American Blackjack at Online Casinos

Stefan Weber

5 min read

American blackjack, as the name suggests, is a variant of the card game that originated in the United States. It is still most popular in the US, but online versions have made it more accessible, and the game now has plenty of fanfare around the globe. And for many, it is rightly considered the classic version.

While much of the gameplay and purpose remains the same as what you're already familiar with - aim for 21, beat the dealer's hand - it's important to note that it has some minor differences in terms of the rules, particularly compared to European blackjack. Which is why we suggest reading up, before you begin.

It is important to note that American blackjack is not a fully standardized term, so there may be slight variations even within such named games. What we've written here, however, is an excellent guide.

Table of Contents

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American Blackjack Basics

In American blackjack, all players are initially dealt two cards. The dealer also receives two cards; one face up (up card) and the other face down (hole card). In European blackjack, in contrast, the dealer only gets a second card after you've made your move so there's no hole card.

While there can be some variation, in general six or eight decks of cards are used for the game. The value of the cards is the same as in any standard blackjack game, with number cards being worth their printed value, face cards give you 10 points, and an ace can be either 1 or 11.

If the dealer is showing an ace, you can opt to add insurance – sometimes this also applies to a 10-value card too. This will cost you half your initial bet, but some see it as a good way to hedge your bets against the dealer's potential blackjack.

Once you place an insurance bet, the dealer will check their hole card. If the dealer hits blackjack, insurance pays 2:1. If they don't, however, and you proceed to a losing hand, the loss will ultimately cost you more.

There is also an option to split your cards up to three times in total, and double down on any hand, including once on a split. And you can surrender relatively late in the game, making this variant very popular, since it makes it a bit easier to at least preserve half of your wager if you sense a losing hand.

Rules and special features:

• The game is played with six to eight decks of cards.
• The dealer and players each get two cards right away.
• The dealer's cards are received one face up, the other face down.
• If a 10 value or Ace card is showing, the dealer checks the hole card; and in the case of blackjack, settles immediately.
• The dealer must hit on 16 or less.
• The dealer may hit on a soft 17, but stands on a hard 17.
• You can double down on any hand, including on splits.
• Up to three splits are allowed per game, including once on Aces.
• Different 10 value cards (10-J-Q-K) can be split.
• Surrendering is allowed unless the dealer has blackjack.
• Overall the odds are slightly higher than in the European version.
• Blackjack payouts are either 3:2 or 6:5.

American Blackjack options at Lucky DreamsMoreLess

Play American Blackjack for Free

The easiest way to learn American blackjack and to familiarize yourself with the differences between that and any other variant you're used to is by trying it out in demo mode online. To make this extra easy, we've made this option available free of charge right here on the Blackjack.Guide site.

Within just a few hands of free play mode, you'll most certainly have the hang of it.

Besides getting a feel for overall play and the slightly altered rules, playing American blackjack for free is a great way to practice strategy and different game systems, without taking any risks.

The only disadvantage of the demo version is that there are no real profits to be made. Fair enough, since there are no real money bets being made either. Instead you'll be betting with play money chips, and winning or losing play money accordingly. Other than that, it's the exact same experience.

American Blackjack Demo Mode

By pressing on "Play", I understand that I will be shown content from Habanero. Habanero

Play American Blackjack at Lucky Dreams

How Is American Blackjack Different from Other Variants?

The rules of the game differ slightly from those of other classic versions, particularly European blackjack.

The face-down hole card is probably the main difference. Here the dealer gets an earlier peek at what's underneath, as opposed to in European blackjack in which that second card is only dealt and revealed by the dealer once all participants have received their initial two cards and made their moves.

If the hole card is a 10 or an ace, you'll have the opportunity to take out insurance. This costs extra and pays out 2:1 in the event of a blackjack from the dealer.

The split rules are also special here. Unlike its European counterpart, American blackjack not only allows pairs of cards to be split once, but up to three splits can be made per round, and each split hand is settled independently.

In addition to the differences mentioned, how the dealer handles soft and hard 17s must also be addressed. In the American game of blackjack, the dealer must stand on a hard 17, and must draw another card if their hand's point value is 16 or below.

Also, the dealer's ace is generally worth 11 points. The only exception to this would be a hand with an ace totaling over 21 points, in which case the ace may be exceptionally assigned the value of 1.

American Blackjack Strategy

As with all variants, following the guidelines of basic blackjack strategy is a good way to improve your probability of winning. This means taking the right action depending on the game situation. Obviously there is no guarantee of winning, no matter what system or strategy you're employing, but it makes sense to look at the straightforward tables we've put together for you for a little help.

The basic strategy we've outlined also provides recommendations for splitting pairs of cards. As a tip, however, just like in European blackjack, it is not advisable to split two 10s or face cards, as 20 points is very close to the 21 target, and the chances of defeating the dealer with such a hand are very good.

It's also useful to know the moves that make sense from a mathematical point of view. At the American blackjack table, another card should only be drawn if the point value is 16 or less. And it generally makes strategic sense to choose to stand at 17. But if you're really up for risk, you can of course still hit.

