Blackjack is one of casino world’s most prized games – offering a classic battle against the dealer. Blackjack retains its magnetic appeal on the web, thanks to a blend of luck and genuine skill that makes it possible to get an edge over the house. However, blackjack can be enjoyed by both novice and hardcore gamers, thanks to simple rules and cool auto-strategy features at the premium online casinos.

Of course, the magic hand of blackjack (Ace & a 10) leaves you with a seriously hot hand that can’t be beaten (although the dealer can match it and void the round – bad luck!).

Most forms of blackjack require the dealer to "hit soft 17," meaning they must Hit when under 17, but stand on 17 or more.

The real power of blackjack can only be released once you implement the game’s cool side bets – the Double Down, Split and Insurance wagers.

Following the first deal, you’re given the opportunity to raise the stakes by 100% -- your chance to make the dealer sorry they ever saw your face walk in the joint! After doubling, the player is required to take one fresh card and then stand. Skilled gamers are hot at analyzing the pack and initial deal to predict whether it’s time to double down or play it safe!

Blackjack splitting is similar to the double down, but creates two separate hands and wagers from a pair of cards. The split can be a great way to take advantage of hot hands and receive a double win. Even if one hand loses, a winning second hand will more than cover the loss!

The final blackjack wager is the Insurance bet – the smart way to protect yourself against the dealer’s chance of hitting blackjack when their first card is a 10 or Ace. Correctly predicting a blackjack pays out at 2:1 and voids the dealer’s hot hand (now that feels good!). 

Blackjack strategy involves card counting and pack analysis to determine whether the pack is rich or poor in high value cards. By keeping pack scores and creating pivot points, players can define when to strike with higher wager levels.

However, even novice gamers can start playing with a degree of strategy the next time they hit the casino – with "casual counting." To start casual counting, simply keep an eye on the cards drawn and use your intuition and mental power to estimate whether the advantage is with you or the dealer. Once you’ve mastered basic blackjack card counting, progress to the more complex strategies such as Hi-Opt I, which are freely available on the web. Web casinos are recognized to favorably react to skilled blackjack gaming.