Guide on How To Play Blackjack — Everything You Need To Know for 2025
In this beloved casino game, players aim to beat the dealer with a hand that is as close to 21 as possible, without going over. Read on as we cover everything you need to know about how to play blackjack, including the rules, bets, strategies, and etiquette, so you’re all set for your next game at the best real-money blackjack casinos!
What Is Blackjack & How Do You Play It?
Also known as 21, blackjack is the most popular and widely-played table game at online and brick-and-mortar casinos. It is loved for its simple, yet thrilling nature.
While the gameplay is straightforward, players can still enjoy tactical gameplay with interesting rules, side bets, and strategies. Single-deck blackjack also has the lowest house edge of all casino games.
The game is believed to have originated in French casinos around the 1700s, where it was known as Vingt-et-Un (“Twenty-One”). However, it gained widespread popularity and took on its current format after becaming prevalent in the United States.
Today, blackjack is played with one, two, four, six, or eight decks. Everyone plays against the dealer, with each card having a specific value. Players receive two cards and aim to achieve a hand as close to 21 without exceeding it. Going over 21 will result in a “bust”, and you automatically lose.
While playing, one of the dealer’s cards is visible, while the other is face down. Your goal is to beat the dealer’s hand with shrewd decision-making. If you have a better hand than the dealer, you win your bet. However, if you have the weaker hand, the dealer takes your bet.
Skill or Chance?Blackjack is a combination of both skill and chance. To begin with, the initial deal of cards is random and can’t be controlled, which would indicate that it is a game of chance. However, it becomes a game of skill after the cards are dealt because it relies on a player’s decision-making and strategy.
How To Play Blackjack — Step-by-Step Guide
The game is pretty straightforward, even for beginners. Here's exactly how to play blackjack:
- Place your bets: Before the game begins, each player must place a bet. The minimum and maximum bets can vary depending on the table.
- Cards are dealt: Once the bets are placed, the dealer gives out one face-up card to each player and themselves. Then, another card is provided to each player face up, but the dealer’s second card is face down.
- Choose to hit or stand: Now, each player has to add up the value of their cards. If they have an Ace with a court card or 10, that is a natural Blackjack. Players decide whether to “stand” (keep their current hand) or “hit” (take another card). They can continue hitting until they’re happy with their hand, but if they go over 21, they bust.
- Dealer’s turn: The dealer reveals their face-down card. If their total is 17 or higher, they must stand. But if the total of the hand is 16 or lower, they must hit until they reach 17 or over.
- The winner is decided: Players with a hand closer to 21 than the dealer’s are the winner. If the dealer busts, all the players are winners.
The Rules of Blackjack Online
Before you begin playing blackjack online, it is essential to understand the rules, actions based on your hands, and side bets. Learning all of this can prepare you for your next game and significantly improve your gameplay. So, without further ado, let’s delve into how to play blackjack 21.
Blackjack Cards’ Value
Each card has a specific value in blackjack, telling you the total value of the hand. Cards from 2 to 9 have face value, while the court cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10. Aces have a value of either 1 or 11, depending on what is more beneficial to your hand. How many cards there are in blackjack depends on the number of decks in the game
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2-10 | Face value |
| Jack, Queen, King | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11 |
The Blackjack Table
Blackjack tables are designed in a semicircular shape, commonly accommodating seven players, but some tables are built for five or 12 players. The dealer is positioned at the centre on the straight edge side of the table; in front of them is the chip tray, the shoe, and the discard tray. All the players are sat opposite the dealer in their own designated spot; bets are placed in the area in front of them, typically marked by a circle or square.
Blackjack Bets
In blackjack, the main bet is made at the beginning of each round before any cards are dealt. Side bets are also available as an additional wager, placed at the start of a round along with the main bet.
Blackjack Hands & When To Play Them
Specific actions can be taken in blackjack depending on your hand and the dealer’s up card.
| Action | When To Use It |
|---|---|
| Split | Two cards have the same value |
| Double Down | Strong hand |
| Insure | Dealer’s up-card is an ace |
| Surrender | Weak hand against the dealer’s up-card |
| Split Pairs |
|---|
| When you receive two cards of the same value on your initial hand, you can split them into two separate hands. You must place another bet for the second hand that matches your original bet. If you split aces, each hand can only receive one additional card. |
| Double Down |
| After receiving your initial two cards, you can choose to double down by placing an extra bet up to the amount of your original wager. By opting to double down, you’ll only be allowed one more card for your hand. |
| Insurance |
| You can place an insurance bet if the dealer’s face-up card is an ace. This is a side bet predicting whether the dealer will hit a blackjack. You can bet up to half of your original wager on this. An insurance bet pays out 2:1 if the dealer does have a blackjack. |
| Surrender |
| Players can choose to surrender after being dealt their first two cards, losing half of their initial bet. The option is only available after the dealer checks for blackjack. But, if the dealer does have blackjack, surrendering is not allowed. |
Blackjack Rule Variations
Sometimes, the casino blackjack rules can change depending on the specific casino and the game itself. It's important to be aware of these rules as they can impact their house edge and your likelihood of success.
- Doubling After Splitting — When players are dealt two cards of the same rank, they can split them into separate hands. According to the rules of the casino, you might be able to “double down” on the new hand after splitting.
- Re-Splitting Aces — This is allowed at some casinos. If you’re dealt a pair of aces, you usually split them into two separate hands. If one of these hands is then dealt another ace, you can again split the hand. Since the ace is the strongest card with a value of 1 or 11, allowing players to re-split them increases their chances of success.
- Early Surrender — Early surrender allows players to fold their hands by giving up half their bet before the dealer checks for a blackjack. The option is only available after the initial deal if you believe, based on the face-up card, that the dealer is likely to win. It’s an outdated rule and isn’t often offered at casinos anymore.
Blackjack Side Bets
Blackjack has plenty of interesting side bets that can be placed along with the main wager in the game. These are the most popular.
- Mixed Pair — Cards are of the same rank but a different colour, so one red and one black card of the same number. Typically, this has a payout of 5:1.
- Coloured Pair — Cards have the same rank and colour but are from different suits, like a King of Hearts and a King of Diamonds. The payout is 10:1.
- Perfect Pair — Cards are exactly the same rank and suit, like two Kings of Hearts. It has a payout of 30:1.
| Name | Meaning | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Flush | All three cards are the same suit | 5:1 |
| Straight | Three consecutive cards, regardless of suit | 10:1 |
| Three of a Kind | All three cards have the same value, regardless of suit | 30:1 |
| Straight Flush | Three consecutive cards of the same suit | 40:1 |
| Suited Three of a Kind | Three cards have the same value and suit | 100:1 |
| Hand Combination | Payout |
|---|---|
| Total of 19 | 2:1 |
| Total of 20 | 2:1 |
| Total of 21 | 3:1 |
| Total of 21 (All the same suit) | 15:1 |
| 6,7,8 (Different suits) | 30:1 |
| 7,7,7 (Different suits) | 50:1 |
| 6,7,8 (All the same suit) | 100:1 |
| 7,7,7 (All the same suit) | 200:1 |
Blackjack Odds & House Edge
The house edge is the advantage that the casino has over players in a particular game, and is represented as an average percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep. Essentially, the house edge guarantees the casino will profit over time. In blackjack, the house edge is typically lower than that of other casino games.
- Multi-Deck Blackjack — The house edge in blackjack increases with every deck that you add to the game since it becomes less likely to predict the outcome of cards.
- Shoe/Deck Penetration — Deck penetration refers to the position of the cut card that signals when the deck should be shuffled. The deeper in the shoe (further back the cut card is placed), the greater the deck penetration; this makes it easier for card counters to have an advantage over the casino, reducing the house edge.
- Continuous Shuffling Machine (CSM) — A CSM keeps the deck shuffled so players can't count cards, increasing the house edge.
Blackjack Strategies
Like other table games, blackjack can be played using numerous casino strategies, ranging from simple tactics to more advanced systems. By employing the best blackjack strategies, you can improve your gameplay and increase your chances of success.
How To Play Blackjack & Win
While complex blackjack betting strategies are available, remember that following the simple tips below is crucial to improving your possibility of winning. Here is our fundamental advice on how to play blackjack and win:
- Bankroll Management — Starting off, it is important that your bets are aligned with your bankroll. Set a budget or spending plan to have enough funds to play comfortably without worrying about your finances. Don’t chase losses.
- Practise Your Games — The more you play, the more familiar you’ll become with the game. Beginners can use demo versions at online casinos to practise blackjack without risking their money. Another good tip is to watch and learn from the gameplay of successful players to understand their strategies.
- Know When To Walk Away — As with any casino game, knowing when to call it quits is crucial for long-term success. Sure, win streaks are exciting, but after a while, they’re unrealistic, so you should know when to withdraw your winnings or cut your losses.
- Learn the Basic Strategy — Blackjack has a few simple rules based on your hand: hit when your hand has a value of eight or less, stand if your hand is 17 or higher, double down on 11, split aces and 8s, and never split 10s.
- Avoid Insurance Bets — Insurance bets can seem appealing, especially when a dealer has an ace. However, these bets usually work against you in the long run and can reduce your overall wins. Rather than relying on insurance bets, learning basic strategies to make informed choices is better.
- Be Careful of Card Counting — Learning to count cards gives you an advantage over the casino. However, many casinos do not allow this practice, which can lead to you to being banned.
- Understand the Different Rules & Bets — Remembering the rules and bets we’ve discussed can help improve your gameplay. Different games and casinos can have slightly different rules, so check this beforehand.
Online Blackjack Table Etiquette
Understanding the correct etiquette is necessary when learning how to play blackjack online, as it fosters an enjoyable environment for all players. Since you're not playing in person, the etiquette for online blackjack differs somewhat from a traditional physical casino.
- Be Respectful in the Chat — Many online blackjack games have a live chat where you can interact with fellow players. When using this feature, being respectful and polite in these conversations is important.
- Keep Your Cool — Remind yourself that losses are an inherent part of gambling, and stay level-headed. There’s no point in getting upset with the dealer or fellow players. Address any issues with courtesy and respect.
- Understand the Rules — Take the time to learn the game’s rules thoroughly to prevent any delays in the game — you don’t want to annoy other players with your lack of knowledge. Also be aware of the many side-bets and specific rules to understand in blackjack.
- Be Time-Conscious — Try to be relatively quick when placing your bets and making decisions; you don’t want to hold up the game for too long. You’ll have a set amount of time to make decisions online, especially if playing live-dealer blackjack.
- Stable Internet Connection — As you’re playing online, it is essential to have a reliable internet connection to prevent any interruptions for yourself and others.
How To Play Blackjack Card Game — Our Verdict
Blackjack is a timeless casino classic, blending elements of chance with strategy and clever decision-making. Understanding the basic concept is straightforward; however, specific nuances exist in comprehending and mastering how to play blackjack at a casino. Keep in mind the information and tips we’ve provided when you’re next playing blackjack at one of the best online casinos.
How To Play Blackjack Sources
- Wikipedia — A free online encyclopedia with detailed articles
- Britannica — An encyclopedia written by experts
FAQs
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The house edge of blackjack is usually between 0.5% and 1%, meaning that the RTP can be as high as 99%-99.5%. Players have around a 42% chance of success.
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Generally, blackjack is known for having the best odds among casino games. However, specifically regarding the Banker bet in baccarat, this has better odds and is one of the best bets in terms of odds.
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Blackjack is a game of both skill and chance. Initially, players have no control over the cards they receive, so they have to rely solely on chance. However, it becomes more of a skill game based on your choices, decisions, and strategy once it gets going.
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The typical wager in blackjack depends on the specific game; minimum bets in a low-stakes game can be down to £/€/$1, while high-stakes games might require a minimum of £/€/$100 or £/€/$200 and a maximum of thousands.
Rhianna
