to form two hands, you may draw a matching card and wish to split again. Some blackjack games allow this, others do not.
Resplit Aces -- Blackjack games may have different rules for resplits with aces than with other cards.
Hit Split Aces -- Most blackjack games only allow you to draw a single card to split aces. Some games allow you to draw multiple cards to split aces.
Surrender -- Some blackjack games give you the option to surrender and lose half of your bet at the start of the hand. The surrender option is typically given after the dealer checks for blackjack, a "late surrender." A few casinos offer an "early surrender" before the dealer checks for blackjack.
n-Card Charlie -- A 7-card Charlie is a hand composed of 7 cards. Some Grand Virtual games make a 7-card Charlie an automatic winner. Wagerworks Hot Streak Blackjack has a 6-card Charlie rule. Some Playtech games have a 10-card Charlie rule.
Game Variations -- Some casinos offer game variations with many rule differences. Blackjack variations include Pontoon, Blackjack Switch, Super Fun 21, Spanish Blackjack, Double Attack Blackjack, Double Exposure, Power Blackjack, 21 Duel Blackjack, and Ties Win Blackjack.
The table below lists rule variations with common softwares and the corresponding house edge. House edge values assume basic strategy without composition depedent exceptions and shuffling after each hand. For strategy, click on the game links or enter the listed rules in the strategy calculator. Use the house edge calculator to check house edge and standard deviation with other rule sets. Click on a column to sort by that measure.
| Software | Game | House Edge | Decks | Soft 17 | Peek for BJ | Double | Double After Split | Resplit | Resplit Aces | Hit Split Aces | Surrender | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B3W | Standard | 0.34% |
4 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
Late |
Warning! |
| Betfair | Zero Lounge | 0.00% |
8 |
Stand |
Yes |
8
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
Unique special rules |
| Betsoft | Single Deck | 0.37% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
10
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Betsoft | Super 7 | 0.46% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Betsoft | Pirate | ~1% |
6 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
Yes |
No |
Unique special rules, similar to Spanish 21 |
| Boss Media | Single Deck | -0.11% |
1 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
No longer available (Two Sixes dropped game)?, -0.15% house edge with exceptions |
| Boss Media | Standard / Super Sevens / 2 Against 1 | 0.46% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Boss Media | European | 0.66% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Chartwell | Single Deck | 0.26% |
1 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
0.22% house edge with exceptions |
| Chartwell | European | 0.45% |
8 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
Early* |
*Early surrender against 10; Cannot split 4s, 5s, & 10s |
| Chartwell | Standard / Lucky 7 | 0.49% |
8 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Cryptologic | Single Deck | 0.20% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
0.17% house edge with exceptions |
| Cryptologic | Double Deck | 0.34% |
2 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Cryptologic | Pontoon | 0.38% |
8 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Unique special rules |
| Cryptologic | Vegas | 0.40% |
4 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Cryptologic | Perfect Pairs | 0.44% |
5 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Cryptologic | Atlantic City / Classic / Progressive | 0.49% |
8 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Cryptologic | Video: 8 Decks | 0.50% |
8 |
Stand |
Yes/No* |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
*Unique peek rules |
| Cryptologic | Video: 4 Decks | 0.51% |
4 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Cryptologic | European | 0.52% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
|
| Cryptologic | Super Fun 21 | 0.94% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
Late |
Unique special rules |
| Gala-Coral | European | 0.03% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
Early* |
*Full early surrender; Cannot split 4s, 5s, & 10s |
| Gala-Coral | Single Deck | 0.14% |
1 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
0.10% house edge with exceptions |
| Gala-Coral | Standard | 0.49% |
8 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Gale Wind | Standard | 0.46% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| G-Fed | Standard / Progressive | 0.46% |
