🃏 Blackjack

The Complete Guide to Blackjack: Rules, Strategy, and Online Play

Welcome to the definitive resource for Blackjack, the world's most popular casino card game. Whether you are learning the basics or perfecting your basic strategy, this guide covers everything you need to know to play Blackjack online free.

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack (also known as 21) is a comparing card game between players and a dealer. Each participant tries to beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. Unlike poker, players don't compete against each other — everyone plays independently against the dealer's hand.

The game originated in French casinos around 1700 as Vingt-et-Un ("Twenty-One") and spread to America in the 1800s. The name "Blackjack" came from a special bonus payout for a hand of the Ace of Spades plus a black Jack (clubs or spades), though that specific rule no longer applies.

Key Game Specifications

• Players: 1-4 players, each independently vs. the dealer.
• Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
• Card Values: 2-10 = face value, J/Q/K = 10, Ace = 1 or 11.
• Objective: Get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over (busting).
• Rounds per Game: 5 rounds. Player with the most chips at the end wins.

How to Play Blackjack: Complete Rules

1. Place Your Bet

Before each round, you place a bet using your chips. Each player starts with 1,000 chips. You have 15 seconds to set your bet, or a default bet of 50 chips is placed for you.

2. The Deal

The dealer gives each player 2 cards face-up. The dealer also receives 2 cards — one face-up and one face-down (the "hole card").

3. Player Actions

Starting from the first player, each person decides:

• Hit: Take another card. You can hit as many times as you want.
• Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
• Double Down: Double your bet, receive exactly one more card, and stand. Only available on your first two cards and if you have enough chips.

If your hand exceeds 21, you bust and lose your bet immediately.

4. Dealer's Turn

After all players act, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must hit on 16 or below and stand on 17 or above — no choice involved.

5. Payouts

Basic Strategy

When to Hit

• Always hit on 8 or below — you can't bust.
• Hit on soft 17 (Ace + 6) — the Ace can still count as 1.
• Hit on 12-16 when the dealer shows 7 or higher.

When to Stand

• Stand on 17 or higher — the risk of busting is too great.
• Stand on 12-16 when the dealer shows 2-6 — let the dealer bust.

When to Double Down

• Double on 11 — you have the best chance of hitting 21.
• Double on 10 when the dealer shows 2-9.
• Double on soft 16-18 (Ace + 5/6/7) when the dealer shows 3-6.

Expert Glossary

• Blackjack: A hand of exactly 21 with the first two cards (Ace + 10-value card). Pays 3:2.
• Bust: Going over 21. Automatic loss regardless of the dealer's hand.
• Hard Hand: A hand without an Ace counting as 11 (e.g., 10+7 = hard 17).
• Soft Hand: A hand with an Ace counting as 11 (e.g., Ace+6 = soft 17).
• Push: A tie. Both player and dealer have the same total. Bet is returned.
• Hole Card: The dealer's face-down card, revealed after all players act.
• Double Down: Double your bet and receive exactly one more card.
• Natural: Another term for Blackjack — an Ace plus a 10-value card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if no one joins my quick match?

If 3 seconds pass without finding enough human opponents, bot players will automatically fill the remaining seats so you can start playing immediately.

Can I play Blackjack with friends?

Yes! Click Play with Friends to create a private room. Share the link with up to 3 friends. The host can start the game at any time — bots fill empty seats.

How many rounds are played?

Each game consists of 5 rounds. The player with the most chips at the end of 5 rounds wins the match and earns 5 leaderboard points.

What happens when I run out of chips?

If your balance drops to zero, you're automatically given a fresh 1,000 chips to keep playing.

Ready to Play?

Hit Quick Match above to start a game instantly, or create a private room to play with friends. 5 rounds, highest chips wins — see you at the table.