1. Choose a Safe Online Casino

First things first — when playing online, you need to find a reputable casino that will provide you with a safe gambling environment. Unfortunately, the web is overflowing with scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting players.

If you want to ensure you don’t end up on the wrong platform, these are a couple of things you need to look for in an online casino:

• Valid gambling license. Search for Casinos with a Maltese License.
• Secure payment methods
• Games from reputable software providers
• Enticing bonuses with reasonable terms and conditions
• Reliable customer support

If a site offers all the items from this list, you can go ahead and sign up to play your favorite card game online.

2. Learn the Rules

Blackjack is not a guessing game. You need to fully understand how it works, as this will help you create a proper strategy to beat the house and boost your bankroll. So, if everything you know about blackjack is that it has to do something with the number 21, you should study the rules in detail before pressing Play.

What’s more, most online casinos offer free play, allowing you to practice and try the strategies without investing real money. Only after you’ve learned the ropes should you put your skills to the test and see how certain techniques work for you.

3. Know the Tables

Never choose an online blackjack game at random. Online casinos offer numerous game variants where different rules apply. Knowing how a certain blackjack table works will help you get ahead of the game and avoid unpleasant surprises.

For instance, in the long run, it’s better to choose a table that pays 3 to 2 instead of 6 to 5. What’s more, if a game variant requires the dealer to stand on soft 17, it only means the casino will get more money. You? Not so much.

4. Stand on Hands Like 12 or 13

One of the most common mistakes is hitting when your hand is at 12 or 13.

Remember, even though you know your hand, you can only see the dealer’s upcard. The facedown card is likely a ten (tens, jacks, queens, and kings all have the same value), and the dealer might be required to draw another card, which can make him go bust, depending on the upcard value.

So, if you decide to stand with 12 or 13, you might win the round.

5. Never Split Tens

New blackjack players are tempted to split tens. Of course, splitting hands can get you more chips and put you at an advantage. However, when you have a pair of tens, don’t split them. There’s no reason to separate a strong hand just because you’re assuming the dealer will reach 21.

6. Always Double Down if You Have a 10 or an 11

If you double down at the right moment, you can minimize the house edge. However, there are certain instances when that move can cause more harm. Until you’ve learned when the right moment for this action is, apply the so-called broad stroke strategy and double down on a 10 or an 11. 

7. Avoid Taking Insurance

Although taking insurance during one game seems like a good choice, it doesn’t work for you in the long run. After all, it’s called a sucker bet for a reason. Experienced card counters are the only ones who should take the insurance bet simply because they are more likely to predict the next drawn card.

8. Stand on a Hard 17, Hit on a Soft 17

Generally, the hard 17 is a bad hand, and you should always stand because the chances of busting on a draw are far too high. On the other hand, a soft 17 (an ace and a six) gives you more options. Since the 17 probably won’t help you win the hand, it’s in your best interest to hit.

9. Split Aces and Eights

This is a clear-cut blackjack rule, and here’s why — drawing two eights gives you a 16, which is not a great hand. Splitting them gives you more chances of drawing tens, which would put you in a stronger position. The same goes for aces — two aces give you a 2 or a soft 12, which is also a terrible hand. Separating them creates two chances for hitting the blackjack.

10. Manage Your Expectations

Playing online blackjack means you’ll be competing against an RNG-based algorithm. Therefore, you should be prepared for any possible outcome. This means you should never chase losses or expect to win just because you haven’t in a while. Such behavior can only lead to you losing more money. So, know what to expect from the game, stay within your bankroll, and enjoy!