6? |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Microgaming | Classic | 0.13% |
1 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
Yes |
No |
0.09% house edge with exceptions, Multi-hand Classic uses 5 decks |
| Microgaming | Vegas Strip | 0.35% |
4 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
|
| Microgaming | Vegas Single Deck | 0.35% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
9
to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
0.31% house edge with exceptions |
| Microgaming | Atlantic City | 0.36% |
8 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
Late |
|
| Microgaming | Spanish Blackjack | 0.38% |
8 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
Late |
Unique special rules |
| Microgaming | Pontoon | 0.39% |
8 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
No |
No |
Unique special rules |
| Microgaming | Vegas Downtown / Bonus Blackjack | 0.39% |
2 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
|
| Microgaming | European / Hi Lo 13 / High Streak / Perfect Pairs | 0.42% |
2 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
Yes |
No |
|
| Microgaming | Big 5 | 0.47% |
5 |
Hit |
No |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
Early* |
*Early surrender against 10, No surrender against A |
| Microgaming | Multi-hand / Multi-hand Classic / Triple 7s | 0.59% |
5 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
Yes |
No |
|
| Microgaming | Double Exposure | 0.79% |
8 |
Hit |
No* |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
4
Hands |
Yes |
No |
No |
*Unique special rules |
| Microgaming | Super Fun 21 | 0.94% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
Late |
Unique special rules |
| Net Ent | Standard / Pro | 0.40% |
4 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Net Ent | Pontoon | 0.41% |
6 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Unique special rules |
| Net Ent | Single Deck | 0.48% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
10 to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Net Ent | Double Exposure | 0.73% |
6 |
Stand |
No* |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
*Unique special rules |
| Odds On | Perfect Pairs | 0.35% |
4 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
|
| Odds On | Vegas Strip | 0.41% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
|
| Odds On | European / Progressive | 0.73% |
4 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Orbis | Atlantic City | ~0.15% |
4 |
Stand |
Yes/No* |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
Early* |
*Unique special rules, Operators may modify game rules |
| Orbis | Pontoon | 0.38% |
8 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Unique special rules |
| Orbis | Classic | 0.45% |
2 |
Stand |
Yes/No* |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
*Peek on Ace, Operators may modify game rules |
| Orbis | VC Games Rules | 0.50% |
4 |
Stand |
Yes/No* |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
*Peek on Ace, Operators may modify game rules |
| Orbis | Standard / Vegas | 0.64% |
5 |
Stand |
Yes/No* |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
*Peek on Ace, Operators may modify game rules |
| Orbis | Spanish Blackjack | ~0.7% |
6 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
Late |
Unique special rules, Re-doubling not allowed in spite of game rules |
| Orbis | European | 0.76% |
5 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
Operators may modify game rules |
| Parlay | Standard | 0.49% |
8 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Party Gaming | Single Deck | 0.23% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
0.19% house edge with exceptions |
| Party Gaming | Single Player / High Limit / Bonus Pairs | 0.55% |
8 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
Late |
|
| Party Gaming | Multi Player / Multi- Hand | 0.61% |
8 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
Late |
|
| Playtech | Blackjack Switch | 0.16% |
6 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4 Hands |
No |
No |
No |
Unique special rules |
| Playtech | Pontoon | 0.38% |
8 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Unique special rules |
| Playtech | Surrender | 0.39% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
Late |
|
| Playtech | Pro* | 0.48% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
10 to 11 |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
*Game is rarely available |
| Playtech | Standard / Progressive | 0.49% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes/No* |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
*Unique peek rules |
| Playtech | Live | 0.57% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Playtech | UK | 0.61% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