Tables: The recommended move to make depending on the cards you've been dealt

Legend: H = hit; S = stand; Sp = split; DH = double down if possible, otherwise hit; RH = surrender if possible, otherwise draw; DS = double down if possible, otherwise hold. Note: Face cards also count as 10.

More Info on Blackjack Strategy

American Blackjack Tips & Tricks

Although it is a simple game, it's still important to approach each hand, your moves, and your chosen bet with concentration. Strategies such as card counting in particular demand supreme attention. But so does regular play.

Another helpful tip is one that always applies to gambling. And that is, before you visit the casino, you should set a budget and manage your bankroll accordingly. Some people set an amount they're willing to lose in a night, say $100, while others predetermine when they'll walk away, for example when they're up $100.

But having a basic bankroll overall makes it clear how much money you have available, helps dictate which bets are possible per round, and whether it's worthwhile to risk side bets or doubling down. This is an equation of how much money you have, how long you want to play, and at what stakes level you want to be doing so. For example, if you're after a lot of hands to pass the night at the tables, then you may want to bet accordingly smaller.

If you're newer to blackjack, then you may want to stick to one type to get started. In our case, that would be American blackjack. On the other hand, if you're already an instinctive master, you can always jump around between games, with just a quick glance at the game's rules to refresh yourself.

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American Blackjack FAQs

1. Is there a special strategy for American blackjack?
2. Do the blackjack systems work with the American version of the game?
3. Can I play American blackjack in all casinos?
4. Can I play mobile American blackjack?
5. What odds can be expected in American blackjack?
6. What are the advantages of American blackjack?
7. Are there different versions of the American blackjack game?

1. Is there a special strategy for American blackjack?

Much of the basic blackjack strategy is universal, applying to all forms of the game. However, since there are slight adjustments to the rules of play, there is a slightly adapted basic strategy for American blackjack as well.

For example, how to handle the available side bets like perfect pairs or insurance. These offer lower odds over time and are therefore not necessarily recommended. But since they can bring higher winnings or hedge against losses, they may still appeal to players who have a larger appetite for risk.

2. Do the blackjack systems work with the American version of the game?

Blackjack systems offer no guarantee in terms of winning. They're basically guides as to how you should bet following a win or a loss.

They can therefore be applied to American blackjack as much as to any other blackjack variant. Feel free to try the Martingale system, Labouchère system, Paroli, Fibonacci, or any other one that appeals.

3. Can I play American blackjack in all casinos?

From our experience, American blackjack is always available at a decent online casino. And certainly at all the online casinos that we've reviewed and recommended.

If you visit a brick-and-mortar casino in Europe, for example, the odds are less likely you'll find the game. But in American casinos along the lines of Vegas and Atlantic City this option would prevail, while the rules in a Macau casino might differ slightly too.

4. Can I play mobile American blackjack?

Yes. You can play mobile American blackjack, and in spades! There are dozens if not hundreds of mobile optimized American blackjack options out there. Essentially, the way online casinos work these days is that all of their games are programmed to work perfectly well on mobile as well. So you can play any of their casino games - including the live ones - direct from your phone browser. And these include all variants of blackjack.

5. What odds can be expected in American blackjack?

The payouts and house edge in blackjack differ between the type of game you're playing, so your choice is going to be crucial in determining what probabilities are going to be on the table.

In the best-case scenario for the American game, a natural blackjack is rewarded with odds of 3:2 and a 0.5% house edge. Tables with 6:5 odds on blackjack with a corresponding 1.9% house edge deliver less value, and as such are less recommended.

6. What are the advantages of American blackjack?

The main advantage of American blackjack is that this classic card game allows you to split hands multiple times. This obviously makes things more interesting and exciting in terms of pure play. Plus, it increases the tension factor, with all that extra money and potential for additional wins on the line.

The other big advantage compared to European blackjack, is the dealer's hole card, and the ability to fold, even after the dealer has checked their hand.

7. Are there different versions of the American blackjack game?

There are tons of games called American blackjack available at online casinos. They come from different providers, so there will be subtle differences between the graphics, helping you find a visual experience that best appeals to you.

In addition, different casinos may allow for different stakes, so that's another great advantage of playing this card game online.

Also, beyond the games played against the computer, there are many versions of live American blackjack. This means you're playing online, but with a live dealer and other real players, for a true Vegas feel, and the most heightened real-time entertainment.

And finally, twists like Atlantic City Blackjack and Vegas Strip Blackjack are also considered American blackjack games.

American Blackjack Summary

After reading all that, you might come away with the impression that American Blackjack isn't too complicated. And you're right! For many of us, American blackjack is the classic blackjack game.

For those newer to the concept, we've demonstrated there is very little learning curve involved. And since you can easily play online for free to practice, it also has zero risk. So if you're interested in checking it out, now's the time to see why this is one of the most popular card games around.

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American Blackjack was tested and reviewed by Stefan Weber

I'm lucky enough to have found both my job and my calling on the internet. As the online marketing manager for a major sportsbook, I began in the online gambling business over a decade ago. The business has been good to me and I love the dynamics of the industry. A blackjack enthusiast myself, I try to provide articles that combine practicalities with the strategic elegance of the game in a way that both rookies and experienced players can appreciate. And when I can, I like to spend my free time on live streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick.