Classic Blackjack

Since stepping into the online casino scene in 1996, NetEnt has thrilled gamblers with some of the most immersive titles in the industry. The iGaming giant released Classic Blackjack in 2021 – its version of the hugely popular and beloved card game. With a close resemblance to the traditional brick-and-mortar variant, Classic Blackjack promises table game lovers exciting gameplay. 

Besides the game's realistic and immersive interface, Classic Blackjack is remarkably easy to play. You can access all necessary information from the Blackjack table on your mobile phone or computer screen. The Help Menu also provides more in-depth details to enable players to navigate the game with considerable ease. 

But before you try out this game at any online casino, I will give you a comprehensive look into what to expect, how to play blackjack online, and how you can get the most out of one of the best online blackjack games on the market. 

There's nothing spectacular about the Classic Blackjack interface. The game features a minimalistic and user-friendly layout. Once you load the game, you'll land on a neatly-designed page with a standard Blackjack table. Betting chips and all the relevant buttons (Deal, Double Down, Split, Stand, and Insurance) are at the bottom page. 

There's a light bulb icon at the top-right corner of your screen providing information on the basic game rules. At the top-left corner is the main menu icon, giving you access to the Game Settings, Game Rules, and Paytable pages. 

You can adjust the sounds and game speed from the Game Settings section. The audio options add an immersive touch to the game with its catchy piano tune, shuffle sounds while cards are dealt, and tapping sounds when you click on the buttons and betting chips. 

You can access an in-depth overview of the game from the Game Rules segment, including an explanation of how Classic Blackjack works and extensive betting information on this particular variant. 

While the game isn't spectacular in design, the simple interface contributes to the easy-to-play nature. You won't struggle to navigate the game page, ensuring you can dive into gameplay quickly without fuss. 

Classic Blackjack is similar to the traditional brick-and-mortar game, with some notable variations. The game features six decks of 52 cards. You kickstart each round with a bet between $1 and $5000. After your wager, the croupier deals you two face-up cards. The house also receives a face-up and a hidden card. 

You can hit, double down, split, or stand, depending on the cards you received. Also, you can place an insurance bet if the dealer's face-up card is an ace. There's an Even Money option which pays out 1:1 if the dealer's visible card is an ace and you hit Blackjack during gameplay. Blackjack Classic doesn't have a Surrender option.

Classic Blackjack by NetEnt is almost similar to the land-based variant. As such, you can expect to see related blackjack betting strategy techniques in this game. For instance, Classic Blackjack features six decks of 52 cards. The game kick-starts with players placing bets between $1 to $5000 (or the currency equivalent in your country). 

Winning hands in this game offer a 1:1 payout, while getting a Blackjack pays 3:2. Classic Blackjack also has a side bet called Insurance. This wager allows you to place 50% of your initial stake if the dealer's first face-up card is an ace. The insurance bet pays 2:1 if the dealer hits Blackjack at the end of the round. 

While Classic Blackjack closely mimics the standard brick-and-mortar version, NetEnt was quite picky with the special features it incorporates to spice up gameplay. I will review some of Classic Blackjack's bonus features:

Hit

Clicking this button adds one more card to your hand to strengthen it. You can hit as many times to improve your hand, as long as the sum of your values stays below 21. If a hand hits 21, you'll automatically stand. When it's above 21, you'll bust and lose the game. 

Stand 

If you believe you have a stronger hand than the dealer, you can click on Stand to stop your turn. At this point, the dealer turns his card face up on the blackjack table.  

If the dealer's hand value is 16 or lower, they must draw another card. However, they must stand if the sum of their cards is 17. You win the round if you have a higher card value than the dealer while staying below 21.

Interestingly, if the dealer's first face-up card at the beginning of the round is an ace, you can place an insurance bet – which is 50% of your initial wager. Should the dealer eventually get a Blackjack, you'll lose other wagers except the insurance bet. 

Double Down

You can request an additional card using the Double Down icon if you feel your current hand isn't strong enough. This move also doubles your bet. However, you can't make another move after this one, so you must consider your options before clicking this button. 

Split 

This move comes in handy if you have two cards with similar values. In Classic Blackjack, this value must be ten or higher. You can select the Split option to separate the cards into two distinct hands. The dealer will give you individual cards for each hand, and you can play them separately. Choosing to split cards doubles your bet and winning chances. 

Even Money 

When the dealer's first face-up card is an ace, and you hit Blackjack during the round, you can select Even Money to forfeit your hand and get paid 1:1.  

Perfect Pairs

It's a side bet feature that awards a payout when the initial two cards dealt match any of the following combinations: 

• Perfect Pair: two cards of the same value and suit.
• Colored Pair: two cards of the same value and color, but they are not suited.
• Mixed Pair: two cards of the same value, but they have different colors and suits.

21+3

Another side bet feature that pays out if the first two cards dealt to you and the dealer’s face-up card match the following combinations:

• Three of a Kind: three cards of the same value but of mixed suits.
• Suited Trips: three cards of the same value and suit.
• Straight: three cards of consecutive value and mixed suits. The Ace can count as either the lowest or the highest car, but not both at the same time.
• Straight Flush: three consecutive cards of the same value and the same suit.

Flush: three cards of the same suit.

One of the reasons NetEnt is a leading iGaming developer is its game adaptability. Classic Blackjack is compatible with mobile devices and personal computers, and the gameplay quality doesn't reduce when you switch platforms. 

I tested the game from the NetEnt website on a mobile browser, and the user experience was smooth and immersive. The piano tune enhanced the gaming, and the shuffle sounds added a hint of realism. 

I didn't notice any hitches as we shuffled the different game stages. That said, if you're not a big fan of gambling through your mobile browser, you can access Classic Blackjack from a mobile app by playing at a casino offering this option. 

Classic Blackjack is a real money casino game. However, if you're new to blackjack or low on funds, you're probably wondering if you can play the blackjack for free. 

Fortunately, I found NetEnt's demo version on their website, which allowed me to enjoy Classic Blackjack without risking my cash. Some mobile casinos also offer free Classic Blackjack demo variants. 

If you're playing Classic Blackjack for the first time, you can use these versions to learn how the game works and develop a gambling strategy before trying out a real money casino. 

Classic Blackjack is just like American Blackjack. Therefore, I wasn't surprised to learn that some players compare it to European Blackjack.

While both follow the same Blackjack rules, there are a few dissimilarities. The table below contains the top features of both Classic Blackjack and European Blackjack to help you know what to expect while playing them.

NetEnt's Classic Blackjack is one of the most popular table games in online casinos. So, you won't struggle to find iGaming platforms offering this game. 

Enjoy Classic Blackjack at my recommended trusted online casinos.

These casinos are registered NetEnt partners with valid iGaming licenses. As such, you're not risking your personal data and financial information by registering and gambling on their websites or mobile apps. 

Classic Blackjack from NetEnt is a favorite amongst gamblers for many reasons. The game mirrors the traditional brick-and-mortar version, offering players a land-based casino experience. 

While there's nothing spectacular about the game design, the minimalistic design ensures players won't struggle to navigate gameplay or find relevant menus. The user interface is another significant plus.

NetEnt also throws in some features to add realism to the game, such as the card shuffle sounds. Let's not forget the game's 99.59% RTP, which guarantees regular winnings. In summary, Classic Blackjack appeals to many gamblers, especially those trying out a blackjack game for the first time.