What Are Blackjack Dealer Rules?
The dealer follows a fixed, non-negotiable script designed to speed up play and protect the house edge. Unlike players, dealers don’t “decide.” They use a simple algorithm: draw to a certain total, then stop. Knowing these rules lets you anticipate outcomes and choose the right basic strategy.
Step-by-Step: How the Dealer Plays Every Hand
- Initial deal: Each player gets two cards; dealer gets one upcard and one downcard (hole card), except at European tables (no hole card until players act).
- Insurance check: If dealer shows an Ace (and often a 10 in some regions), players may buy insurance. Generally not recommended.
- Player turns: Each player acts using their own strategy (hit, stand, split, double, or surrender if allowed).
- Dealer reveals: After all players finish, the dealer flips the hole card.
- Dealer draws: Dealer must hit until reaching at least 17. This is the heart of the stand/hit rules.
- Resolve bets:
- If dealer busts, all remaining players who didn’t bust win.
- If dealer stands, totals are compared. Higher total wins; ties push.
Example Round (Real Cards)
You hold 9 and 7 (16). Dealer shows a 10. Basic strategy says hit, because a dealer 10 is strong. You draw a 4 (now 20) and stand.
Dealer reveals a 6 under the 10 (total 16), must hit, draws a 5 and busts with 21? Not exactly—16 + 5 = 21, so dealer stands at 21 and you lose. If the draw had been an 8 (total 24), the dealer busts and you win. Understanding the dealer’s forced draw is key to predicting these outcomes.
Soft 17 Explained and Why It Matters
A “soft” total contains an Ace counted as 11. For example, Ace-6 is soft 17. Some tables require the dealer hits soft 17 (H17). Others make the dealer stand on soft 17 (S17).
- S17 (stand on soft 17): Better for players. Slightly lowers the house edge.
- H17 (dealer hits soft 17): Tougher on players. Increases the house edge by about 0.2 percentage points, depending on the overall rule set and number of decks.
If a dealer hits soft 17, they’ll sometimes improve to 18–21 instead of stopping at a vulnerable 17, which makes your 17s and 18s less safe. All else equal, pick S17 tables when possible.
Common Table Variations and Their Impact
Not all blackjack games are equal. Small table variations can swing the house edge by more than a full percentage point. Look for these rule lines on the placard:
Blackjack Payout
3:2 is standard and player-friendly. 6:5 increases the house edge by roughly 1.3% or more—avoid when possible.
Soft 17 Rule
S17 is better than H17. H17 adds ~0.2% to the house edge depending on decks and other rules.
Number of Decks
Fewer decks usually help the player slightly. Single-deck can be good if rules are fair (but many single-deck games pay 6:5—be careful).
Double After Split (DAS)
Allowed = better for players. Increases flexibility after splitting.
Resplit Aces (RSA)
Permitted in some casinos; helps the player. Often capped to one card per split Ace.
Surrender
Late surrender reduces losses in tough spots (e.g., 16 vs 10). Early surrender is rare but even better for players.
Peek / No-Peek
American hole-card games “peek” for blackjack with Ace/10 up. European no-hole-card games settle splits/doubles differently—know the policy.
CSM vs. Shoe
Continuous shuffle machines speed up play and block deck-penetration advantages. Shoe games are fine for most players.
Reading the Table Placard
- Look for “Blackjack pays 3:2” first.
- Confirm S17 vs H17.
- Check if DAS, surrender, and RSA are allowed.
- Note number of decks and any side-bet rules.
Practical Tips to Play Smarter Against the Dealer
- Use a basic strategy chart matched to your exact rules (decks, S17/H17, DAS).
- Avoid insurance unless you’re counting cards; it’s a negative EV bet for casual play.
- Prioritize 3:2 blackjack and S17 when available.
- Manage bankroll: bring 30–50 betting units for a casual session to smooth variance.
- Skip high-edge side bets until you know their odds.
- For European “no hole card,” be extra cautious doubling/splitting into dealer blackjacks (house procedures vary).
Experience: One Rule Change That Flipped My Session
On a quick Vegas trip, I sat at a friendly $15 table, won early, and felt great. After dinner I returned to a similar-looking game and lost fast—same bets, same approach. The difference? The second table was H17, not S17, and paid 6:5 on naturals. Several close dealer 17s turned into 18–20s, and my blackjacks paid less. Lesson learned: I now read every placard before I sit, even if it’s the next table over.
Blackjack Dealer Rules vs. Your Strategy
Your choices should mirror the dealer logic only where math supports it. For example, you won’t copy the dealer’s forced hits, but you will adapt to the dealer’s upcard. Basic strategy exists to counter the dealer’s predictable behavior and the stand/hit rules behind it.
Quick Answers (FAQ)
Does the dealer act first or last?
The dealer acts after all players finish. If you bust at any time, you lose immediately—before the dealer plays out their hand.
Can the dealer split or double down?
No. Dealers follow fixed rules and don’t split or double. Only players can make those choices.
What is “no hole card” (European) blackjack?
The dealer doesn’t take a second card until after all players act. In some versions, if the dealer later shows blackjack, certain player doubles/splits may lose more—check house rules.
Is insurance a good bet?
Generally no for casual players. Without counting cards, the odds don’t justify the cost over time.
How much does H17 hurt the player?
When the dealer hits soft 17, the house edge typically increases by about 0.2 percentage points compared with S17, all else equal.
Do the number of decks matter?
Yes. Fewer decks slightly improve player odds, but don’t trade that benefit for worse payouts like 6:5 blackjacks.
Conclusion
Once you understand blackjack dealer rules—especially S17 vs H17, payouts, and key table variations—you’ll make clearer decisions and avoid costly traps. Read the placard, use the right strategy chart, and choose the friendliest rules you can find.
