Build a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21.
Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly casino card games. It’s fast-paced, easy to learn, and combines luck with basic strategy. The aim is simple: Get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand – without going over.
Your Goal: Beat the dealer by getting a hand total closer to 21 than theirs.
Don’t Bust: If your hand goes over 21, you automatically lose — this is called a bust.
Dealer’s Goal: The dealer plays by fixed rules and must draw until they reach at least 17.
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Place Your Bet | Before any cards are dealt, you place your wager using chips. |
| 2️⃣ | Cards Are Dealt | You and the dealer each receive 2 cards. You get both face up; the dealer gets one face up and one face down (the hole card). |
| 3️⃣ | Player’s Turn | Choose one of the following actions: • Hit – Take another card. • Stand – Keep your hand as is. • Double Down – Double your bet, get only one more card. • Split – If you have a pair, split into two hands. |
| 4️⃣ | Dealer’s Turn | Once you stand, the dealer reveals their hidden card and draws more if needed. They must hit until they reach 17+. |
| 5️⃣ | Compare Hands | The closest to 21 without busting wins. If it’s a tie, it’s a push and your bet is returned. |
| Outcome | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Win | You beat the dealer without going over 21. | 1:1 |
| Blackjack | You get an Ace + a 10-value card on your first two cards. | 3:2 |
| Push | Tie with the dealer. | Bet returned |
| Insurance | Side bet if dealer shows Ace – pays if dealer has Blackjack. | 2:1 (Not recommended) |
✅ Use a basic strategy chart (many are available online).
✅ Always split Aces and 8s — gives better winning chances.
❌ Never take insurance – it’s usually a bad bet for players.
✅ Stand on hard 17 or higher.
❌ Don’t hit on hard 17 or soft 18 unless you know the chart.
📉 Learn when to Double Down for maximum gain.
🚫 Hitting on a hard 17 (especially against low dealer cards).
🚫 Standing on soft 17 (Ace + 6) – usually a bad idea.
🚫 Taking insurance bets – tempting but mathematically poor.
🚫 Not understanding the house rules (some dealers hit on soft 17, others stand).
| With Basic Strategy | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Played correctly | ~0.5% |
| Played casually | 2%–3% or higher |
The better your strategy, the lower the house edge. Blackjack offers some of the best odds in the casino when played correctly.
Hit: Ask for another card.
Stand: Keep your current hand.
Bust: Go over 21 – you lose.
Split: Create two hands from a pair.
Double Down: Double your bet and take one more card only.
Soft Hand: A hand with an Ace counted as 11 (e.g., Ace + 6 = Soft 17).
Hard Hand: A hand without an Ace or with Ace counted as 1.
| Profile | Why You’ll Like It |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Simple rules, easy to learn, fast rounds. |
| Strategic Thinkers | Allows skillful play using charts. |
| Low Edge Seekers | Best house edge if played with strategy. |