Online blackjack with a game for real money and for free in New Zealand

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In casinos all around the world, blackjack online is a bloody popular pokie. Its a hit because of its easy-to-follow rules, fast pace, and basic card-counting technique that can give you an edge over the house. Here in Aotearoa, we call blackjack a piss, and even newbies can make a decent buck playing it.

This 21-card game is in high demand globally, and its easy to see why. Each round only takes a minute, and the rules are simple to learn. Many countries want to claim blackjack as their own. The French reckon vingt-et-un (which means twenty-one in French) was the first to be played in their casinos in the 19th century, but there are more supporters of the Italian version. Historians have found evidence of a game called "Thirty-one," which is the same as modern blackjack, except you cant go over 21 points. While theres still a lot of debate among pros about where the game originated, theres no official confirmation yet.

Its hard to believe that free online blackjack with other players was once a dud in the early 1900s. Back then, casinos were throwing bonuses left and right and lowering their edge to get punters interested, and it worked! Players caught on to this type of gambling, and now its a staple in any Kiwi casino, whether on the ground or online.

Before you try your hand at blackjack, its crucial to understand the rules. Theyre pretty straightforward, but having a solid grasp of all the ins and outs will give you the best shot at taking home some winnings.

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Blackjack rules

In Kiwi casinos, Blackjack is played with a range of decks - anywhere from one to eight, usually taken from the shoe. If a shuffle machine is used, it's known as an infinite deck. The players aren't playing against each other, even sitting at the same table - the game is about beating the casino.

Here's how the game goes, mate: you chuck in your bet - the amount depends on the table you choose. Once everyone's put in their bets, the dealer starts dealing. You get two cards to face down, and the dealer gets two, too - one of theirs is face up.

Bro, once you've been dealt your cards, it's up to you to decide if you want to hit for another card or if you reckon your points are already enough to win. In Blackjack, the cards are worth: two to ten are their face value, all the pictures are worth 10 points each, and the ace can be worth 11 or 1 point (depending on what you reckon, mate).

If you get a picture card and an ace in your first two cards, that's a bloody blackjack, and you win straight up. Unless the dealer's a dud and didn't get the same combo. You can ask for another card if you need more points to win. You can keep askin' for more cards, but if you go over 21, it's game over. Then it's the next player's turn, or if it's just you and the dealer, it's time for the dealer to show their cards.

Rule	Description
Objective	The objective of Blackjack is to have a hand value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over.
Card Values	The value of each card is as follows: Ace is worth 1 or 11, face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10, and all other cards are worth their face value.
Game Play	The player is dealt two cards face up, and the dealer is dealt one card face up and one face down. The player must decide whether to hit (take another card) or stand (keep their current hand). The dealer must hit until their hand value is 17 or greater.
Winning	If the player's hand value is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand value, the player wins. The dealer wins if the dealer's hand value is more relative to 21 than the player's hand value. If both hands have the same value, it is a tie (push).
Bust	If the player's hand value exceeds 21, they lose (bust).
Blackjack	If the player's first two cards are an Ace and a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), they have a Blackjack and automatically win, unless the dealer also has a Blackjack.
Insurance	If the dealer's face-up card is an Ace, the player can make an additional bet (insurance) that the dealer has a Blackjack if the dealer does have Blackjack, the player's insurance bet pays 2:1. If the dealer does not, the insurance bet is lost.

The main goal isn't just to get Blackjack, even though it pays out big time. It's all about outscoring the dealer, mate. The dealer has to follow strict rules when playing Blackjack. They can't just decide how many cards to take - the casino rules dictate that. In traditional Blackjack, the dealer stops at 17 points, even if you've got more. But in some versions, that number can vary.

Just a heads up, the deal could be cut short once the cards are dealt. If the dealer's got a face card or an ace-up, they'd check the second one. If the dealer's got Blackjack, it's game over, and you lose your wager. But if they don't have Blackjack from the get-go, it's a tie, and you get your bet back. Things get a bit more complicated unless you've taken out insurance. We'll go over the other options for this game later on.

Keep an eye out for the Blackjack variation, mate. As explained earlier, the dealer plays in the standard (Yank) version. But if you're at a Euro table, the dealer draws their second card once the players have finished their hand.

And a few words about the odds, mate. When you beat the dealer, you'll get a standard payout of 1 to 1. But if you hit Blackjack, you'll score a sweet 3 to 2 payout. These are the bare bones of Blackjack, so you'll be able to have a good time at the tables.

