Crypto Blackjack – Rules, Variants & Best Casinos

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is a classic casino card game where the aim is to beat the dealer by reaching 21 or getting closer than they do, without going over. The game mixes luck and skill, allowing you to apply strategies that can lower the house edge and boost your odds. You go head-to-head with the dealer using just a deck of cards, making every round feel direct and personal. While the basic rules are easy to pick up, sharpening your timing on when to hit, stand, double down, or split takes practice.

How does Blackjack work?

The main objective of Blackjack is pretty simple - beat the dealer. A lot of people think there’s more to it, but when you strip it down, that’s really what it’s all about.

The way to do this is by having a hand value that’s higher than the dealer’s, or by taking advantage of a dealer bust, which happens when their hand goes over 21. And, of course, drawing a perfect hand of 21 with your first two cards will give you a great shot at winning.

But, as with any other game, say, crypto roulette, you can lose, too. If your hand value goes over 21, you automatically lose (that’s called a bust). The dealer also wins if they have a hand with a higher value than yours by the end of the round.

Card values in Blackjack

In Blackjack, the deck is the same as a standard 52-card deck, and the suits don’t matter - only the numbers and face cards. Some casinos use more decks at once, to guarantee fairness and to prevent players from card counting.

This is how it goes when it comes to card values:

Now, as I already said, the goal is to get to 21 without busting. So if you get a King and an Ace, that’s blackjack = 21.

Regarding the table layout, a classic game of blackjack is played with a maximum of 7 players/seats. Also, blackjack is usually played at a semicircular table. The most common setup fits 7 players, each with their own “spot” to play from. But you might also come across tables that only fit 5 players or, on a rare occasion, tables with 12 spots.

It’s all similar to playing baccarat in this aspect, especially since the dealer stands behind the table, while the players sit across from them. Everyone has their own area for placing bets, and the dealer deals cards from a shoe (a device that holds multiple decks of cards for dealing) or sometimes a single deck.

Basic Blackjack terms

Now, it's time to get familiar with common terms used in crypto blackjack:

Advanced crypto Blackjack moves

Once you master the basics, you're ready to level up your moves:

Tips for playing blackjack

When it comes to blackjack, the core strategies remain the same whether you're playing the live or RNG version. However, there are a few key differences between the two formats that can affect your approach.

In live blackjack, you have the opportunity to observe the real cards being dealt. This allows for more advanced techniques like card counting, though it’s not recommended unless you're a pro, and some casinos even monitor for it.

On the other hand, software-based blackjack uses random number generators (RNGs) to simulate card shuffling. Regardless of the platform, always follow basic strategy and avoid side bets, as they tend to carry a much higher house edge.

One thing to keep in mind for both types of blackjack is the importance of setting a betting limit and playing responsibly.

There’s no surefire way to guarantee a win, and the house always has an edge in the long run. So, the best way to increase your chances of success is to play smart, not chase wins, and listen to my tips for playing blackjack.

Best blackjack strategies

The best blackjack strategies focus on making the most mathematically advantageous decisions based on your hand and the dealer's up-card, something you can’t use in dice games. Let me walk you through some strategies that work for me.

Basic strategy

The basic strategy can significantly reduce the house edge, and it's not as complicated as it may initially sound. Here, we will focus on things like when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your hand and the dealer’s up card.

To explain this in the best way possible, here’s a table with all the cases laid out:

Meanwhile, if you have a soft hand:

Now, while following these basic strategies doesn’t mean you’ll always win, it gives you a solid foundation for making the best choices in each situation.

Martingale betting

The Martingale system is a popular but risky betting strategy often used in blackjack. The core idea behind it is simple: after each loss, you double your bet. The theory is that eventually, you’ll win a hand, and when you do, your win will cover all your previous losses - and then some.

Sounds good, right? Well, it has potential, but it's not right for everyone.

Here’s an example:

You start with a $5 bet, and you lose. No big deal, right? You then double your bet to $10. If you lose again, you double it to $20, and so on. After a few losses, your bet can grow quite large. The idea is that your next win will cover all the losses and give you a nice profit.

However, a warning - this strategy is better suited for high rollers. Losing streaks do happen, and without a big bankroll, you could quickly run out of money before your luck turns around. It’s a high-risk, high-reward approach, so play with caution.

Winning streak betting

For the risk-takers out there, this strategy is a positive-progression approach that goes in the opposite direction of the Martingale system. Instead of doubling your bet after each loss, you do so after every win. So basically, this strategy lets you ride the wave when the shoe is running hot.

Here’s how it works:

If you start with a $5 bet and win, you double it to $10 on the next hand. If you lose, you stay at $10 until you win again, and then you double it up. The goal here is to take advantage of winning streaks and maximize your gains while you’re on a roll.

But, heads up - this strategy can quickly escalate the size of your bets, and if you’re not careful, you could end up losing a large sum of money on one bad hand. Like the Martingale, this is a strategy better suited for players with deep pockets.

Steady wins the race

Not everyone is into high-risk bets, and I get it. So, if you're more of a "let's take it easy" type, this strategy is perfect for you. It's all about consistency: you stick with the same bet size the entire time you play, no matter the outcome.

This slow and steady approach helps to limit big losses because you always know exactly what you're putting on the table. It’s easy to plan your session ahead of tim

Final pick: Multihand Blackjack by Pragmatic Play

If you love classic Blackjack but feel it lacks action, Multihand Blackjack by Pragmatic Play is the perfect pick for you, as it lets you play multiple hands at the same time.

On top of that, Multihand Blackjack is played with eight decks of 52 cards. Players can bet anywhere between $1 and $50 per hand, and if you want to boost your winnings, the double down option allows you to do just that.

The game also features Fast Play Mode which lets you adjust the speed of each round for a quicker and more streamlined experience.

Now, when it comes to payouts, this blackjack pays 3:2, staying true to the classic game. If the dealer shows an Ace, you can take an insurance bet, which pays 2:1. Regular wins follow the standard even money (1:1) payout.

With a 99.51% RTP, Multihand Blackjack is one of the best options for blackjack fans who want a game with a strong winning potential.

Best crypto live blackjack sites

For live crypto blackjack, the best gambling sites are the ones backed by Evolution Gaming. This provider runs high-quality live dealer tables streamed from European studios. Their games go through regular fairness checks by eCOGRA, so you know you’re playing on a level field.

Here’s a quick look at reputable platforms that host live blackjack titles: