How to Play Blackjack - Learn the Rules and Strategy

How to Play Blackjack – Most Popular Casino Table Games

Blackjack is one of the most exciting games offered play at any casino and with many sites offering the game to be played online, players from all over the world can enjoy great action and have the best chances to win.

The goal of blackjack is simple – to get as close as possible to 21 without going over, and to have a higher hand than the dealer. If the dealer goes over 21, they bust and lose the game. The same goes for you.

Baccarat is really a good game for the small stakes player because

It has a low house edge
It’s very simple to play

Card Value When Play Blackjack

Similar to Blackjack. The points of cards in Blackjack are calculated as follows:

Cards 2 to 10 are the same as the number of that card
J, Q, and K-shaped cards are counted as 10 points
Particularly, an Ace (A) is counted as 1 point or 11 points depending on the most beneficial situation.

Basic Blackjack Rules

Now we’ve covered the essential steps to playing a standard game, there are a few other basic rules you’ll need to keep in mind. It’s always worth knowing what payouts you’ll receive in various blackjack scenarios, and which moves to make depending on your hand. Take a look at the additional rules below:

The goal of play blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21.
Face cards are worth 10. Aces are worth 1 or 11, whichever makes a better hand.
Each player starts with two cards, one of the dealer’s cards is hidden until the end.
To ‘Hit’ is to ask for another card. To ‘Stand’ is to hold your total and end your turn.
If you go over 21 you bust, and the dealer wins regardless of the dealer’s hand.
If you are dealt 21 from the start (Ace & 10), you got a blackjack.
Blackjack usually means you win 1.5 the amount of your bet. Depends on the casino.
Dealer will hit until his/her cards total 17 or higher.
Doubling is like a hit, only the bet is doubled and you only get one more card.
Split can be done when you have two of the same card – the pair is split into two hands.
Splitting also doubles the bet, because each new hand is worth the original bet.
You can only double/split on the first move, or first move of a hand created by a split.
You cannot play on two aces after they are split
You can double on a hand resulting from a split, tripling or quadrupling you bet.
Insurance – If a dealer shows an Ace as their face up card, they’ll invite players to take insurance. This protects you in case the dealer has a card valued at 10.
Surrendering – In some online casinos, you can surrender half your bet if you don’t like your hand. The option varies from casino to casino.
Soft 17 – A soft hand is a hand that has an Ace in it. It’s called soft because the hand has two values – either 1 or 11, plus the other cards. Some blackjack casinos require the dealer to hit on a soft 17 while others require that they stand. Make sure you check the rules before you play.
Taking even money – If you hit a blackjack but the dealer is showing an Ace, you’ll push (tie) if he also happens to have a Blackjack. If you don’t want to risk not winning, you can choose to take even money. Instead of getting paid 3:2, you’ll get paid 1:1.

Blackjack FAQ:

What are the basic rules of blackjack?

The rules of blackjack are simple. You are dealt cards, which have the face value shown on them. You need to get a hand with a score of as close to 21 as possible, without going over it. Go over 21 and you’re out.

Is it safe to play online blackjack at casinos?

Yes, it is safe to play online blackjack at a casino, provided that casino is licensed and regulated. All of our top recommended casinos have been vetted to be sure they are trustworthy.

What is a split in blackjack?

A split is a move which can be made if your hand contains two cards of equal value. You can choose to split the hand into two new hands, and double your bet in the process.

Should I always double down on 11?

The best strategy states that players should always double down when they have 11, regardless of what the dealer card may be. The odds for players to win will increase when doubling down on 11.