Additional Blackjack Rules Options

If you don't use the extra options right, you'll always ask yourself how do I win at bloody Blackjack?

They aren't hard to figure out, so you can suss them out in just a few minutes.

Blackjack Split: When you get two of the same cards, like a pair of 7s or two face cards, you can split them up and play with two hands. Just remember, you've got to put in a bet for each hand. Some casinos only let you split a few times, but others let you go wild and split as much as you want.
Blackjack Double Down: Kiwi punters can double their wager - chuck in your initial bet and watch your winnings double like a boss. This move is only available when you've got a pair of cards in your hand. When you double down, you'll be dealt one more card before the action continues around the table or to the dealer.
Koha: If the dealer flips an Ace as their first card, we Kiwi punters are urged to chuck down some koha to protect against Blackjack. If you're keen, you put down your first bet again. Then it's all up to the dealer's cards: if they've got Blackjack, you get a sweet 2 to 1 payout (to cover their costs). But if they don't have Blackjack, your koha goes straight to the casino, and the game continues with your original bet.

If you want a better chance of beating the casino, you've got to know how to use the different rules right. There's no surefire way to win at Blackjack, but if you can work out the dealer's card, your cards, and those extra options, you'll be sitting pretty.

Types of Blackjack

Blackjack has the most variations if we compare other pokies that you can find online and land-based casinos. But one thing remains the same - you've got to get more points than the dealer and not go over 21. With heaps of variations out there, we'll fill you in on the most popular ones you'll come across in online casinos.

European Blackjack

If you're a newbie to this kind of punting, choose the European choice. It's pretty much the same as the OG version. You'll play with two decks; the dealer can only hit up to 17 points. You can split, double down, and remove insurance against the dealer's Blackjack. But you can only take out insurance if the dealer's first card is an ace. Just remember, you can't double down after splitting.

American Blackjack

"Oi, you Kiwi gamblers should know that games like "Vegas Blackjack" and "Atlantic City" are just Yankee versions of the classic blackjack game. But watch out; they're not as profitable for us players. They keep all the usual rules except for Atlantic City, which uses eight decks. The only difference is that if the dealer's first card is a ten or an ace, they'll immediately check their second card for Blackjack. And if the dealer hits 21, we all lose our bets unless we've got Blackjack too."

Spanish Blackjack

The most "rejigged" type of Blackjack, mate. It's played with eight decks of 48 cards (not the usual 52), and the rules give you the best chance of beating the casino. The significant differences are that you can split three times and play four hands simultaneously. And there's a weird rule about payouts - if you get 21 points from a different number of cards, you'll get paid differently. If you get it in five cards, you'll get 3 to 2 odds. Six cards, 2 to 1. Seven or more cards, 3 to 1.

You could be in for a sweet payout if you're lucky to hit three sevens in Spanish Blackjack. If the dealer has an open seven and you've got three sevens, you'll score a massive 50 to 1 payout - the most significant coefficient!

If you're keen on exciting gambling action, check out Double Exposure, where the dealer flips two cards simultaneously. And for some real fun, give Super Fun 21 a go - you can double down after splitting, split aces, and even make a surrender with any number of cards and the dealer's cards.

Of course, it all kicks off with good old Blackjack. It would be best to give it a go first, then check out some new variations of the world's most beloved pastime.

Tips for playing Blackjack

It's bloody hard to keep track of all the different blackjack strategies out there these days. There's always some new way to stick it to the casino. Some work and give you an edge, while others tweak the old strategies. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to counting cards like a bloody genius. That means you've got to be good with numbers, which can be a bit of a mission for newbies. So here are a few tips to help you out.

Don't bother with insurance, mate. It's only worth it if you've complete control of the table, like counting cards.
If the dealer's got a 4, 5, or 6, stick to 11 or higher. That way, the dealers must hit again, and there's a 40% chance they'll go bust.
Don't go splitting your face cards, mate. A score of 20 is a bloody good hand, and it's a surefire win unless the dealer pulls a blackjack. But when it comes to aces, always split them. The odds of getting two blackjacks are pretty sweet.
Chuck another chip on the table when your hand's sittin' pretty with 10 points or less and the dealer's got nine or fewer points. Remember that some tables might not let you double down at specific points in the game for you and the dealer.
Always give online Blackjack a go, mate. Nearly all online casinos offer free blackjack games for fun so that you can sharpen up your skills. You can even tune in and play live Blackjack with other players.
To kick off your game, we reckon you give a basic strategy a go. This one's best for when the dealer deals himself a pair of cards (one's hidden), hits at 16 points and doesn't go over 17 - usually on the classic version.

