You want to play online blackjack while in between games? No problem. Oh, you want to put yourself in the best position to win? That, like anything else, requires a game plan. First, we’ll help you understand why the house has an edge, and then we’ll detail a few strategies you can try to help get that edge back in your favor.
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Online Blackjack House Edge & Strategy Explained
What is the house edge in online blackjack?
House edge in online blackjack simply refers to the advantage that the casino has over players. The good news is that blackjack often has the lowest house edge among any game in a casino, and that goes for online and in real life.
The house edge in blackjack is twofold. First, the player is forced to act before the dealer does. Every player at a table can lose without the dealer needing to turn over a card. Second, the payout tables often favor the house. These days, most blackjack games pay 6:5 for a hitting blackjack. That’s not true odds. 3:2 payouts for blackjack are more desirable, but often come with higher table minimums.
There are other rules that casinos can use on their blackjack games to swing the odds in their favor. Games in which the dealer has to hit a soft 17 are generally less favorable than games that require the dealer to stand on soft 17.
Which strategies can I use to limit the house edge in online blackjack?
The best way to limit the house edge is to only play games that pay out 3:2 on blackjack. It may be worth paying a higher minimum if you can afford it. If you can find a game that requires the dealer to stand on a soft 17, you’ve found a unicorn and have limited the house edge just by finding the most favorable rules.
Also look for games that feature the following rules:
- Double after splitting is permitted
- Late surrender is available
- Players can double on a wider range of hands
- Fewer restrictions on splitting
For table play, stick to a basic strategy that tells you when to hit, stand, double, or split based on what you have and what the dealer is showing. You can try systems like Martingale, but any claims that a system puts an edge in your favor is simply not true.
Why does a 6:5 blackjack payout matter?
A 6:5 blackjack payout increases the casino’s mathematical advantage because a natural blackjack pays less than it does under the traditional 3:2 payout. Over time, this limits the amount you can win, and you’re already at a disadvantage against the dealer.
That difference matters because a natural blackjack occurs often enough over a large number of hands to impact the game’s return. It’s estimated that changing a common six-deck game’s blackjack payout from 3:2 to 6:5 can increase the house edge by about 1.39%, assuming the other rules remain the same.
The best way to overcome this is to look for games with a 3:2 payout. It’s mathematically preferable when compared to an identical 6:5 payout online blackjack table.
Can you count cards in online blackjack?
The answer is that it depends on the type of game you’re playing online.
If you’re playing an online game that uses a random number generator to deal cards, it’s most likely impossible to count cards. RNG blackjack games often ‘reshuffle’ after each game or have a built-in mechanism that prevents players from getting an accurate count.
However, there are also online games that have a live dealer that deals from a physical shoe. You should keep in mind that these games are often played with at least a half dozen decks and often have continuous shuffling machines. Live dealer online blackjack may offer some of the conditions for card counting to occur, but the level of effort required would likely come at a detriment to your play.
The best option, even with a live dealer game, is to stick to a standard strategy that depends on what you have and what the dealer is showing.
How to choose an online blackjack game
The best place to start when choosing an online blackjack game is with the rules. We’ve covered the advantages of a 3:2 payout table over a 6:5 and other rule differences, but that’s not the only determining factor. Look for games that offer bonuses or unique payouts, but also read through the available rules before you sit down. Understanding what you’re getting into can help you get more out of your time in front of an online table and keep you from getting into a situation you were unprepared for.
Number of decks also matters. A single-deck is more favorable than a six-deck shoe. There’s a lot less variance with a single deck.
A few questions to ask yourself when choosing an online blackjack game are as follows:
- Does it pay 3:2?
- Does the dealer stand on soft 17?
- Can I double after splitting?
- Is surrender available?
- What are the splitting/doubling restrictions?
Remember, playing online blackjack is meant to be a fun diversion. If you find yourself stressing over blackjack, the advice is simple. Just take a break, put on headphones, and listen to the latest episode of the Sports Gambling Podcast. Sean and Ryan have got you covered, even if online blackjack seems to have turned on you.
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