Blackjack

Blackjack: Complete Game Rules Explained

Blackjack rules are easy to understand, but to win consistently, applying basic strategy is key. It tells you when to take risks and when to be cautious.

🎯 Goal of the Game

The main goal in Blackjack is to beat the dealer. This means having a hand with a total value greater than the dealer’s, but not exceeding 21. If your hand exceeds 21, it’s a “bust,” and you lose.

🃏 Card Values in Blackjack

The scoring system in Blackjack is straightforward:

• Cards 2 through 10 – worth their face value.
• Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King) – worth 10 points.
• Ace – a unique card. It can count as either 1 or 11 points, whichever benefits your hand more.

Note

Example: Ace and 9 = 20 points (11+9). Ace, 9, and 8 = 18 points (1+9+8, to avoid a bust).*

🚀 Start of the Game

A player’s card combination is called a “hand”.

1. You place your bet.
2. The dealer deals two cards: both of your cards are face up, while the dealer gets one face up and one face down (the “hole” card).
3. You make a decision based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard.

Your Action Options:

• Hit – receive another card. You can hit until you decide to stand or exceed 21.
• Stand – keep your current point total.
• Double – double your initial bet and receive only one additional card. A powerful move when your initial cards are favorable.
• Split – if you have two cards of the same rank, you can split them into two independent hands, placing a second bet equal to the first.

💰 Special Rules and Situations

Doubling the Bet (Double)

After receiving your first two cards (except a Blackjack), you can double your bet by clicking Double.

• In this case, you receive only one additional card.
• Ideal when you have 10 or 11 points, and the dealer has a weak upcard.

Splitting Cards (Split)

If you have a pair, you can split it by clicking Split.

• A pair means two cards of the same rank, or two face cards (not necessarily identical).
• You must have enough money to place an additional bet equal to the initial bet.
• When splitting, each card becomes the start of a new hand.
• Aces should almost always be split, and in this case, only one additional card is dealt to each hand containing an Ace.

Blackjack (Natural)

A Blackjack (or “Natural”) is a combination of your first two cards totaling 21 points (i.e., an Ace and any 10-point card).

• A Blackjack beats any other hand making 21 points with three or more cards.
• The payout for a Blackjack is usually 3 to 2 (e.g., with a $100 bet, you win $150).

Insurance

If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, they offer you Insurance.

• This is an additional bet (equal to half of your main bet) that protects you in case the dealer has a Blackjack.
• If the dealer has a Blackjack, you lose your main bet but win the insurance 2 to 1. Thus, you break even on that round (main bet is a push).
• Strategically, Insurance is not advantageous for the player in the long run.

📊 Calculating Results

• You win if:
  • You have a Blackjack and the dealer does not.
  • The total of your cards is closer to 21 than the dealer’s.
  • The dealer busts (exceeds 21) and you do not.
• You lose if:
  • You bust (exceed 21).
  • The total of your cards is less than the dealer’s.
• Push (Tie) if:
  • The totals of your cards and the dealer’s cards are equal. In this case, your bet is returned.

Note

Example: You bet $100. You have 20 points. The dealer has 19 points. You win $100 (receive $200 total). If the dealer has 22 (bust), you also win $100. If the dealer also has 20 – push, your $100 is returned.

🧠 Basic Blackjack Strategy for Beginners

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play, which increases the player’s chance of winning. Here are the key recommendations:

Hard Hand (no Ace, or Ace counted as 1)

• Always hit if you have 11 points or less.
• Stand on 17 or more.
• Special cases:
  • With 12-16 points, stand if the dealer has 2-6 (weak card). Hit if the dealer has 7-Ace.

Doubling the Bet

• Always double on 11 points.
• Double on 10 points if the dealer has 2-9.
• Double on 9 points if the dealer has 3-6.

Splitting Pairs

• Always split: Ace-Ace, 8-8.
• Never split: 10-10, 5-5, 4-4.
• Split 2-2, 3-3, 6-6, 7-7, 9-9 if the dealer has a weak card (2-7).

Soft Hand (with an Ace counted as 11)

• Always hit on a soft total of 17 or less.
• Stand on a soft total of 19 or more.
• Double on a soft total of 13-18, if the dealer has 4-6.

Now that you know how to play Blackjack, it’s time to practice!