|
| Playtech | Double Attack | 0.62% |
8* |
Stand |
Yes |
Any* |
Yes |
4
Hands |
-- |
No |
Late* |
*Unique special rules, HE per unit wagered = 0.35% |
| Playtech | 21 Duel | 3.08% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
Unique special rules, HE per unit wagered = 1.62% |
| Random Logic | Standard | 0.40% |
4 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| RealTime Gaming | Surrender | 0.49% |
4* |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
No |
No |
Late |
Game is rarely available, Only at Bodog? |
| RealTime Gaming | European | 0.57%
to
0.64% |
4
to 8* |
Stand |
No |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
3
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
*Operators can configure # of decks, 8 decks is default |
| RealTime Gaming | Standard | 0.57%
to
0.66% |
4
to 8* |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
*Operators can configure # of decks, 8 decks is default |
| RealTime Gaming | Pontoon | 0.73% |
2* |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Unique special rules, *Operators can configure # of decks, 2 decks is default |
| RealTime Gaming | Match Play 21 | 0.81% |
8* |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
Late |
Unique special rules, *Operators can configure # of decks |
| RealTime Gaming | Face Up 21 | 0.90% |
8* |
Hit |
No* |
9
to 11 |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
No |
No |
*Unique special rules, *Operators can configure # of decks |
| RealTime Gaming | Super 21 | 1.20% |
8* |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
Late |
Unique special rules, *Operators can configure # of decks |
| Rival | Standard | 0.62% |
6 |
Hit |
Yes* |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
*Doubles and splits not lost on dealer BJ, in spite of rules |
| Rival | Multi-hand | 0.86% |
6 |
Hit |
Yes* |
9
to 11 |
No |
4
Hands |
No |
No |
No |
*Doubles and splits not lost on dealer BJ, in spite of rules |
| Top Game | Royale | 0.58% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
No |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Top Game | Multi-hand | 1.16% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
No |
No* |
-- |
No |
No |
No splitting! |
| VueTec | Standard, Multi-hand | 0.46% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No* |
*Early surrender removed |
| VueTec | Live, Early Payout | 0.60%* |
8 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
*Autoplayer plays, player cannot modify strategy |
| Wagerworks | Hot Streak | 0.23% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
Yes |
No |
6-Card Charlie |
| Wagerworks | Power Blackjack | 0.23% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
Unique special rules |
| Wagerworks | 20+ Bonus | 0.27% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
Yes |
No |
|
| Wagerworks | European / 21+3 | 0.30% |
6 |
Stand |
No |
Any |
Yes |
3
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
| Wagerworks | Table / Multi-hand | 0.46% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| Wagerworks | Double Attack | 0.63% |
8* |
Stand |
Yes |
Any* |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
Late* |
*Unique special rules, HE per unit wagered = 0.35% |
| Wagerworks | Top Hat | 2.37%! |
1 |
Stand |
Yes |
10
to 11 |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
Blackjack pays 1:1, 6-Card Charlie |
| World Gaming | Blackjack Switch | 0.16% |
6 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4 Hands |
No |
No |
No |
Unique special rules |
| World Gaming | Standard | 0.46% |
6 |
Stand |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
No |
-- |
No |
No |
|
| World Gaming | Blackjack 52 | 2.33% |
1 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
Yes |
No |
Late |
Blackjack pays 1:1, Unique special rules |
| World Gaming | Spanish Blackjack | 2.6%! |
8 |
Hit |
Yes |
Any |
Yes |
4
Hands |
Yes |
Yes |
Late |
Blackjack pays 1:1, Unique special rules |
Strategy
The table below shows optimal strategy for typical online casino rules -- 4 to 8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17, player may double any 2 cards, double after split allowed, and dealer peeks for blackjack. Blending colors occur when the difference in expected value between strategy options is below 0.15. For example, the color yellow indicates a close call between hit (green) and stand (red). Other rule sets have minor strategy differences in optimal strategy. See the the strategy calculator or specific software-game links below for checking stategy with other rule sets. The improvement in house edge with the strategy changes varies from 0.002% with 2 decks to 0.63% with early surrender, as listed in this forum post.
