How to Play Blackjack Guide

At Bet UK we endeavour to branch out from our spectacular online betting markets to offer all of our players informative guides when it comes to casino games. This one is all about Blackjack, and provides you with an overview of how the game works, some examples of the many variants that we host in our online casino collection, as well as tips and strategies that you may wish to experiment with and bring to the table next time you play Blackjack. If you don’t understand a word or phrase being used, fear not, as we even have a glossary of Blackjack terms at the foot of this guide.

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the best live casino card games available, with a rich history that stretches back as far as the 1600s. The modern structure may have a couple of cosmetic changes, but the rules and objectives for winning at Blackjack are largely the same, as players are placed in direct competition against the dealer, rather than one another. Online Blackjack caters for players that are looking to replicate a land-based environment through live casino with real dealers, as well as those that prefer private surroundings with automated gaming options that use random number generators. However, you can also play Blackjack in a localised setting, so long as you have a pack of playing cards.

How to Play Blackjack Online

So now it comes to how to actually play Blackjack. While some may be aware of the fundamental aspects of this game, it’s best to cover the basic rules for beginners, which can act as a refresher if it’s been a while since you last played. Firstly, given that playing card values can alter between different casino games, it’s worth establishing that in Blackjack, the numbers 2-10 retain their face value, while royal cards of Jacks, Queens, and Kings also have a value of 10. Aces can act as 1 or 11, depending on how they’re most beneficial in regards to your hand.

Each hand is made up of two cards initially, which are distributed by the dealer. The objective is to get a combined hand value that is closer to the total of 21 than the dealer’s hand, and the skill element comes from deciding whether to take an additional card (hit), or remain with what you have (stand). It’s imperative that you don’t go over the total of 21, as doing so is known as “going bust” and will void your hand and, more importantly, your wager. While you can place additional wagers before each round, you’re mainly betting on your hand to win. We’ll talk more about Blackjack side bets in a moment, but first we’ll take a look at when to hit and when to stand.

When Should I Hit and Stand in Blackjack Online?

Knowing when it’s best to hit and when to stand is the essential tenet for determining whether you win a hand of Blackjack or not. Obviously there is an element of luck that comes from the order of the randomly shuffled deck, but having an understanding of probability in Blackjack allows you to make an informed decision about whether to remain with what you have or take another card.

While you’re entirely free to play your hand however you wish, there are some general rules of thumb to consider, which can prove to be crucial in maximising winnings while playing Blackjack online. To find out more about these guidelines, we have a dedicated article that explains all about hitting and standing in Blackjack.

Learn About Hitting and Standing in Blackjack

Blackjack Side Bets

In addition to bets on your hand to beat the dealer’s, there are some additional side bets that can often be placed at the beginning of each round of Blackjack online. While there is a greater chance of them losing, there are also bigger odds attached, which can produce more significant wins than the standard game of Blackjack generally does. The three main Blackjack side bets are Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and Insurance - the latter of which is the only one that is made after the initial cards have been dealt.

To find out more about the different types of Blackjack side bets that are on offer, you can take a look at our useful guide below.

Learn About Blackjack Side Bets

Blackjack Strategy

We’ve covered the basics of when to hit and stand, but further aspects of Blackjack strategy such as the likes of doubling down and splitting are some of the most difficult areas to get right. Many professional players have a rule of thumb that they will use in various situations, in order to maximise their potential winnings, while minimising their possible losses. As ever, it comes down to a degree of luck, but having the right strategic approach when playing Blackjack online can be effective.

To find out more about the different Blackjack strategies that you can employ, or for some tips and mathematical principles to help you to create your own, read our handy guide below.

Learn About Blackjack Strategy

What Blackjack Games Can I Play at Bet UK?

Here at Bet UK we have a wide variety of Blackjack games for you to try your hand at, whether you are more interested in classic live casino offerings, automated alternatives, or even dynamic versions that offer unique gameplay variations. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular:

Live Blackjack

Our Live Blackjack lobby is second to none, and offers standard tables, VIP environments, private surroundings, and games that are played at a quicker pace. Our friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming dealers are on hand to guide you through each round of gameplay in a professional manner. What’s more, you can access these sleek and sophisticated live table games via desktop and mobile devices, so whatever type of Live Blackjack experience you’re looking for, you’ll be catered for right here at Bet UK.

