Blackjack is one of the most widely played card games in both land-based and online casinos. It’s a game of chance with a structured set of rules that are easy to learn. The aim is to achieve a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding.
In this guide, we’ll cover the game’s objective, card values, step-by-step gameplay, and the choices you can make during a hand. But, it’s important to remember that whether you choose to play live Blackjack online or at a land-based venue, it remains a game of chance.
The aim of the game
Your goal in Blackjack is simple: beat the dealer by having a hand total higher than theirs without exceeding 21. If your total goes over 21, this is called going ‘bust’, and you automatically lose the round.
You are playing against the dealer rather than the other players, meaning each hand is an individual game between you and the house.
Card values and basic rules you need to know
Blackjack is played with one or more standard decks of 52 cards. Always check the number of decks used in the game you’ve chosen, as this can affect the house edge. Card values remain the same:
- Number cards (two through 10) are worth their face value
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10
- Aces can be counted as either one or 11, depending on which value benefits your hand most
Each round begins with all players placing their bets before the dealer distributes two cards each, including themselves. The dealer receives one face up card and one face down card, which is known as the ‘hole card’.
How to play Blackjack – a step-by-step guide
1. Placing your bet
Before any cards are dealt, you must place your wager. The amount you bet determines your potential payout for the round.
2. Receiving your cards
Once bets are placed, the dealer will give you two cards. You can then evaluate your hand based on the total value of your two starting cards. The dealer also receives two cards, with one being face-up for you to see.
3. Your turn
At this stage, you decide how to proceed based on your hand’s value. You have several options:
- Hit: If you believe your hand is too low, you can request another card. You can continue to hit until you either reach a comfortable total or go over 21.
- Stand: If you are satisfied with your hand, you can choose to stand and keep your current total.
- Double down: You can choose to double your original bet and receive just one more card. This is often done when you have a strong starting hand, such as a total of 10 or 11.
- Split: If your two starting cards are of the same value, you may split them into two separate hands. You must place an additional bet equal to your original wager for the new hand.
- Surrender: Some, but not all, variations of Blackjack allow you to surrender. This means you forfeit half your bet and exit the round without playing further.
4. The dealer’s turn
After all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals their face-down card. The dealer must follow strict rules:
- If the dealer’s total is 16 or lower, they must take another card (hit)
- If the dealer’s total is 17 or higher, they must stand
If the dealer busts (goes over 21), all remaining players win the round.
5. The outcome
Once all cards are revealed, the round is settled based on the following scenarios:
- If your total is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, you win
- If the dealer has a higher total than you, you lose your bet
- If both you and the dealer have the same total, it is a push, and your bet is returned
- If you receive an Ace and a 10-value card as your first two cards, this is called a ‘Blackjack’, and you win. A Blackjack typically pays out at 3:2 odds (unless stated otherwise in specific game variations).
The standard payouts in Blackjack are:
- Winning hand: Pays 1:1. If you win a round with a standard hand, you receive your original bet plus an equal amount in winnings
- Blackjack (Ace and a 10-value card): Pays 3:2 in most games
- Push: If you and the dealer have the same total, your bet is returned
Blackjack is a game of chance that combines structured rules with decision-making. The cards you are dealt are completely random, meaning you ultimately cannot predict or influence the outcome.
Understanding the basics of Blackjack will allow you to play confidently, know the choices available to you, and be able to check specific game rules before you play.
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