| Your Hand | Dealer's Face-up Card | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A | |
| 5-8 | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H |
| 9 | H | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| 10 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H | H |
| 11 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H |
| 12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 13 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 14 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 15 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H/R | H |
| 16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H/R | H/R | H/R |
| 17+ | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| A,2 | H | H | H | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,3 | H | H | H | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,4 | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,5 | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,6 | H | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,7 | S | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | S | S | H | H | H |
| A,8 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| A,9 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| 2,2 | P | P | P | P | P | P | H | H | H | H |
| 3,3 | P | P | P | P | P | P | H | H | H | H |
| 4,4 | H | H | H | P | P | H | H | H | H | H |
| 5,5 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H | H |
| 6,6 | P | P | P | P | P | H | H | H | H | H |
| 7,7 | P | P | P | P | P | P | H | H | H | H |
| 8,8 | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| 9,9 | P | P | P | P | P | S | P | P | S | S |
| 10,10 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| A,A | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| H |
Hit |
|||||||||
| S |
Stand |
|||||||||
| D |
Double if Possible, Otherwise Hit |
|||||||||
| Ds |
Double if Possible, Otherwise Stand |
|||||||||
| P |
Split (Pair) |
|||||||||
| H/R |
Surrender if Possible, Otherwise Hit |
|||||||||
Links to strategy strategy tables without blending colors are below:
B3W: Standard
Betfair: Zero Lounge (See Chartwell for standard blackjack)
Betsoft: Super 7, Single Deck, Pirate
Boss Media: Standard / Super Sevens / 2 Against 1, European, Single Deck
Chartwell: Standard / Lucky 7, Single Deck, European
Cryptologic: Atlantic City / Classic / Progressive, Double Deck, European, Perfect Pairs, Single Deck, Vegas, Video: 4 Decks, Video: 8 Decks, Super Fun 21, Pontoon
Gala - Coral: Standard, Single Deck, European
Gale Wind: Standard
G-Fed: Standard / Progressive
Microgaming: Atlantic City, Big 5, Bonus Blackjack, Classic, Double Exposure, European, Hi Lo 13, High Streak, Multi-hand, Perfect Pairs, Pontoon, Spanish Blackjack, Super Fun 21, Triple 7s, Vegas Downtown, Vegas Single Deck, Vegas Strip
Net Entertainment: Standard / Pro, Single Deck, Pontoon, Double Exposure
Odds On: European, Perfect Pairs, Progressive, Vegas Strip
Orbis: Standard, Atlantic City, Classic, European, Pontoon, Spanish Blackjack, VC Games Rules, Vegas
Parlay: Standard
Party Gaming: Bonus Pairs, High Limit, Multi-Hand, Multi Player, Single Deck, Single Player
Playtech: Standard / Progressive, Surrender, Double Attack, Pro, Live, UK, Blackjack Switch, Pontoon, 21 Duel
Random Logic: Standard
RealTime Gaming: Standard, European, Surrender, Face Up 21, Match Play 21, Super 21, Pontoon
Rival: Standard, Multi-hand
Top Game: Royale, Multi-hand
VueTec: Standard, Multi-hand, Live, Early Payout
Wagerworks: 20+ Bonus, 21+3, Double Attack, European, Hot Streak, Multi-hand, Power Blackjack, Table, Top Hat
World Gaming: Standard, Blackjack Switch, Blackjack 52, Spanish Blackjack
Others: Standard
House Edge
The rules
& house edge table above lists the house edge of online blackjack games
with the common softwares. A summary of how common rules influence house edge
is below. Negative values in the table indicate a house edge, and positive
values indicate a player edge. Note that house edge values are listed per
initial bet, as is standard for blackjack. To convert to house edge per unit
wagered, divide by ~1.13. Use the house
edge calculator for more precise estimations, and to check house edge
& standard deviation with other rule sets.
| Rules | 1 Deck | 2 Decks | 4 Decks | 5 Decks | 6 Decks | 8 Decks |
| Default (S17, peek, double on any, DAS, no resplits, no surrender) | +0.11% | -0.24% | -0.40% | -0.44% | -0.46% | -0.49% |
