How to Play Blackjack – How to Win at Blackjack
Blackjack is a casino game that has attracted the attention of millions of different players. The game has simple rules, is easy to play, and with the right strategy can actually be profitable. On this page, we explain those rules and get you started with a simple Blackjack strategy.
Blackjack Rules
Blackjack's objective is pretty simple. The whole game revolves around getting as close to 21 as possible without going over or “busting.” Meanwhile, the dealer (your opponent) is trying to get closer to 21 than you and the other game players, and they have the advantage of acting second. If a player goes over 21, it's an automatic loss, but if the dealer goes over 21 then everyone at the table with a hand under 21 wins.
At the beginning of each Blackjack hand, the dealer gives every player two cards. After considering their hands, each player decides if they want to: hit (get another card), stand (stay with the cards they have), or split (break a pair into two separate hands). Players with a hand total of 10 or 11 may also choose to double down; to double down is to double your bet and request just one additional card.
Determining the value of your hand is easy. Numbered cards are worth the number they display, face cards are worth 10, and an Ace can be worth either 1 (a soft Ace) or 11 (a hard Ace). When considering your next move, it's also important to consider the dealer's hand. Dealer's must play by the house (or casino) rules; this generally means that they will hit until they achieve a hand of 17 or better.
Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack is one of the few casino games that allows smart players to reduce or even eliminate the house edge. Make the most of your time at the Blackjack table by making the right moves, and remember that you're not competing with the other players—it's only the dealer's hand that you have to beat.
Sometimes, the right choice—to hit or stand—is obvious. Other times, you'll need to consider the evidence before choosing your move. The dealer's one visible card gives you a clue about your opponent's hand. A common strategy is to assume that the dealer's face down card is worth 10, so their hypothetical hand is always their visible card plus 10. This is the total you want to beat, but if it's higher than yours you shouldn't automatically hit; remember that both you and the dealer can still potentially bust.
Here are a few examples of when it's best to hit and when it's best to stand. If the dealer's card is a 4 through 6 and you’re holding a hard 12 or higher then it’s best to stand. This is because the dealer is likely to bust trying to hit their standing total of 17 or better. On the other hand, if the dealer is holding a 2, 3, or 7, and you are holding a hard 12-16 then your best bet is to hit. This is because you know the dealer is going to hit, but with these hands they are unlikely to bust, so you must also hit to beat them.
If the dealer has an up card worth 10 or more, then you will always hit. If the dealer has an Ace for an up card, you may be offered insurance. Regardless of how poor your hand is, never take Blackjack insurance as it carries terrible odds and is basically a guaranteed loss.
