Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. It is played around the globe in live casinos, as well as online. If you are interested in getting in to blackjack put don’t know the rules you will find that it’s easy to learn how to play blackjack. Following are the basic rules of this popular card game.
Blackjack is played one-on-one against the dealer. Although there may be several players sitting at one table, each player is only in competition with the dealer. The objective of the game is to acquire a hand of cards that is worth a higher value than that of the dealer, without breaking a total of 21. Breaking 21 is known as “busting” and results in an immediate loss.
The value of a hand in blackjack is determined by adding together the values of the cards in the hand. Numbered cards are worth their face value (i.e. the 4 of Spades is worth 4 points); Aces are worth either 1 or 11 depending on the other cards in the hand; and 10s, Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10 points. A Jack (or other 10-valued card) and an Ace are worth a total of 21 together and this hand is known as “blackjack”, which is where the game gets its name.
In this article we discuss the rules of blackjack and how to play the game. Each card in blackjack has a definitive value, apart from the Ace, which could be counted as 1 or 11. The goal is to draw a combination of cards, the total value of which is higher than the dealer's, but doesn't exceed 21. CASINO BLACKJACK RULES FOR PAIR SPLITTING The casino rules for pair splitting are pretty straightforward. When you are dealt two cards of the same value, you may split them into two separate hands. For example, if you bet $5 and receive a pair of 2s, you have a single hand totaling 4. A pair of 4’s splits against dealer 5 and 6, otherwise hit. A pair of 3’s splits against dealer 2 through 7, otherwise hit. A pair of 2’s splits against dealer 2 through 7, otherwise hit. Soft totals: A soft total is any hand that has an Ace as one of the first two cards, the ace counts as 11 to start.
Deviations vary based on the rules of the game offered, and the rules of the region. For example, in some games, the dealer must stand on a Soft 17, that is, an Ace, plus any combination of cards equaling 6. This is called a “Stand 17” game. In other games, the dealer must hit on any Soft 17.
Before a game of blackjack begins, players must place bets. If you are playing a free game of blackjack online then you can play with fun money. In a live casino or real money game of blackjack online you will bet real money. Always choose a table with limits that meet your bankroll and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Once bets are placed the dealer gives each player two cards, face up on the table. The dealer takes two cards as well, but one is placed face down. Based on a player’s hand and the dealer’s face up card, the player has several options. The player may:
It is important to note that rules regarding doubling down and splitting vary from casino to casino, so it’s important to double-check the rules before you begin playing.
Once the players are satisfied with their hands the dealer reveals his face down card. If his hand is worth 16 or less he must hit. Also, some casino blackjack rules require the dealer to hit on “soft 17” as well, which is a card made up of a 6 and an Ace valued at 11 points. Once the dealer has hit, if necessary, hands are compared and winners are determined.
Again, it is important to note that more specific blackjack rules vary from casino to casino and blackjack variation to variation. Familiarize yourself with the particular rules of a specific game before you begin to play for real money.
Knowledge is power in gambling. The more you know about the games, the more successful you can be.
For a knowledgeable player, blackjack offers the best chance of leaving the casino as a winner. And,when you become an expert at the game, you can turn the tables on the casino, and get a real advantageon the game.
Originally created by Ken Smith, the goal ofthis site is to provide clear, accurate and transparent information to guide you in optimizing yourblackjack play.
We have a variety of resources for all levels of play. See below :
Our most comprehensive resource, this is a completeguide consisting of 24 lessons starting from the very basics of understanding the rules to thenitty gritty details of advanced card counting.
Many casinos offer a version of the game where a basic strategy player’s expected loss is onlyaround 0.3%. By just choosing the right game and using a correct basic strategy, your results havealready improved five-fold over a typical player!
A player who plays at this skill level can already “beat” the game if you consider the value ofcomps and freebies he can get.
Our Blackjack Strategy Engine allows you to generate charts based off different rule sets
Looking for something a bit more interactive? Our free basic strategy trainer is designed to coach you and provide advice when you make an incorrect decision
This has recently been updated to be more user friendly on mobiles although if you want to play the original version you have the option to do so too
If you want to beat the game in the long run for actual cash, that’s possible too. In fact,Blackjack is probably the easiest game in the casino where a knowledgeable player can get amathematical edge over the game.
By learning to count cards, you can expect to win more money than you lose. You don’t have to be agenius to count cards… You just need to be willing to study, practice, and play with discipline.
Visit our blackjack school for a complete blackjack course whichcovers card counting extensively or visit our card counting resource.
A treasure trove of blackjack know-how, our forum has over decades of valuable informationavailable for free.
Got a question? There are many industry experts that contribute to the community that can answeranything.
Unfortunately there's no way to card count when playing blackjack online, however if you are looking to just play for fun there are a few things you need to look out for.
We've decided to create a separate resource to address the questions you should be asking yourself before playing online which include:
If you are looking for physical strategy cards instead of using our strategy engine, the BlackjackInfo Store has wallet-size basic strategy cards, and an advanced strategy set thatincludes card counting indexes right on the card.
Our set of six strategy cards covers all thecommon rule variations.
BlackjackinfoStoreSome movement has occured in online gambling laws in North America over the last year. A lot has also been happening in Europe recently. One of the latest developments was the announcement that virtual gaming platforms will be fully legal in Belarus beginning April 1, 2019. This followed a Presidential Decree signed on August 7.[...]
Read MoreTipping is a form of communication in the service industry, especially if you are in the US. Here, people working at any service capacity normally get minimum or low-average wagers, and tend to depend on their tips for a boost in income. Considering casinos… …in all the shapes and forms they are available nowadays, also […]
Read MoreWhen it comes to online casinos and embracing the latest technologies related to the gambling industry, the US has been in some kind of a vacuum for a number of years. We all know that the US is usually the leader in all fields, so the statement in the previous sentence seems somewhat contradictory. Even […]
Read MoreAuthor: Bluesman from BJ21.com I frequently read about blackjack teams and the difficulties they get into. As someone who has been a player, an investor, and a manager for a blackjack team, I thought I would write some general notes and, I hope, help others avoid some of the pitfalls we had to negotiate. I. […]
Read MoreAdvantage play (AP) books usually teach strategy tables and are meant to provide a good conceptual understanding of the game. They cannot be expected to provide AP strategy/career roadmaps. If they did, they would become outdated very quick
Read MoreBasic strategy is the best way to play a blackjack hand on the first round after a shuffle, assuming you see no cards other than your own and the dealer’s upcard. For a person who does not count cards, basic strategy is the best way to play every hand.
Read MoreYour bet is not lost until the dealer picks it up. If the dealer errs in your favor, keep the money. Never cheat, but never give money to the dealer. Of course, if the dealer makes an error in the casino’s favor, speak up and get it corrected. Look for gifts. The dealer is not supposed to show you either the card on the bottom of the pack or the burned card (i.e. the card turned under). [...]
Read MoreWe all come to the tables by different paths. While I’m not a hardcore blackjack player, I do enjoy the game and usually dedicate about 20% of my bankroll to it. I’ll try to lay out some of the pitfalls I faced in learning and coming to love the game. Beginning or novice players might […]
Read MoreEarly on in my career I struggled to find a balance between work and play. My only respite was the summer air as I sped across the freeway en-route to the next casino. I spent my leisure time journeying from table to table. There was no time for sight-seeing, no time for exploration, no time […]
Read More