Blackjack
One of the most popular online casino games in Australia is blackjack. Typically found as a virtual game, most casinos offer some real money blackjack games to Australians. But, there are many different variants of online blackjack, which makes it hard for players to know which is the best version.
We’re going to talk about the differences between the variants, how a higher RTP can help you and some top tips for making the most out of playing RNG blackjack in Australia.
Top RNG Blackjack Games at Australian Casinos
How to Play the Virtual Blackjack Game
Blackjack is one of the easier games to pick up and play. The rules are relatively simple, but you do need to know the rules beforehand. Luckily, these key rules typically don’t change across games.
ask for an additional card to make a stronger hand.
no extra cards, keep your hand as is.
risky, but double your original bet and get another card.
your hand is over the value of 21, so you’re out and lose.
only possible with pairs in your hand, but the two cards can be divided into two hands, each with its own bet.
if your hand is bad, you can surrender early and get half your bet back.
a hand valued from 17 to 21 requiring the dealer to stand.
a hand that has all other cards, but no Ace.
a hand that includes an Ace, which can be valued at 1 or 11.
The main steps are simple. The dealer hands out two cards to you and themselves. The goal is for the value of the hand to reach, but not exceed 21. No added cards are needed if your hand is a strong one from the outset, but you may need to hit to increase your hand’s value. But, this can cause you to go bust. You will only be able to see one of the dealer’s two cards and can use that to base your decision on further action.
Side bets for Online Blackjack at Aussie Casinos
In addition to the main rules of play, blackjack also has side bets in place. Many of these are very common to find, and understanding what these are and how to use them is tricky, but can be rewarding. We’ve outlined some of the top options:
once you’ve placed your bets, you can make this extra bet based on your two cards and the dealer’s upcard.
a side bet if you draw a pair of cards totalling 20. Payout increases depending on the combination, with two Queens of Hearts paying the most.
when allowed, insurance bets on the dealer getting 21. It’s often permitted if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
you bet on the dealer going bust.
you bet before the cards are dealt, hoping to get a pair of the same suit and rank.
Types of Blackjack
As is evident from the range of side bets available, not all blackjack games are the same. While the central rules remain consistent, there are differences between virtual blackjack games that are worth considering. Here are some of the top virtual blackjack games found at online casinos in Australia:
Classic
This is the standard version, and is typically the most readily available version. It’s played with one or more 52-card decks, and the goal is to beat the dealer without going over the value of 21 in your hand. The dealer gets one face-up and one face-down card and can usually stand on 17. Natural blackjack (an immediate hand valued at 21), pays 3:2. It has the highest RTP when using a basic blackjack strategy, while other variants have a lower RTP due to the addition of various bets and rules.
Pontoon
This Aussie/British twist is readily available at AU online casinos and comes with a few rule changes compared to the classic version. For one, both dealer cards are dealt face down, and you won’t see these cards until the end of the round. Slightly different terms are used, such as twist (hit), stick (stand) and buy (double down). If you get five cards without going bust, you win. Natural blackjack pays 2:1. However, it’s a riskier game as there’s no information about the dealer’s card given to you.
Blackjack Switch
Instead of getting one hand, Switch gives players two. The top cards from each hand can be switched after the deal. Natural blackjack hands get even money of 1:1. And if the dealer gets 22, this is a push instead of a bust. Switching cards between your two hands increases the chances of winning, which is why the payout for a natural blackjack is lower than in other games.
Tips for Playing Blackjack in AU
When it comes to blackjack, there’s also a very useful set of rules in the form of a so-called cheat sheet. It’s a basic strategy that shows what to do with specific hand combinations in terms of hitting or sticking. However, there are some simpler tips to consider when playing too, and we’ve outlined some for you:
Hitting
Stand
To Split or Not to Split
Playing Online Blackjack in Australia
Blackjack is a lot of fun to play, and as it’s relatively easy to play, it’s something that can be mastered over time. It has a high RTP but only if you play sensibly. For those playing classic versions, use the basic strategy to make the most out of your gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hard hand has no Ace, while a soft hand includes an Ace that can count as either 1 or 11.
In classic blackjack a natural blackjack pays 3:2, in Pontoon it pays 2:1, and in Blackjack Switch it pays even money (1:1).
Basic strategy is a cheat sheet that shows what to do with specific hands. Classic blackjack has the highest RTP when basic strategy is used.
