If you are new to online blackjack there are several pointers that you need to keep in mind. You may have been attracted to online blackjack after reading that the average returns are 99% plus. It cannot, however, be overstated that these returns can be achieved only if you take the correct decisions at each stage of the game play. This article takes you through those decisions offering some basic tips. It is not a treatise on optimum blackjack strategy.

There are several different blackjack variants to choose from at online casinos. They all offer returns within a narrow band. But variants based on American Blackjack offer marginally higher returns than European Blackjack. The payout and other rules being same, variants played with fewer decks offer slightly higher returns. There are online blackjack variants that offer side bets with considerably higher payouts. These come with much lower average returns, so you need to make a considered choice based on your risk acceptance.

Vegas Strip Blackjack is the most common online blackjack variant and the game play is discussed with reference to it. You are dealt two cards face up and the dealer is dealt one card face-up and one card face-down. You may have the option of three special moves. If the dealer’s face-up card is an ace you can insure against the dealer having a blackjack. You should avoid this bet under all circumstances.

If your two cards are of the same rank you can split them into two hands. You will have to place an additional bet for the second hand, will be dealt another card to each hand and have to play the two hands independently. You should never be split like ranked cards of value 10 and never split fives. You should always split aces and eights. In all other cases, the decision depends on the dealer’s face up card.

You can double down after any first two cards. You will have to place an additional wager equal to the original one. After that you will be dealt one card and only one card. You should never double down with hard totals of 12 or more. Also, you should never double down with hard totals of 8 or less. The optimum strategy for doubling down in other situations is more complex and you should familiarize yourself with it.

The bulk of optimum blackjack strategy comes after that. You have decide whether to hit or stand after each hit, provided that you have not busted. Blackjack strategy cards are available for this. If you want best results in online blackjack, then you should keep the strategy card handy and make your hit or stand moves from there.