European Blackjack

Microgaming’s European Blackjack follows the standard rules of the game, but the main draw is that it is fully automated using a random number generator. Rounds commence when you’re ready for them to, and there’s no pressure when it comes to placing your bets, as you can do so in your own time. This affords you the opportunity to test out any Blackjack strategies you may have been working on, or simply to learn more about how the game works before trying your hand at one of the live tables.

Play European Blackjack

Power Blackjack

Despite being a classic casino game with a rich heritage, sometimes Blackjack needs to be given a bit of a reshuffle. That’s where variants such as Power Blackjack come into play, as there are some innovative elements that provide a fresh round of gameplay. Most notably, the 9s and 10s have been removed from the eight decks that are used, which requires a rethink of established strategies. Furthermore, you can attempt to maximise returns by not only doubling down, but also tripling and quadrupling.

Play Power Blackjack

Free Online Blackjack Practice

While we can only offer probabilities and advice with different circumstances and strategies, you can combine this guide with the free-to-play versions of some of our online Blackjack games in order to better understand the risk vs reward of certain situations, and to find a plan of action that suits your playing style and budget. These free demos can also help you to get some first-hand experience of playing the game if you’re new to it, so are in a sense an example of free Blackjack training. While the old adage, “practice makes perfect”, is true in many scenarios, when it comes to live casino games you always have to factor in that even the experts can lose a hand if luck isn’t on their side.

To play Blackjack online for free, simply register at Bet UK to have access to all of our no deposit demos. This also covers the likes of Megaways slots and all of our casino games.

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Key Blackjack Terms: A-Z

As some final helpful information, we’ve put together a handy reference guide for some of the most common terms you will come across as you play a session of Blackjack:

Blackjack

The term “Blackjack” refers to both the table game, and to having a hand with a value of 21 made up of an Ace and a card worth 10. This is also sometimes called a natural.

Bust

If you choose to hit and your hand value then exceeds 21, you will have ‘gone bust’, which means your bet loses.

Double Down

You can double your initial wager and receive just one more card if you believe your initial hand is strong. If this comes off then you’ll receive a larger payout than you would have if you’d played the hand as normal.

Even Money

If you have a Blackjack and the dealer’s up card is an Ace, they will usually offer you even money. This is a side bet that will give you a 1/1 payout in the event that the dealer also has Blackjack.

Hard Hand

If your hand doesn’t contain an Ace, it can only have one value, and is therefore referred to as a hard hand.

Hit

Requesting another card for your hand is known as hitting.

Hole Card

The dealer’s card that you can’t see is known as the hole card.

Insurance Bet

If the dealer’s up card is an Ace, you will be offered this side bet to try and protect yourself against them having a Blackjack.

Pair

Two matching cards in your hand (for example, two 4s) is a pair. You can have ‘mixed’ and ‘coloured’ pairs, as well as perfect pairs, which can be important in an optional side bet of the same name.

Push

If the round ends in a tie, i.e. you and the dealer have the same hand value, it is known as a push. Your wager will be returned in full, meaning you neither win or lose your bet.

Shoe

The device that holds the cards, and from which they are dealt.

Side Bet

Aside from your main wager on your hand to win, side bets are optional wagers that will award a payout if your hand meets certain criteria.

Soft Hand

If your hand contains an Ace, it is a soft hand, as it can have more than one value.

Split

If you have a pair, you can split them into two hands, and play them separately. You will have to wager the same amount as your initial bet.

Stand

If you don’t wish to request another card, it’s known as standing.

Surrender

If you’re not happy with your hand, you can forfeit half of your bet to end the round prematurely. Some Blackjack games do not allow you to surrender.

Up Card

The dealer’s card that you can see is known as the up card, and is crucial to take into account when playing your hand.

How to Play Blackjack Online at Bet UK

Hopefully you’ve found all of the answers to any questions you had about how to play Blackjack online, as well as gaining a better understanding of the broader aspects of the game. Perhaps you’d never considered any of the various Blackjack side bets, or maybe you were a little perplexed by some of the terms being used. In either case, this guide can be referred back to at any time. If you’d like to expand your knowledge of other table games such Baccarat and Roulette, you might be interested in our wider guide to live casino.

