How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack is a popular casino game thanks to its low house edge, easy-to-understand rules, and engaging gameplay. However, if you’re unfamiliar with blackjack rules, it may seem a bit daunting when you first start playing. That’s why we’ve created our comprehensive beginner’s guide to blackjack. We’ll cover the rules of blackjack, the table layout and card values, and explain how to play it online.

How Blackjack Works

The aim of this card game is to beat the dealer’s hand. This is done by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. You can choose to take a card to increase your total, or you can choose to “stick” and not take any more cards. If your hand total is above 21, you “bust,” and lose your bet.

How to Play Blackjack Online

If you want to start playing blackjack at an online casino but don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered.

1. Choose an online casino: Pick one of the recommended casinos and create an account. Ensure the casino offers blackjack and has good reviews.
2. Find and understand the game: Locate blackjack in the game library and read through the rules to understand the variant you’re playing. Different versions might have slight variations in rules.
3. Select your bet size: Click on the chips at the bottom of the screen to select your bet size. Note the amount displayed to keep track of your total bet.
4. Place your bet: Click in the betting area to place your bet. Clicking multiple times will increase your bet, so keep track of your bet before continuing.
5. Deal the cards: Press the Deal button to receive your cards. The dealer will also receive their cards.
6. Hit or stand: Decide whether to Hit (get another card) or Stand (keep your current hand) using the buttons below your cards. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.
7. Dealer’s turn: The dealer will reveal their face-down card and play according to the house rules (typically hitting until they reach 17 or higher).
8. Compare hands: The dealer compares their hand to yours. If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win. If the dealer’s hand is closer to 21, they win.

If you win, your winnings will be automatically given to you, and if you lose, the casino will take your bet.

Table Layout

The blackjack table is split into two sides: the player’s side and the dealer’s side. On the player’s side, there are usually from 5 to 7 betting boxes that are arranged in a semi-circle around the edge of the table. Above the boxes, you will find the game’s rules on blackjack payouts, insurance, and dealer actions. Players have to place their bets in the boxes before the start of each round.

Rules of Blackjack

Playing blackjack online can be easy with the right approach. The rules of blackjack are simple.

Placing Bets and Dealing the Cards

Before each round, players place their bets in front of them. The dealer then deals two face-up cards to each player and one face-up card to themselves. In some games, the dealer also deals themselves a second card face-down.

Scoring in Blackjack

Each card is worth a set number of points. Numbered cards, such as 2, 6, 9, etc., are worth their face value. Picture cards (jacks, queens, and kings) are worth 10, and aces can be worth 1 or 11.

Player’s Hands

Depending on card values, there 2 types of a player’s hand.

• Soft hand includes a flexible Ace, giving it two possible scores.
• Hard hand doesn’t include an Ace and has only one possible score.

How to Calculate Hands

All cards are counted at their point value. If you have a 5 and a 7, your hand totals 12. If you have a 4 and a Jack (or Queen, or King), your hand totals 14. If you have an Ace and a 5, your hand can be either 6 or 16. When the player wins, their bet is paid out at even money.

Winning and Losing

Once players finish, the dealer takes action. Usually, they need to hit on all hands 16 or lower and stand on 17 or higher. Outcomes are described below.

Note: Payout rate varies depending on the rule set, and can be 1:1 ($10 bet wins $10), 2 to 1 ($10 bet wins $20), 3 to 2 ($10 bet wins $15), or 6 to 5 ($10 bet wins $12). 

Basic Actions in Blackjack

There are multiple actions available, so it’s important to know what each one entails before you start playing.

Hit or Stand

The most commonly used actions in blackjack are hit and stand:

• Hit: Take an additional card to increase your hand score. It can bring you closer to 21 but comes with a risk of busting.
• Stand: Not to take any additional cards. This removes the risk of busting, but it does not allow you to increase your score.

Double Down

When the situation is particularly advantageous to the player, the best action is to double down your bet. You need to match your original wager by placing it behind your bet (this is done automatically online). You can only receive one additional card, which is usually turned sideways.

Split

When players receive two matching cards (77, 99, QQ, etc.), they have the option to “split” them and create two new hands. Players match their original wager and place it next to the bet. The dealer will separate the hand and give two additional cards. These hands play out just like a normal hand with all the options.

Note:Exception comes when splitting AA, as most casinos only allow players to take one additional card.

Surrender

Players can choose to discard their hand and receive half their bet back. There is no possibility of winning the hand in this case. Casinos offer two types of surrender:

• Early surrender: Before the dealer checks for a blackjack.
• Late surrender: After the dealer checks for blackjack. If the dealer has a blackjack, the player automatically loses.

Note:We recommend surrendering in particularly bad situations, such as a player’s 16 against a dealer’s ace.

Insurance

When the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, some blackjack games allow you to protect yourself in case the dealer gets a blackjack. Insurance is a side bet that is half your original wager (a $10 insurance bet after an initial $20). If the dealer has a blackjack, your initial bet is returned to you, and your Insurance bet pays 2 to 1. If the dealer doesn’t have a blackjack, you lose your insurance bet, but your initial bet pays 3 to 2.

Note:Our experts recommend not to take an insurance bet as it has a house edge of 7.4%.

Blackjack Variations

Here are different blackjack game options and what makes each one unique:

• Atlantic City blackjack: This version lets the dealer stand on 17 and allows splitting your cards up to three times. The dealer can also look to see if they have blackjack.
• European blackjack: Played with two decks and without a hole card. You can only double down on hands totalling 9, 10, or 11.
• Blackjack surrender: After the first two cards are dealt, you can choose to surrender and get half of your bet back if you think you’re unlikely to win.
• Blackjack switch: You play two hands at once and can swap the top cards between them to try for better hands. There’s also a side bet called Super Match that pays out if your first four cards have pairs or three of a kind.
• Live blackjack: You play against a real dealer through a video link, simulating the experience of being in a physical casino while playing online.
• Perfect blackjack: You can make a side bet on whether you or the dealer will get a perfect pair (two cards of the same suit). If you do, the payout can be up to 25 to 1.

Blackjack Top Tips and Tricks

To give you a head start, we’ve provided some helpful tips for beginners and experts alike.

1. Use strategy charts: It takes time to fully memorise blackjack’s basic strategy, so use charts.
2. Take small edges: Make adjustments to the basic strategy based on your hand composition.
3. Make reasonable wagers on each bet: Bet in a responsible way. Use a steady, consistent approach.
4. Consider blackjack card counting: It’s a tough skill to pick up and takes a lot of practice but could help you become a winner.
5. Stay focused: While you play, don’t let the emotions affect your game. Act logically.