This section is devoted to discussing the basics of blackjack. As far as online card games are concerned, blackjack is one of the most popular games after poker. Online casinos allow you to play blackjack with play money as well as real money. Taking part in free blackjack games is the best way to learn the ropes and improve your skills and perfecting your playing strategy.

As your skills improve, you can start participating in real money blackjack games. The black jack sites we recommend to our visitors offer a number of variations of the game to choose from. Unlike free games, playing for real money gives you an opportunity to win real cash payout.

Origin of the Game

It is believed that blackjack originated during Renaissance era in France. The game, called 'vingt-et-un' (twenty one), was a favorite among well to do noblemen. Soon the game spread all across the European continent. Different versions of the game came up in different countries like 'seven and a half' or 'sette e mezzo' in Italy and 'twenty-one' or 'veintiuna' in Spain. European settlers introduced blackjack to the New World. The popularity of the game continues to grow even today across the globe.

Ground Rules of the Game

Before you enter the exciting world of online blackjack, you need to know the basics of the game. Blackjack is played between dealer and players. Two cards are dealt by the dealer face up to himself as well as the players. Now the players have the option of surrendering (giving up half of their bet), splitting (separating a matching pair), standing (not taking cards), hitting (taking another card) or doubling down (doubling the size of bet to take one more card). Different blackjack sites may have slightly different rules, so it is important to check the house rules before you start playing.

A Few Winning Tips

All successful players agree that effective bankroll management is the most important skill a player can have. This hold true not just for bj games, but for all casino games. In order to survive the ups and downs of the game, a sizable bankroll is necessary. If you do not have sufficient funds, even a hot streak is of no use. However, if you can't afford to lose the money, it should not be a part of your gambling bankroll.

For larger payout, it is advisable to take part in games that offer 3-2 rather than 6-5 payouts on a natural, even if the stakes are higher in case of the former. For instance, if a player receives natural on bets of $10 per hand, the winning amount will be $12 in a 6-5 game, but it will be $15 in a 3-2 game. As far as pairs are concerned, most players prefer to split them, especially the aces and eights, and play each card individually. A number of real money blackjack sites offer the 'double down' option. If you have a 9, a 10 or an ace and 7 or lower, this can be a good blackjack strategy.

For an even more realistic online gaming experience, check out live dealer casinos for playing blackjack games with a live dealer via web streaming technology. You can learn specifically about blackjack games in this format in our article covering live dealer casino games. If you would like to learn more about the technology behind these 'live' games, then learn more in our article about live dealer online gambling technology.

• Real Money Blackjack
• Real Money Slots
• Real Money Video Poker
• Real Money Craps
• Real Money Roulette
• Real Money Baccarat
• Real Money Keno
• Live Dealer Gambling

Learn about a Christian group that has come up with a successful blackjack card counting strategy.

Card Counting Christians Mix Bibles and Blackjack to Rake $3.2 Million

Learn some basic blackjack real money strategy, such as when to hit and when to sit.

Hit Me! When to Hit, When to Sit

Find out how exciting and rewarding real money online blackjack tournaments can be!

Real Money Blackjack Tournaments And Schedules