Blackjack Rules Explained: How To Play Blackjack

Blackjack, also known as 21, is a popular game in casinos worldwide due to its simple yet strategic play. While many casino games rely purely on chance, blackjack offers players a chance to potentially influence the outcome with a decision-making element.

For newcomers, learning the rules is the first step to understanding this classic card game. In this easy-to-follow guide, readers will discover how to play blackjack. From understanding the card values to the player’s available choices during the game, this guide aims to help the reader approach this game with a bit more confidence.

What Are The Rules of Blackjack?

The main goal in blackjack is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without exceeding it. A game starts with each player receiving two cards, while the dealer also gets two cards, one of them facing up.

Card values are straightforward: cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, picture cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are worth 10, and aces can be either 1 or 11, depending on which benefits the hand more.

Players then take turns making decisions for their hands. They may choose to ‘hit’, ‘stand’, ‘double down’ or ‘split pairs’, which will be discussed below.

Finally, the dealer reveals their hidden card and must hit or stand based on a set of rules. If the dealer busts, any remaining players win the round.

Hitting

In blackjack, ‘hitting’ is when a player decides to take an additional card to increase the total value of their hand.

This decision is usually made when the player believes their hand is too low to beat the dealer. For instance, if their hand totals 12, they might want to hit in hopes of getting closer to 21.

Players may request more cards one at a time by hitting again, but they may want to be cautious. If the total value of their hand exceeds 21, they bust, which means they lose their bet for that round.

Knowing when it might be more appropriate to hit may be beneficial to improving one’s chances of winning. Careful consideration of their current hand and the dealer’s visible card may guide their decision.

Standing

In blackjack, ‘standing’ is when a player is satisfied with their current hand and decides not to take any more cards. This allows the game to move on to the next player or the dealer.

A player might choose to stand if they believe their hand is strong enough to beat the dealer’s hand. For example, if their hand totals 18 or 19, they might stand to avoid the chance of going over 21 by taking another card.

Once a player stands, they are committed to the total value of their hand. The dealer will then take their turn according to the rules of the game after all of the players have had their turn.

Standing is a strategic choice, and players often consider both their own hand and the dealer’s visible card before deciding.

Splitting

In blackjack, ‘splitting’ is an option when a player is dealt two identical cards, such as two 8s or two aces. By splitting the pair, they create two separate hands.

To split, the player places an additional bet equal to their original wager. Each card from the pair now acts as the starting card for the new hands.

Once split, the player may proceed by making decisions for each hand separately. They may choose to hit, stand, or even double down on each hand, depending on the situation.

Some casinos allow additional splits if the player receives another pair on one of their new hands. However, players may want to check the rules of their game, as these may vary.

Doubling Down

In blackjack, ‘doubling down’ is an option that allows a player to double their initial bet after seeing their first two cards. By doing this, they agree to receive just one more card to complete their hand.

To double down, a player adds an amount equal to their original bet. This may increase their potential winnings if the extra card strengthens their hand.

Doubling down is typically considered when the player’s hand totals 9, 10, or 11, as there’s a good chance the next card could lead to a strong total. However, players may also want to consider the dealer’s visible card before deciding. Once they double down and receive the third card, their turn ends.

What Is The Value of Each Card In Blackjack?

In blackjack, understanding the value of each card is crucial to understanding your hand’s current value. Cards 2 through 10 are valued at their face value. This means a 3 is worth 3 points, a 7 is worth 7 points, and so on.

Picture cards—kings, queens, and jacks—are worth 10 points each. These cards may significantly increase the total value of a player’s hand when paired with other cards.

Aces are unique because they can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on what benefits the player’s hand more. For example, if a player has an ace and a 7, the ace can be counted as 11, making the hand value 18. However, if counting the ace as 11 would cause the hand to exceed 21, it is counted as 1 instead.

Knowing the value of each card can help players make informed decisions during the game.

What Are The Rules For The Dealer In Blackjack?

In blackjack, the dealer follows a set of rules that are different from those of the players. These rules dictate how the dealer plays their hand, ensuring consistency in every game.