| Blackjack Pays 2:1 | +2.32% | +2.29% | +2.27% | +2.27% | +2.27% | +2.26% |
| Full Early Surrender (H17) | +0.70% | +0.71% | +0.72% | +0.72% | +0.72% | +0.72% |
| Full Early Surrender (S17) | +0.62% | +0.62% | +0.63% | +0.63% | +0.63% | +0.63% |
| Suited Blackjack Pays 2:1 | +0.58% | +0.57% | +0.57% | +0.57% | +0.57% | +0.57% |
| Early Surrender vs 10 | +0.19% |
+0.22% | +0.23% | +0.23% | +0.24% | +0.24% |
| Double On Any Number Of Cards | +0.24% | +0.23% | +0.23% | +0.23% | +0.23% | +0.23% |
| Can Hit Split Aces | +0.14% | +0.17% | +0.18% | +0.19% | +0.19% | +0.19% |
| 6-Card Charlie | +0.12% | +0.15% | +0.15% | +0.16% | +0.16% | +0.16% |
| Resplits Allowed (including aces) | +0.06% | +0.08% | +0.11% | +0.12% | +0.12% | +0.12% |
| Surrender After Double Down | +0.11% | +0.10% | +0.10% | +0.10% | +0.10% | +0.10% |
| Late/Standard Surrender (H17) | +0.04% | +0.07% | +0.09% | +0.09% | +0.10% | +0.10% |
| Late Surrender On Any Number of Cards (H17) | +0.11% | +0.08% | +0.09% | +0.09% | +0.09% | +0.09% |
| Late/Standard Surrender (S17) | +0.03% | +0.05% | +0.07% | +0.07% | +0.08% | +0.08% |
| Late Surrender On Any Number of Cards (S17) | +0.08% | +0.05% | +0.06% | +0.06% | +0.06% | +0.07% |
| Resplits Allowed (no aces/standard) | +0.03% | +0.04% | +0.05% | +0.05% | +0.05% | +0.06% |
| 7-Card Charlie | +0.01% | +0.01% | +0.01% | +0.01% | +0.01% | +0.01% |
| Composition Dependent Exceptions | +0.04% | +0.01% | +0.01% | +0.00% | +0.00% | +0.00% |
| Cannot Split 4s, 5s, and 10s | -0.01% | -0.01% | -0.00% | -0.00% | -0.00% | -0.00% |
| Deck Is Not Shuffled After Each Hand | -0.11% | -0.06% | -0.03% | -0.03% | -0.02% | -0.01% |
| Playtech Peek (only split bets lost) | -0.03% | -0.03% | -0.03% | -0.03% | -0.03% | -0.03% |
| Double On Only 9-11 | -0.14% | -0.11% | -0.10% | -0.10% | -0.09% | -0.09% |
| No Peek On 10 (full bet lost on 10 upcard) | -0.10% | -0.10% | -0.10% | -0.10% | -0.10% | -0.10% |
| No Peek For BJ (full bet lost) | -0.11% | -0.11% | -0.11% | -0.11% | -0.11% | -0.11% |
| No Double After Split | -0.13% | -0.13% | -0.12% | -0.12% | -0.12% | -0.12% |
| Double On Only 10-11 | -0.27% | -0.22% | -0.19% | -0.18% | -0.18% | -0.17% |
| Dealer Hits Soft 17 | -0.19% | -0.20% | -0.21% | -0.21% | -0.22% | -0.22% |
| Blackjack Pays 6:5 | -1.39% | -1.37% | -1.36% | -1.36% | -1.36% | -1.36% |
| Blackjack Pays 1:1 | -2.33% | -2.29% | -2.28% | -2.27% | -2.27% | -2.27% |
Variance
Blackjack has a standard
deviation per hand of ~1.14 and a standard deviation per wager of ~1.07 with
typical online rules. The exact value depends on the particular rule set.
Use the house edge &
standard deviation calculator to check standard deviation with modified
rules. A summary of how common rules influence standard deviation per hand
is below.
| Rules | 1 Deck | 2 Decks | 4-8 Decks |
| Default (S17, peek, double on any, DAS, no resplits, no surrender) | 1.151 | 1.144 | 1.140 |
| Blackjack Pays 2:1 | +0.035 | +0.034 | +0.034 |
| Resplits Allowed (including aces) | +0.003 | +0.007 | +0.008 |
| Resplits Allowed (no aces/standard) | +0.003 | +0.006 | +0.007 |
| Dealer Hits Soft 17 | +0.001 |
+0.005 | +0.006 |
| Playtech Peek (only split bets lost) | -0.003 | -0.003 | -0.003 |
| Late Surrender On Any # of Cards (S17) | -0.005 | -0.010 | -0.010 |
| Late Surrender On Any # of Cards (H17) | -0.006 | -0.011 | -0.011 |
| Late/Standard Surrender (S17) | -0.011 | -0.012 | -0.012 |
| Late/Standard Surrender (H17) | -0.014 | -0.014 | -0.015 |
| Surrender After Double Down | -0.016 | -0.015 | -0.015 |
| No Double After Split | -0.013 | -0.014 | -0.016 |
| Blackjack Pays 6:5 | -0.016 | -0.016 | -0.016 |
| No Peek for BJ (full bet lost) | -0.022 | -0.022 | -0.019 |
| Early Surrender vs 10 | -0.018 | -0.018 | -0.021 |
| Double On Only 9-11 | -0.022 | -0.022 | -0.022 |
| Full Early Surrender | -0.033 | -0.033 | -0.033 |
| Blackjack Pays 1:1 | -0.035 | -0.034 | -0.034 |
| Double On Only 10-11 | -0.051 | -0.042 | -0.039 |
Bet Size
Bet size controls the risk of deviating from the expected return in the graph above. Using a small bet reduces the risk of busting before meeting the wagering requirement, but increases the number of hands to play and time involved. A larger bet increases the chance of a loss or gain well above the expected return. Selecting bet size is a balance between reducing the risk of a loss and reducing the time investment.
