Blackjack
Blackjack is the most popular and one of the easiest casino games for gamblers. You don't need any unusual skills to master it. The rules are easy, basic strategy is understandable, and playing conditions are convenient.
The Aim of the Game
The aim of blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding 21. Regardless of the number of players at the table, your only opponent is the dealer.
Card Values in Blackjack
- Ace: 1 or 11 points
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): 10 points each
- Numbered cards (2-10): face value
How to Play Blackjack
How to Play a Hand of Blackjack
Follow these steps for standard gameplay.
- Place Your BetEach player places their bet before the cards are dealt.
- Deal CardsThe dealer deals two cards face up to each player and two cards to themselves—one face up (upcard) and one face down (hole card).
- Player TurnsStarting with the player to the dealer's left, each player decides whether to Hit (take another card), Stand (end turn), Double Down (double bet and take one card), Split (pair into two hands), or Surrender (if offered, forfeit half bet). Players continue until they Stand or bust (exceed 21).
- Dealer TurnAfter all players act, the dealer reveals the hole card and plays: must hit on 16 or less, stand on 17 or higher (some rules hit soft 17).
- Resolve BetsPlayer bust loses bet. Dealer bust pays players 1:1 (even money). Otherwise, player hand higher than dealer wins 1:1; ties (push) return bet. Natural blackjack (Ace+10) pays 3:2.
Deck Shuffling
Blackjack is played with 1 to 8 standard 52-card decks.
- After shuffling, a player cuts the deck for fairness.
- The dealer burns the top card and places it aside.
- The dealer inserts a plastic cut card near the end of the deck (about 75% through). When the cut card appears, the deck is reshuffled.
Main Betting Options
- Blackjack: Ace plus 10-value card totals 21 immediately, pays 3:2.
Surrender: Forfeit half your bet when chances are poor.
- Early Surrender: Before dealer checks for blackjack.
- Late Surrender: After dealer checks.
- Splitting: If first two cards are a pair, split into two hands with equal bets.
- Double Down: After first two cards, double your bet and receive one more card only.
- Insurance: Side bet when dealer shows Ace up. Pays 2:1 if dealer has blackjack.
- Even Money: If you have blackjack and dealer shows Ace, take 1:1 payout to avoid push risk.
For detailed Blackjack Glossary terms, check our reference page.