Blackjack Basics: How Many Cards Do You Start With?
If you’re curious about giving blackjack a go, you might be wondering what those first moments at the table look like, and how many cards you’ll actually get.
Whether you’re playing online or in a casino, it helps to know the basics before you sit down. Different versions can have small rule changes, so a quick look at the table rules could be worthwhile.
This article keeps things simple, explains the essentials clearly, and highlights how regulated games make rules and dealing transparent. Read on to learn more.
How Many Cards Do You Start With in Blackjack?
In most blackjack games, players begin with two cards. The dealer also receives two cards at the same time. Your cards are usually dealt face up so you can see your total, while the dealer typically shows one card and keeps one face down.
The aim is to reach a total as close to 21 as you can without going over. Starting with two cards gives everyone the same starting point. Games use standard 52-card decks, and many tables combine several decks in a shoe, often six or eight. This can influence how often certain cards appear, but it does not change the two-card start.
If you’re playing online, you might see extra features depending on the version, but the opening deal is almost always the same. A quick check of the game info may tell you if there’s anything unusual. If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Hit, Stand, and What Happens After the First Cards
After the initial deal, the most common decisions are to hit or stand. Hitting means taking another card to try to improve your total. If you go over 21, that’s a bust and the hand ends. Standing means you keep what you have and let the dealer play their hand.
Some versions also include double down and split. Doubling down lets you increase your stake and take exactly one more card, usually when your starting total is promising. Splitting applies when your first two cards are a pair, turning them into two separate hands. These options appear differently from table to table, so it might help to check the rules panel on the game you choose.
Dealers follow fixed rules rather than personal judgement. At most tables the dealer draws until reaching at least 17. Some games require the dealer to hit on a soft 17, which is a 17 that includes an ace counted as eleven, while others require the dealer to stand.
Card Values and How Totals Are Calculated
Number cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value. Face cards, the jack, queen and king, are each worth ten. If you hold a king and a 7, that totals 17.
Aces are flexible. An ace can count as either one or eleven, whichever helps your hand the most without going over 21. For example, an ace and a nine can be 20. If an ace would push your total over 21 when counted as eleven, it shifts to one instead.
This flexibility creates two types of hands that you might hear mentioned often. A soft hand is any total where an ace can still be counted as eleven without busting, like ace and 6 for a soft 17. A hard hand is a total that either has no ace, or has an ace that must be counted as one, such as 10 and 7 for a hard 17. Knowing the difference could help you understand why certain moves, like doubling or standing, are offered in particular spots.
House Rules That Can Change Starting Conditions
Blackjack is built on a core set of rules, but tables can differ in small ways that change what you see at the start and the options you’ll have later. Most games still deal two cards to you and two to the dealer, yet the order of events and the dealer’s procedures can vary by version.
Common Variations in Online Blackjack
Deck count is one of the most common differences. Many online tables use six or eight decks. This changes card distribution over time but not the two-card start.
The way the dealer receives and reveals cards can vary. In some versions the dealer takes a hidden card immediately, while in others the dealer takes only one card at first and draws the second after players act. You may also see rules about the dealer standing or hitting on soft 17 stated clearly on the table.
Options such as doubling down can be limited to certain starting totals, like 9 to 11, or allowed on any two initial cards. Splitting rules can also differ, including whether you may split more than once, and whether split aces receive only one additional card. Some tables offer surrender, allowing you to give up a hand early for a partial return of your stake, and some include optional side bets built around the first cards dealt.
Play Blackjack Online
Dream Jackpot offers a wide range of online blackjack tables, from straightforward classics to versions with added features. Each table lists its rules upfront, so you can pick a game that suits how you like to play and see exactly how the dealer acts.
You can explore the library, read the table descriptions, and get a feel for the pace and format before placing any bets. The site is licensed and regulated, and games use audited Random Number Generators (RNGs) or live dealing, which supports clear, consistent outcomes.
If you want extra support while you play, tools are available to help you set limits and take time out when needed. Ready to see how a two-card start unfolds in practice? Feel free to visit our blackjack lobby, choose a table that fits your preferences, and enjoy the experience on your terms. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