The first two tables below show the chance of ending above the deposit balance after completing a wagering requirement with 5 bet sizes. The values increase as bet size decreases and as wagering requirements decrease. The final table shows the chance of busting (losing both bonus and deposit) before meeting the wagering requirement in a 100% match bonus.
For example, a casino might offer a $200 bonus with 20xB wagering. If the bonus is not given until after completing the wagering and you plan to redeposit as many times as needed to complete the wagering, then use the first table for no bankroll limit. With a bet size of $20 (B/10 = $200/10 = $20), there is an 72% chance of ending above the deposit balance. With a bet size of $4 (B/50 = $200/50 = $4), there is a 91% chance of making a gain. With a bet size of $2, there is a 97% chance of making a gain.
If the bonus is given before completing wagering, and you plan to stop wagering if you bust, then use the other two tables. The middle table shows the chance of gain with a 2xB bankroll, as in a 100% match bonus, and the final table shows the chance of bust under these conditions. With a bet size of $20 (B/10 = $200/10 = $20), there is an 58% chance of ending above the deposit balance and 35% chance of busting. With a bet size of $4 (B/50 = $200/50 = $4), there is a 91% chance of making a gain and 0.5% chance of busting. With a bet size of $2, there is a 97% chance of making a gain and 0.01% chance of busting. Note that the chance of gain in the first two tables is the same for smaller bet sizes. See the return & variance calculator or return & variance simulator for more specific chance of gain & chance of bust estimates. You can use the R&V calc with hours of play estimate to help choose a bet size that is a desirable balance between acceptable variance and time required.
Bet size can also influence average gain due to effects from busting early on in the wagering. This effect is often quite small. See the two-tier betting page for more detailed information on how average gain changes with bet size.
| Bet Size | Playthrough Requirement | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5xB | 10xB | 15xB | 20xB | 25xB | 30xB | 40xB | 60xB | 80xB | 100xB | |
| B/100 | 100% | 99.7% | 99% | 97% | 95% | 93% | 88% | 81% | 75% | 70% |
| B/50 | 99.8% | 97% | 94% | 91% | 88% | 85% | 80% | 73% | 68% | 64% |
| B/20 | 96% | 89% | 84% | 80% | 77% | 74% | 70% | 65% | 62% | 59% |
| B/10 | 90% | 81% | 76% | 72% | 70% | 68% | 65% | 61% | 58% | 57% |
| B/5 | 81% | 73% | 69% | 66% | 64% | 63% | 61% | 58% | 56% | 55% |
Chance of Gain with 2xB Bankroll, as in 100% Match Bonus
| Bet Size | Playthrough Requirement | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5xB | 10xB | 15xB | 20xB | 25xB | 30xB | 40xB | 60xB | 80xB | 100xB | |
| B/100 | 100% | 99.7% | 99% | 97% | 95% | 93% | 88% | 81% | 75% | 70% |
| B/50 | 99.8% | 97% | 94% | 91% | 88% | 85% | 80% | 73% | 66% | 61% |
| B/20 | 96% | 89% | 84% | 79% | 75% | 72% | 68% | 60% | 53% | 48% |
| B/10 | 89% | 80% | 75% | 70% | 66% | 63% | 57% | 49% | 43% | 38% |
| B/5 | 79% | 70% | 63% | 58% | 54% | 50% | 46% | 38% | 33% | 29% |
| Bet Size | Playthrough Requirement | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5xB | 10xB | 15xB | 20xB | 25xB | 30xB | 40xB | 60xB | 80xB | 100xB | |
| B/100 | Low | Low | Low | 0.01% | 0.05% | 0.2% | 0.7% | 3.5% | 8% | 12% |
| B/50 | Low | 0.01% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 1.4% | 2.3% | 5% | 13% | 21% | 28% |
| B/20 | 0.03% | 1.1% | 4% | 8% | 12% | 15% | 21% | 33% | 41% | 47% |
| B/10 | 0.8% | 7% | 13% | 20% | 26% | 30% | 37% | 47% | 54% | 60% |
| B/5 | 7% | 19% | 29% | 35% | 41% | 47% | 52% | 61% | 66% | 70% |
Rate of Play
Online blackjack play with a computerized dealer is significantly faster than play in brick & mortar casinos with a live dealer. Speeds of more than 1000 hands per hour are possible with the fastest softwares, like Playtech & Microgaming. However, others softwares like Chartwell & Boss are annoyingly slow. See the blackjack: hands per hour page for specific numbers by software.
