Blackjack will continue to garner attention because of the potential it holds for helping you make money and have a good time while you do so. But, just like with every other casino game, if you want to get severe payouts with blackjack, you need to put in a lot of extra effort. In land based casinos, counting cards is one of the ways you can easily massage the odds to favor you. But how about an online setting? Let’s find out!
Card Counting In a Nutshell
Card counting is simply a process by which you give a point value to each card, keep track of these values, and, by analyzing the running count, estimate the actual count of the deck. You know what types of bets to place and when with this information.
Card Counting In Online Casinos
With land based casinos, card counting is relatively easy because numerous variables like dealer shuffles can give you a penetration edge. However, the situation changes when you move to online platforms. The algorithms in place here have been designed to shuffle to perfection and incorporate various elements of randomness into the mix. Because of this, even though card counting still has its perks, implementing it here is infinitely less rewarding. One thing to know, though, is that there is various free and paid software you can use to count cards during your online sessions. However, online casinos also have numerous counter mechanisms to help them detect such activity. If you’re found counting cards this way, it could lead to the online casino terminating your betting session prematurely.
Is It Better In Live Dealer Blackjack Sessions?
Yes and no. You can say that card counting is somewhat better with a live dealer blackjack game in that it’s similar to playing in a land based casino. As such, you won’t have to deal with the complex shuffling and other parameters familiar with playing blackjack online. That being said, card counting here isn’t a walk in the park either, even though it might offer you slightly higher penetration.
3 Reasons Card Counting Puts You At a Disadvantage In a Live Dealer Session
- The pace of the game is plodding.
- You’re only given the option of betting on your hand.
- While the penetration level is higher than what you’d get with regular online blackjack, it’s still disappointingly low.
How To Enjoy Online Blackjack
While it might seem like a shortcut to a big payout, the truth remains that card counting isn’t the way to go. On the contrary, you’re better served to bet on a platform that gives you better-than-average odds and allows you a significant measure of liberty and latitude. Although online platforms that fit this bill are few and far between, they still exist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Blackjack
There are several strategies that can be used to increase your chances of winning at online blackjack. Some of the most effective strategies include:
- Basic strategy: This is a set of rules that tell you the best way to play every hand based on the cards you have and the dealer's up card. By following basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning.
- Card counting: While it is more difficult to count cards online, some players still use this strategy to track the ratio of high to low cards in the deck and adjust their bets accordingly.
- Bankroll management: Setting a budget for your online blackjack sessions and sticking to it can help you avoid losing more money than you can afford.
- Taking advantage of bonuses: Many online casinos offer bonuses and rewards for blackjack players, so be sure to take advantage of these offers to increase your bankroll.
- Playing fewer hands: Online blackjack games deal cards faster than live blackjack games, which can make it easy to play more hands than you intended. To avoid this, set a limit on the number of hands you want to play and stick to it.
It's important to note that, no strategy can guarantee a win and while some of these strategies can help you to increase your chances of winning, it's also important to remember to always gamble responsibly.
It is technically possible to count cards while playing online blackjack, but it is much more difficult than counting cards in a physical casino. In an online blackjack game, the deck is shuffled after every hand, making it impossible to keep track of the cards that have been dealt. Additionally, many online casinos use random number generators to shuffle the virtual deck, further making it impossible to keep track of the cards.
Furthermore, many online casinos use software that detects card counting and will ban players who are caught using this strategy. As such, it is not a recommended strategy when playing online blackjack.
It's worth mentioning that card counting is not illegal, but it's considered frowned upon by the casinos and can get you banned from playing. Additionally, even if you are able to count cards successfully, the house edge in online blackjack is often lower than in physical casinos, so the benefits of card counting are less pronounced.
The odds of winning at online blackjack can be similar to those in a physical casino, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
One of the biggest differences is that online blackjack games typically use a random number generator (RNG) to shuffle the virtual deck, while physical casinos use a physical deck of cards. RNGs are designed to be random, but there is a small chance that they may not be perfectly random. This means that there could be a slight difference in the odds of winning online compared to a physical casino.
Another difference is the number of decks used, online blackjack games can use up to 8 decks while physical casinos use 1-2 decks. This can also affect the odds of winning.
Additionally, some online blackjack games may have different rules or payout structures than those in physical casinos, which can also affect the odds of winning.
Overall, the odds of winning at online blackjack can be similar to those in a physical casino, but it's important to be aware of the potential differences and to choose games that have favorable rules and payout structures.
In general, the rules for online blackjack are similar to those in a physical casino. Both types of blackjack games follow the basic rules of the game, which include:
- The goal is to get a hand with a higher total value than the dealer's hand, without going over 21.
- The player is dealt two cards, and the dealer is dealt one face-up card and one face-down card.
- The player can choose to "hit" and take additional cards, one at a time, in order to increase the total value of their hand.
- The player can choose to "stand" and keep their current hand.
- If the player goes over 21, they lose the game, regardless of the dealer's hand.
However, there may be some small differences in the rules depending on the specific online blackjack game or website you are playing on. For example, some online casinos may offer variations of the game such as "Blackjack Switch" or "Blackjack Surrender" which include different rules.
It's important to check the rules of the specific online blackjack game you are playing before you start. This way you can ensure that you understand the game and how it differs from the traditional version of the game.
Online blackjack can be safe and fair to play if you choose a reputable online casino. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a safe and fair online blackjack experience:
- Look for a reputable online casino: Do your research and choose an online casino that has a good reputation for fairness and safety. You can check out reviews from other players, and look for certifications from organizations such as eCOGRA.
- Check for a valid license: Make sure the online casino you choose is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority such as the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission.
- Check for security features: Look for online casinos that use SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information.
- Check the game's RNG: Make sure the online casino is using a reputable Random Number Generator to shuffle the virtual deck and check that the casino has been audited by independent auditing firms.
- Read the terms and conditions: Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the online casino you choose, and make sure that you understand the rules and regulations of the online blackjack game you will be playing.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have a safe and fair online blackjack experience. It's important to remember to always gamble responsibly and to set limits for yourself.
Yes, we do offer bonuses for new players, such as sign-up bonuses, referral bonuses, and loyalty bonuses. These bonuses can be in the form of free bets, deposit matches, or cashback.