A complete Blackjack guide covering rules, hand values, dealer actions, player options, and payouts. Learn how blackjack works and what to expect at the casino table.
Introduction
Blackjack is the world’s most popular casino card game, known for its blend of simple rules and interactive gameplay. The objective is straightforward: beat the dealer by having a hand closer to 21 without going over. Unlike most casino games, blackjack allows players to make decisions during the round, such as hitting, standing, doubling down, or splitting pairs.
This guide explains the complete rules of blackjack, how hands are valued, how rounds are played, and what payouts are standard across casinos.
What Is Blackjack?
Blackjack is a comparing card game between:
- Player(s)
- Dealer
Each player competes only against the dealer, not against other players.
Depending on the casino, blackjack is played with one to eight standard decks of 52 cards.
Card Values in Blackjack
Card values are simple:
- 2–10 = face value
- J, Q, K = 10
- Ace = 1 or 11, whichever benefits the hand
An Ace that counts as 11 is called a soft Ace (e.g., A + 6 = soft 17).
If counting it as 11 would bust, it becomes 1.
Objective of the Game
Your goal is to:
👉 Beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21
👉 Or by letting the dealer bust
👉 Without exceeding 21 yourself
How a Round of Blackjack Works
A typical round proceeds as follows:
1. Place Your Bet
Players place their wagers before any cards are dealt.
2. Cards Are Dealt
- Player receives two face-up cards
- Dealer receives one face-up card and one face-down card (the “hole card”)
Some blackjack variations change this slightly, but this is the standard procedure.
3. Player Decisions
Players act before the dealer and may choose from several actions:
Hit
Take another card.
You can hit multiple times as long as your total does not exceed 21.
Stand
Keep your current total and end your turn.
Double Down
Double your initial bet and receive exactly one additional card.
Allowed on any two cards in many casinos.
Split
If your first two cards have the same value (e.g., 8–8), you may split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet.
Some rules:
- Aces can be split but receive only one card each
- Many tables allow re-splitting (except Aces)
Surrender (not always available)
Some casinos allow you to “surrender” your hand:
- You forfeit half your bet
- Round ends immediately
Types:
- Early surrender
- Late surrender (more common)
4. Dealer Actions
After all players finish their actions, the dealer reveals the hole card.
Dealer rules are fixed and consistent:
- Dealer must hit on totals 16 or below
- Dealer must stand on 17 or higher
Some casinos use the rule:
- “Dealer hits soft 17” (H17) → increases dealer activity
- “Dealer stands on soft 17” (S17) → more favorable to players
Dealer never makes decisions based on preference — rules are automatic.
Winning and Losing Outcomes
Player wins if:
- Player total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s
- Dealer busts (goes over 21)
Player loses if:
- Player busts
- Dealer total is closer to 21
Push (Tie)
If both totals are equal, the bet is returned.
Blackjack (Natural 21)
A Blackjack occurs when the first two cards equal 21:
- Ace + 10 / J / Q / K
Standard payout for Blackjack:
3:2 payout
(e.g., bet $10 → win $15)
Some casinos offer 6:5 payout, which is less favorable.
Payouts in Blackjack
Standard payouts are:
| Result | Payout |
|---|---|
| Winning hand | 1:1 |
| Blackjack (Natural 21) | 3:2 |
| Insurance win | 2:1 |
| Push | Bet returned |
Insurance Bet
If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, players may take Insurance, a side bet predicting that the dealer has Blackjack.
- Costs half the original bet
- Pays 2:1 if the dealer’s down card is a 10-value card
Insurance is optional.
Hard vs. Soft Hands
Hard Hand
A hand without a soft Ace, or where the Ace counts as 1.
Example: 10 + 8 = 18
Example: A + 7 + 9 = hard 17
Soft Hand
A hand where Ace counts as 11 without busting.
Example: A + 6 = soft 17
Example: A + 3 = soft 14
Soft hands are more flexible because they can’t bust from one hit.
Dealer Blackjack Check (Hole Card Rules)
Some casinos use “peek” rules:
- Dealer checks for Blackjack when showing an Ace or 10
- If Blackjack is confirmed → round ends immediately
In European blackjack, there is no hole card, so the dealer does not check early.
Why Blackjack Is Popular
Players enjoy blackjack because:
- Simple rules but interactive gameplay
- Multiple decision options
- Low house edge under standard rules
- Fast and engaging rounds
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced players
Its mix of simplicity and depth has made blackjack a casino favorite for decades.
FAQ
What is the goal of blackjack?
To beat the dealer without exceeding 21.
Is blackjack a game of skill or luck?
It’s primarily a game of chance, but includes player decisions.
How many decks are used?
Typically 1–8 decks depending on the casino.
What is a soft hand?
A hand containing an Ace counted as 11.
Does splitting Aces give two full hands?
No. Each Ace receives only one card in most casinos.