Single-hand vs Multi-hand
Some casino softwares give the option to play several hands of blackjack against a single dealer hand. Splitting your bet among several hands reduces variance, but also increases the time required to complete a wagering requirement. The reduction in variance is generally not worth the increased time investment. For the same time investment, a player can reduce variance to a greater extent by playing a single hand and adjusting bet size. See the multi-hand page for more detail.
Composition Dependent Exceptions
The strategy charts above say to hit 16 vs 10 with 2 cards and stand on 16 vs 10 with 3 or more cards. 16 vs 10 is a close call... so close that simply having played a 10 (and having one less 10 in the decks) can be enough to change optimal strategy. Optimal strategy can be further refined by adjusting strategy based on the specific combination of cards in the player's hand. For example, you should stand with 5+5+6 and hit with 9+A+6. The house edge can be decreased slightly by including these composition dependent exceptions to standard strategy. With 1 deck, the house edge can be decreased by 0.036% to 0.039%. The decrease is smaller for multi-deck games... with 2 decks 0.011% to 0.014%, with 4 decks ~0.005%, with 6 decks ~0.003%, and with 8 decks ~0.002%. See the composition dependent exceptions page for more detail.
Optimizing Strategy for a Wagering Requirement
The strategy charts above list the strategy decision (hit, stand, double, split, or surrender) that will produce the smallest expected loss for that hand. Consider the case where the player has A/7, and the dealer shows a 2 upcard. Under typical 6-deck rules, the EV for hit is 0.124 and the EV for double is 0.121, so standard strategy is to hit A/7 vs dealer 2. However, if minimizing loss over a wagering requirement instead of a hand, then the comparison is different. If you double, the EV for 2 units wagered is 0.121. If you hit the EV for that hand + the next unit wagered is 0.124 - expected loss per unit wagered = 0.124 - 0.004 = 0.120. The EV per two units wagered is greater for double than hit, so optimal strategy changes from hit to double. You will lose less over a wagering requirement if you double A/7 vs 2, but you will lose less on a particular hand if you follow standard strategy and hit A/7 vs 2. These differences are often negligible. Optimizing strategy for a wagering requirement usually reduces house edge per unit wagered by less than 0.01%. With 6 or more decks and favorable rules, the difference may be less than 0.001%. See my strategy exceptions list for more detail. These exceptions are used in the strategy calculator, when "per Wager" optimization is selected.
Card Counting
Most online blackjack games either shuffle after each hand or shuffle at points that are unknown to the player, resulting in little benefit from card counting. However, some casinos offer play with live dealers via webcam. This allows one to track cards and modify play accordingly. It's a lot of work and a lot of time for an average gain that may be negligible compared to available bonuses. Live play is available at several casinos, including most Playtech Casinos, Ladbrokes, Gala Casino, Betinternet.com, VC Live Casino, and Casino Webcam.
Miscellaneous Statistics
See the blackjack statistics page for information on the chance of player & dealer final outcomes; EV per hand, chance of win, loss, and tie; and chance of splits & doubles.
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