Blackjack, often called ‘21’, is one of the most popular card games in land-based and online casinos. With this in mind, we wanted to create a brief guide to help you understand Blackjack a little better, before you head to the famous game table.
This simple guide will walk you through the basics of playing Blackjack, whether you’re playing a live casino Blackjack game, a computer-generated game, or sitting at a physical Blackjack table ready to be dealt your hand by a dealer.
- The objective of Blackjack
The main goal in Blackjack is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without exceeding 21. Each player competes against the dealer rather than the other players. Aces are worth 1 or 11, face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are worth 10, and all other cards are worth their face value. - Understanding the gameplay
At the start of a game, you and the dealer are each dealt two cards. Your cards are dealt face-up, while the dealer has one card face-up and one face-down (the hole card). You then have several options:
- Hit: Request an additional card. You can do this multiple times, but be cautious not to exceed 21.
- Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
- Double down: Double your initial bet and receive exactly one more card.
- Split: If your first two cards have the same value, you can split them into two separate hands, doubling your bet.
- The dealer’s play
After all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must hit until they have at least 17. If the dealer exceeds 21, known as ‘busting’, all remaining players win. If the dealer does not bust, their hand is compared to each player’s hand to determine the outcome. - Winning and payouts
If your hand total is closer to 21 than the dealer’s, you win. The standard payout is 1:1, meaning you win an amount equal to your bet. If you get exactly 21 with your first two cards (an ace and a 10-value card), this is called a “Blackjack,” and it typically pays out at 3:2. If your hand ties with the dealer’s, it’s called a ‘push’, and you get your bet back. - Tips for playing Blackjack
When playing live Blackjack, you interact with a real dealer in real-time via a video stream. Here are some tips to help your experience so you can get the most out of your game:
- Manage your bankroll: Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it, ensuring you enjoy the game responsibly.
- Take advantage of side bets sparingly: Live Blackjack often offers side bets like “Perfect Pairs” or “21+3,” which can have a higher house edge – but remember, this and all Blackjack gameplay doesn’t guarantee you a win.
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Now that you’ve read this guide to Blackjack, will you be heading to a game table either online or in person anytime soon?