How to Play Roulette Online Guide

At Bet UK, we aim to bring you the most helpful guides to all of our best online casino games, so that you’re not only aware of the fantastic variety we have to offer, but also up to speed with how to play each title. Here, we’ll explore the wide-ranging aspects of Roulette, such as the most effective strategies and exactly how to play Roulette. If you’ve ever wondered what the differences are between the European and American versions of the game, what the various betting options are, or if you’ve heard some phrases at the Roulette table that you haven’t fully understood, read on for our comparison, betting guide, and our glossary, along with some previews of the best Roulette games you can play right here at Bet UK.

What is Roulette?

At its core, Roulette is a simplistic casino game that can award substantial wins if luck is on your side. The exact history of Roulette is up for debate - Frenchman Blaise Pascal may have created a primitive form in the 1600s, or the Italians could lay claim with their similar game of Biribi - but 18th century France saw the first version of Roulette as we know it. However, this game actually had more in common with modern American Roulette, as there was a zero pocket as well as a double zero. A small German town in 1843 saw the creation of the classic European Roulette wheel, which over time has become the staple version of one of the best live casino games in existence, and is the style used in most of our online Roulette titles.

How to Play Roulette Online

So how do you actually play Roulette? The basic set up is incredibly simple. You attempt to predict which numbered pocket the marble will land in as it is spun around the wheel, and place your bets accordingly, with more profit being made for predictions that are more specific. European Roulette tables feature 37 of these numbered pockets, with 18 being red, 18 being black, and the final one being a green zero slot. You are free to bet on the zero coming up, as it is just as likely as any other number, but isn’t covered by some of the wider betting options.

Most people probably know the Roulette betting options of ‘red or black’ and ‘odd or even’, or the alternative of placing chips on a single number. However, beginners may be unaware of the more diverse bets that can be placed on each round of Roulette, such as corners and columns. A few of them have complex French names, but once you know the translation and how they work, you can begin to see how valuable they can be. So let’s take a more in-depth look at inside and outside bets, as well as the slightly less conventional call bets.

What Are Inside, Outside, and Call Bets in Roulette

The terms inside and outside refer to the positions you place your chips across the betting area to make certain wagers. Inside bets are those that cover one or more specific numbers, such as straight-up and splits, which cover either one or two numbers. You also have the likes of streets, corners, and lines, which are bets on three, four, and six numbers respectively.

Outside bets are propositions, such as betting on the colour of the winning number, whether it’s odd or even, and whether it appears in the first or second half of the 36 numbers. You can also bet on one of three columns, which covers 12 numbers in a long line on the racetrack, while dozens bets allow you to bet that the winning number will come from the first, second, or third block of 12 consecutive numbers. Each is worth a 2/1 payout.

Finally, call bets are designed to cover larger areas of the wheel, but can be difficult to place manually. Thankfully, a lot of Roulette games online allow you to place these kinds of bets at the touch of a button, although not always. The main three call bets are Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. You can learn more about each of these in our Roulette bets guide below.

Learn About Roulette Bets

Online Roulette Strategy

There are a wide variety of Roulette strategies that you can adopt as you play a session in a live casino or land-based environment. Some are fairly easy to get to grips with, while others take a degree of study and patience to implement accurately. It’s worth noting that these are all dependent on luck, at least in part, as no amount of experience can ever help you determine exactly where the marble is going to land as the wheel spins. As such, these Roulette strategies are simply designed to help you get the most out of your budget, and to theoretically maximise wins where possible.

To learn more about the likes of the Fibonacci Sequence, and the Martingale System, read our handy guide to Roulette strategy below.

Learn About Roulette Strategy

Differences Between European and American Roulette

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Roulette relate to the differences between the American and European versions. There’s one major distinction that should be relatively obvious if you look at the wheels featured in each game, but if you’re unaware, European Roulette features a single green pocket numbered as zero, while American Roulette also includes a double zero pocket. The order of the numbers on the wheel also varies between the two variants, but is largely less important. But what does the double zero pocket mean from a player perspective?

Mainly, it means that the chances of having a successful bet in American Roulette are worse, given that there are now two additional elements not covered by standard outside bets. Essentially, the designers of American Roulette wanted to give the casino a higher house edge, and therefore European Roulette is the advisable version to play if you’re looking for better chances of winning. There’s a bizarre trend that began in 2016 at The Venetian resort in Las Vegas of having a Roulette wheel with a triple zero. This has since spread to a few other locations, but for similar reasons to why one zero pocket is better than two, it is best avoided.

