Blackjack Rules

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. The objective is simple: beat the dealer's hand without going over 21.

The Objective

Beat the dealer by getting a count as close to 21 as possible, without going over 21.

  • If your hand exceeds 21, you "bust" and lose immediately.
  • If the dealer busts, you win (assuming you haven't busted).
  • If neither busts, the higher hand value wins.
  • A tie is a "push" - you get your bet back.

Card Values

2 through 10

Face value

Face Cards (J, Q, K)

Count as 10

Ace

1 or 11 (whichever helps the hand)

Payouts & Odds

3:2
Blackjack (Natural) An Ace + 10-value card as your first two cards.
1:1
Standard Win Beating the dealer's hand without a Blackjack.
2:1
Insurance Side bet that pays if the dealer has Blackjack.

Player Options

Hit
Take another card from the dealer.
Stand
Take no more cards and end your turn.
Double Down
Double your initial bet, take exactly one more card, and then stand.
Split
If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two separate hands (placing a second equal bet).
Surrender
Give up your hand and half your bet. Only available in some games (and typically only on the first two cards).
Insurance
Offered when the dealer's upcard is an Ace. You bet half your original bet. If the dealer has Blackjack, you win 2:1 on the insurance bet (breaking even overall).
Strategy Tip: Never take insurance. The house edge on this bet is substantial.

Dealer Rules

The dealer has no free will and must follow strict house rules.

  • The dealer must Hit until their total is 17 or higher.
  • Soft 17 Rule: In some casinos, the dealer must Hit on a "Soft 17" (Ace + 6). In others, they must Stand.
    "Dealer stands on all 17s" is more favorable to the player.

For the full dealer script, including the hole card peek and how often the dealer busts with each upcard, see blackjack dealer rules.

Learn by Doing

The best way to learn the rules is to play. Try our risk-free trainer.

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