How to win at Blackjack at online casinos?

These days, nearly every best online casino in NZ has got Blackjack Online on the menu. You've got heaps of choices, each with its own rules. And if you're keen to learn the ropes without risking any coin, you can give it a go in accessible mode. Our crew's rounded up the best online casinos where you can play Blackjack for free. Once you've got the hang of it, you can start betting real cash, and we'll hook you up with the best welcome bonuses around!

Live dealer online blackjack

Online Live Dealer Blackjack in New Zealand	Description
What is Online Live Dealer Blackjack?	It is a popular online casino game where players play against a real human dealer via live video streaming.
How to play Online Live Dealer Blackjack?	Players must first sign up at an online casino that offers live dealer games and then choose the live dealer blackjack game from the lobby. Once in the game, players can place their bets and interact with the dealer and other players.
What are the rules of Online Live Dealer Blackjack?	The online live dealer blackjack rules in New Zealand are the same as those of traditional blackjack. The objective is to get a hand of cards closer to 21 than the dealers without going over 21.
What are the betting options in Online Live Dealer Blackjack?	Players can place various bets in live dealer blackjack, including standard bets such as "hit" or "stand", as well as additional side bets like "perfect pairs" or "21+3".
What are the advantages of playing Online Live Dealer Blackjack?	One of the most significant advantages of playing live dealer blackjack is its immersive experience, with a real human dealer and an authentic casino atmosphere. Additionally, players can interact with the dealer and other players in real time, adding to the game's social aspect.

Live casino gameplay for Blackjack is a top choice for Kiwi punters at almost every online gambling joint. It's the perfect way to experience the thrill of real money blackjack from the comfort of your crib. If you're not a fan of the random number generator system used in online pokies, live online Blackjack is the way to go. Please give it a go and see for yourself!

Blackjack games with a live dealer are streamed straight from a brick-and-mortar casino, where the dealer calls all the shots.

Why is it better to play Blackjack at online casinos?

Even though Blackjack is a classic game enjoyed worldwide, it's essential to play it smart. Many players, especially newbies, opt for online blackjack gambling. It's a top-notch way to learn to play 21 in a chill and safe setting without any pesky moral pressure or gaming distractions. Plus, playing blackjack apps online is the ultimate way to ensure you're playing it safely and efficiently.

Answers to popular questions from New Zealand players about Blackjack

❓ What is the primary purpose of playing blackjack?

The ultimate aim of playing blackjack is to score a more giant hand than the dealer, mate.

🔝 Which hand is worth 21 points in blackjack?

In the Kiwi version, you only need a bloody ace (A) and a bloody picture card (Q, J, K) to get a solid 21 points. Easy as, mate!

♠️ How many points are awarded for Ace (A) in blackjack?

"Oi, mate! It's either a bloody 1 or 11, depending on the total "value" of ya hand. If you got an ace (A) in the mix and it doesn't go over 21 points, then it's worth 11. But if it does, it's only worth a measly one."

⚡ What is the maximum payout in blackjack?

In the good old Atlantic City version, you can score a sweet 3:2 payout if you hit blackjack. But keep your eyes peeled for some variations that offer even juicier payouts of 2:1 or 3:1.

💰 What is a split in blackjack?

In blackjack, a split is when you split your hand into two. This can only happen if you get two cards of the same value after the deal. For instance, if you got a pair of 10s or a pair of Queens.

📜 Is it possible to count cards in online blackjack?

When it comes to online blackjack, don't bother with card counting. The game's all about RNG, and the card shoe's never-ending, so it's a waste of time, eh?

🔁 What kinds of blackjack are there?

Bro, there are many blackjack games out there, maybe even hundreds. You got classic ones like Atlantic City, where the dealer gives you one card face down, or European, where the dealer waits for you to take your turn before dealing their second card. Then there are all these other types like Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, and Double Exposure.

⁉️ What is the RTP of blackjack?

Depending on the type and number of punters at the table, the payout percentage ranges from 95% to 99.7%.

🔒 Is there a jackpot in blackjack?

We've got a bloody ripper of a game for you - Jackpot Blackjack! This beauty of a modification gives you a chance to score a massive win of a thousand to one. Give it a go and see if Lady Luck is on your side!

🔢 Can you get a mathematical advantage in blackjack?

You can check the game by counting cards using the plus-minus or halves systems in good old Kiwi blackjack at a proper table. But when it comes to online blackjack, the player can only hope to cut down the house's edge to a certain extent.