Blackjack Rules Explained

What Is Blackjack? The Goal in One Sentence

Blackjack is a comparing card game where your goal is to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 than the dealer does—without going over.

• The best hand is a natural blackjack: an Ace + a 10-value card on your first two cards.
• If you bust (go over 21), you lose immediately—even if the dealer later busts.

Blackjack Rules: The Essentials

Card Values, Hand Totals, and Hand Rankings Explained

Cards 2–10 are worth their number. Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as 10. Aces are flexible: they count as 1 or 11, whichever helps your hand most.

Unlike poker hand rankings, blackjack compares totals, not combinations. The highest total at or under 21 wins, and a two-card 21 (blackjack) beats any other 21.

Table Setup and Betting Basics

• Game uses 1–8 decks shuffled together (most casinos use 6 or 8).
• Place your initial wager in the betting circle before cards are dealt.
• Each player gets two cards; the dealer gets one face-up and one face-down card (the hole card) in most regions.

Gameplay Rules Step-by-Step

1. Bet: Place your chips before the deal. Respect table minimum and maximum.
2. Initial deal: You receive two cards; the dealer takes one upcard and one hole card (or draws second after players act, depending on locale).
3. Check for blackjack: If your first two cards total 21, that’s a blackjack. Typical payout is 3:2 (some tables pay 6:5—less favorable).
4. Player decisions:
   • Hit: Take another card.
   • Stand: Take no more cards.
   • Double down: Double your bet, take exactly one card.
   • Split: If you have a pair, split into two hands with an equal bet.
   • Surrender (where offered): Forfeit half your bet and end the hand.
5. Dealer plays: After all players act, the dealer reveals the hole card and draws according to strict house rules.
6. Settle bets: Winning hands are paid; ties (pushes) return your original bet; losses are collected.

These gameplay rules are consistent across casinos, though small variations exist. Always read the table placard before you buy in.

Player Actions Explained (With Practical Tips)

Hit vs. Stand

• Hit when your total is low or the dealer shows a strong upcard (7–Ace).
• Stand on “made” hands where the dealer is likely to bust (e.g., you have 12–16 and the dealer shows 2–6, depending on exact totals).

Double Down

• Common basic strategy doubles: 11 vs. any dealer upcard except Ace in some rules; 10 vs. dealer 9 or less; 9 vs. dealer 3–6 (check your table’s rules).
• You receive exactly one card after doubling—make it count.

Split Pairs

• Always split Aces and 8s (most games give one card to each split Ace).
• Never split 5s (treat as 10) or 10-value pairs (20 is already strong).

Surrender

If offered, surrender weak hands against strong dealer upcards (e.g., 16 vs. 9–Ace, except 8-8 which you split). It’s a small-edge saver over time.

Dealer Rules You Should Know

The dealer follows strict, non-negotiable procedures. Common dealer rules include:

• Hit or stand on soft 17: Many casinos require the dealer to hit a soft 17 (H17), while others require a stand (S17). S17 is slightly better for players.
• Must hit until 17 or more: Dealer stops at hard 17+ (and soft 18+).
• No doubling/splitting: Only players make those choices.
• Insurance check: When the dealer shows an Ace, players may take insurance (a side bet) before the dealer peeks for blackjack if the game uses a hole card.

House dealer rules are posted on the table. If you see “H17” or “S17,” that tells you how the dealer will act on soft 17.

Payouts, Odds, and House Edge

• Blackjack payout: Typically 3:2. Avoid 6:5 tables when possible—they increase the house edge.
• Insurance: Pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. Over the long run, insurance is a negative EV bet unless you’re counting cards.
• Push: If you tie the dealer total, you keep your original bet.
• House edge: With good basic strategy and favorable rules (S17, double after split, late surrender), the edge can be near 0.5%.

Real-Life Example: My First Vegas Session

I sat at a $15 S17 table with six decks. On my first hand, I had a pair of 8s against a dealer 10. Splitting felt scary, but I followed the chart and split. I drew a 3 on the first 8 and doubled (11 vs. 10), then drew a 10 for 21. The second 8 became 18. The dealer flipped a 10 and drew a 6—bust. That single decision turned a likely loss into a profitable hand. Lesson: sticking to sound decisions beats guessing.

Strategy Basics and Common Mistakes

Basic Strategy Snapshot

• Use a basic strategy chart for your table rules (H17 vs. S17 matters).
• Double 11 often; avoid doubling soft hands against strong dealer upcards.
• Split Aces and 8s; don’t split 10s or 5s.
• Stand more when the dealer shows 2–6; be cautious when the dealer shows 7–Ace.

Bankroll, Etiquette, and Pace

• Bring 30–50x the table minimum for a comfortable session.
• Announce actions clearly; use hand signals so the cameras record your decisions.
• Tip dealers within your means; keep the game friendly and fair.
• Avoid side bets until you understand their higher house edges.

Quick note on hand rankings: in blackjack, totals rule. A two-card 21 (blackjack) outranks any other 21; other than that, the higher total at or under 21 wins.

Know the Variations Before You Play

• H17 vs. S17: S17 is better for players.
• Double After Split (DAS): Player-friendly. If not allowed, strategy changes slightly.
• Resplitting Aces: Not always allowed.
• Number of decks: Fewer decks slightly improve player odds.
• Payouts: Favor 3:2 over 6:5 for blackjacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Now that you have the blackjack rules down—card values, player options, and how dealers act—you’re ready to practice with purpose. Bring a basic strategy chart, pick player-friendly tables (3:2 payout, S17, DAS), and manage your bankroll.