Play Roulette Online For Real Money at Bet UK

Live Roulette

If you’re after a relaxed but sophisticated real-time Roulette experience presented by live hosts from the comfort of your own home, then look no further than Live Roulette. This game has a welcoming atmosphere, and our experienced croupiers are on hand to guide you through each round. Place your bets during the allotted window using the interactive betting area. You can place your chips however you choose, and the ability to place call bets at the touch of a button is a useful feature if that suits your playing style. You can also keep track of the results history on the right hand side of your screen.

Play Live Roulette

European Roulette

If you’re not quite ready for the live casino experience, then you may be interested in Microgaming’s automated version. The bonus of European Roulette is that you can get to grips with all of the core and advanced aspects of the game in a private setting. What’s more, each round of gameplay only begins when you’re ready for it to, which allows you greater flexibility when placing and weighing up your next bet. Looking to try out a new Roulette strategy? Then look no further than European Roulette.

Lightning Roulette

If the standard game of live Roulette has lost its charm in your eyes, then Evolution Gaming’s Lightning Roulette is on hand to offer a fresh and dynamic experience. Place your chips in the relevant betting area as standard, and wait for the round to commence. Once all bets have been placed, up to five lucky numbers will be determined at random, with each having a multiplier value attached, potentially worth 500x. When the marble lands in one of the pockets, if the number is one of the lucky ones, then all straight up bets on this number will be multiplied by the corresponding multiplier to potentially create huge wins.

Play Lightning Roulette

Roulette X2

Much like Lightning Roulette is to the live table versions, Golden Rock Studios’ Roulette X2 is an innovative alternative to the standard automated experience, as it offers the potential for increased wins. After any successful bets, the four red dice displayed on screen will be rolled. If they all land on the same number, then your winnings will be doubled. If you’ve just won on a straight-up bet, this means your return will be valued at 70/1 instead of 35/1, which is a fantastic boost.

Play Roulette X2

Play Roulette Online For Free

The automated versions of our Roulette games can be played for free in demo mode. This allows you to get to grips with how the game works, as well as to learn more about how each bet is placed, and how often they may be successful. Free Roulette is also useful in determining if this is the right table game for you, or if perhaps you may be more interested in the likes of Online Blackjack or example. Simply sign up at Bet UK to play our Roulette demos.

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Key Roulette Terms: A-Z

American Roulette

The American version of Roulette has two green pockets, including a double zero section.

Call Bets

Call bets are more complex wagering options that can cover larger areas of the wheel.

Columns

Columns are long lines of 12 numbers that you can place a bet on, with payouts valued at 2/1.

Double Zero

This is an extra space on the wheel in American Roulette games, and gives the house a better edge at keeping your money.

Dozens

Dozens are blocks of 12 sequential numbers on which you can place bets, either 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36.

European Roulette

European Roulette is the standard form of the game found here at Bet UK, and contains just one green pocket on the wheel, valued at zero.

Inside Bets

Inside bets are those that are placed directly on one or more numbers on the betting area.

Orphelins

Orphelins is a type of call bet that covers the eight numbers not featured in either Voisins du Zero or Tiers du Cylindre.

Outside Bets

Outside bets are proposition bets that cover options such as red or black, odd or even, and high or low. Columns and dozens are also examples of outside bets.

Pockets

The coloured segments on the roulette wheel are referred to as pockets, and in European Roulette there are 37 of them (18 black, 18 red, 1 green).

Straight-up

A straight-up bet is one that is placed on a solitary number. This is the least likely to be successful, but offers a payout of 35/1, hence its popularity.

Tiers du Cylindre

Tiers du Cylindre is a call bet that covers 12 numbers that are opposite the zero on a European Roulette wheel.

Voisins du Zero

Voisins du Zero is a call bet that consists of multiple smaller bets that cover the green zero pocket, and 16 of its ‘neighbours’ on a European Roulette wheel.

How to Play Roulette at Bet UK

From this guide, you should now have a clearer understanding of how to play Roulette, as well as some of the key strategies that can be used at the table. Perhaps one of our diverse Roulette games has piqued your interest, and now you’re ready to take to the casino floor with a better knowledge of the likes of call bets, and other Roulette terminology. We’re incredibly proud of our live casino guides here at Bet UK, and if you fancy learning about another of the most popular table games, why not take a look at our handbook for how to play Blackjack?