Blackjack Basics
Learn the rules, objective, and fundamental plays in blackjack.
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, and for good reason: it combines simple rules with strategic depth, and when played correctly, has one of the lowest house edges of any casino game.
The Objective
The goal is simple: beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without going over. That's it. You're not competing against other players – just you versus the dealer.
Good to Know
Card Values
Understanding card values is the foundation of blackjack:
Card Values
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2-10 | Face value |
| Jack, Queen, King | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11 (your choice) |
Suits don't matter in blackjack – only the numeric value.
The Ace is special because it can be worth 1 or 11, whichever helps your hand more. A hand with an Ace counted as 11 is called a "soft" hand because it can't bust with one more card.
How a Hand Plays Out
- Place your bet before any cards are dealt
- Receive two cards face-up
- Dealer gets two cards – one face-up, one face-down (the "hole card")
- Make your decision based on your cards and the dealer's up card
- Dealer reveals their hole card and plays out their hand
- Winner is determined
Your Options
On your turn, you can choose from these actions:
Hit
Take another card. You can hit as many times as you want until you stand or bust.
Stand
Keep your current hand. Your turn is over.
Double Down
Double your bet and receive exactly one more card. Then you must stand.
Split
If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands (requires matching your original bet).
Strategy Insight
The Dealer's Rules
Unlike you, the dealer has no choices – they must follow fixed rules:
- Dealer must hit on 16 or less
- Dealer must stand on 17 or more (some tables hit on "soft 17")
Warning
Blackjack (Natural 21)
If your first two cards are an Ace and a 10-value card, you have a "blackjack" (also called a "natural"). This pays 3:2 at most tables – meaning a $10 bet wins $15.
Caution
Basic Strategy Preview
There's a mathematically optimal way to play every hand based on your cards and the dealer's up card. This is called "basic strategy," and we cover it in detail in the next lesson.
For now, remember these fundamentals:
- Always stand on 17 or higher
- Always hit on 8 or less
- Never take insurance
- Split Aces and 8s, never split 10s
Key Takeaways
- 1Goal: Beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over
- 2Aces are worth 1 or 11 – whichever helps your hand
- 3Key moves: Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split
- 4Dealers must follow fixed rules – they have no choices
- 5Always look for 3:2 blackjack payouts, avoid 6:5 tables