What Is Blackjack?

Blackjack (also called 21) is the most popular card game played in casinos worldwide. It’s a comparing card game where players compete against the dealer, not against each other.

The goal is simple: get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over 21.

Card Values

Card Value
2–10 Face value (2 = 2, 7 = 7, etc.)
Jack, Queen, King 10
Ace 1 or 11 (player’s choice)

The Ace is the most flexible card. When an Ace is counted as 11, the hand is called soft (e.g., Ace + 6 = soft 17). When counted as 1, the hand is hard (e.g., Ace + 6 + King = hard 17).

The Deal

  1. Each player places a bet
  2. The dealer deals two cards to each player (face up)
  3. The dealer takes two cards — one face up, one face down (the hole card)
  4. Play proceeds from left to right

Player Decisions

After seeing your two cards and the dealer’s face-up card, you have these options:

Hit

Take another card. You can hit multiple times. If your total exceeds 21, you bust and lose immediately.

Stand

Keep your current hand. Your turn ends.

Double Down

Double your bet and receive exactly one more card. This is a powerful move when you have a strong starting hand:

  • You put up twice the money
  • You get one card and must stand
  • Best used when your total is 9, 10, or 11

Split

If your two cards have the same value, you can split them into two separate hands:

  • You place a second bet equal to your original
  • Each card becomes the start of a new hand
  • Each hand is played independently
  • You can usually hit, stand, or double on each split hand

Surrender (if available)

Some games allow surrender: you give up half your bet and fold your hand. Used when you’re in a very bad position against a strong dealer card.

Insurance (if available)

When the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, you may place an insurance side bet (half your original bet):

  • If the dealer has blackjack, insurance pays 2:1
  • If the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, you lose the insurance bet
  • Generally a bad bet — experts recommend against it

The Dealer’s Turn

After all players have acted, the dealer reveals the hole card and plays by fixed rules:

  • Dealer must hit on 16 or below
  • Dealer must stand on 17 or above
  • Some games require the dealer to hit on soft 17 (Ace + 6)
  • The dealer has no choices — they follow these rules strictly

Winning and Losing

Outcome Result
Your total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s You win (1:1 payout)
Dealer busts (exceeds 21) and you didn’t You win (1:1 payout)
You get a natural blackjack (21 on first 2 cards) You win (3:2 payout)
Dealer’s total is closer to 21 You lose your bet
You bust (exceed 21) You lose immediately
You and the dealer have the same total Push — your bet is returned

Natural Blackjack

A natural blackjack is an Ace plus any 10-value card dealt as your first two cards. It’s the best hand in the game:

  • Pays 3:2 (bet $10, win $15) in most games
  • Beats any dealer total except another natural blackjack
  • If both you and the dealer have blackjack, it’s a push

Quick Summary

  1. Place your bet
  2. Receive two cards
  3. Decide: hit, stand, double, split, or surrender
  4. Try to get closer to 21 than the dealer without busting
  5. Dealer plays by fixed rules (hit below 17, stand on 17+)
  6. Closest to 21 wins; over 21 loses