Firstly, the dealer must hit until their hand totals at least 17. If their hand value is 16 or lower, they are required to take another card. This rule is consistent across most blackjack tables and is not optional for the dealer.

Once the dealer’s hand reaches 17 or more, they must stand. This rule applies even if the hand contains an ace counted as 11, known as a ‘soft 17.’ Some casinos may have slightly different rules regarding soft 17, but generally, the dealer stands once that value or higher is reached.

These rules are designed to create a predictable benchmark that players may strategise against. Understanding the dealer’s rules may help players make better decisions about their own hands.

Blackjack Odds and Payouts

Understanding the odds and payouts in blackjack may help players make informed decisions about their gameplay. 

When a player wins a regular hand against the dealer, the payout is typically 1:1. This means if a player bets £10, they win £10, doubling their money in that round.

Achieving a ‘blackjack’, which is an ace paired with a 10-valued card, may offer a higher payout. The typical payout for a blackjack is 3:2. So, if a player bets £10, they win £15.

It’s important for players to know that if both they and the dealer have a blackjack, it’s a push. This means neither wins nor loses, and the player’s original bet is returned.

House rules may affect odds, such as the number of decks used and specific rules on doubling and splitting. By understanding these elements, players may approach the game with greater insight.

What Is The Best Blackjack Strategy?

Finding an ideal strategy in blackjack involves grasping when it may be most appropriate to hit, stand, double down, or split. This approach may even help players improve their chances of winning compared to playing with no strategy at all.

A widely used method is the basic strategy chart. This provides guidance on the best decision, statistically, for any given hand based on the player’s cards and the dealer’s visible card. Though it doesn’t guarantee wins, it has the chance to reduce the house edge slightly.

Players may want to practice with the chart and memorise its key decisions over time. For example, they might learn when to hit on a soft 17 or when to split a pair of 8s.

Managing their bankroll is also crucial. Setting limits and knowing when to stop can help players play the game responsibly and avoid unnecessary losses.

It’s important to remember that while strategy can help to reduce the house edge slightly, blackjack still involves an element of chance and winning is never a sure thing.

Play Blackjack Online at Dream Jackpot

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With an easy-to-navigate platform, Dream Jackpot offers both beginners and seasoned players the chance to find a table that may suit their preferences. Our platform includes a variety of blackjack games, many with unique features and styles, providing something for everyone.

To get started, players simply need to create an account and deposit funds to play with. Whether looking to try out new strategies or play a game at a trustworthy and reputable site, Dream Jackpot provides an ideal environment to explore online blackjack. If you’re interested, you can join to see what makes our casino a preferred choice for many blackjack enthusiasts.

FAQs

When Should You Hit In Blackjack?

Basic strategy in blackjack suggests hitting when the player’s hand total is low and needs more points to get closer to 21. For example, if a player’s hand totals between 12 and 16, hitting is often recommended when the dealer’s visible card is a 7 or higher, as the player’s hand is unlikely to win against a strong dealer hand.

Additionally, basic strategy suggests that it is generally wise to hit when holding a soft total (a hand with an ace), such as a soft 13 (ace and 2), since the ace provides flexibility, reducing the risk of busting.

When Should You Split In Blackjack?

Basic strategy holds that splitting aces may improve the chance of getting closer to 21, as can splitting 8s to move away from a weak total of 16. Players may also split 2s, 3s, 6s, or 7s if the dealer’s visible card is low (2–7) to increase their chances of potentially winning. However, splitting 10s is not advised in basic strategy, as 20 is a strong hand, and splitting 5s could turn a solid total of 10 into two weaker hands.

When Should You Double Down?

Basic strategy suggests doubling down when a player’s initial hand totals 9, 10, or 11, as these totals have a strong chance of improving with one more card, especially if the dealer’s visible card is weak. Players may also consider doubling down with a soft 16, 17, or 18 (a hand containing an ace counted as 11) when the dealer shows a lower card. While this move may be beneficial, it should be used strategically, considering the dealer’s potential hand and the chance of going bust.

What Is a Good Hand In Blackjack?

In blackjack, a ‘good hand’ is one with a strong chance of winning against the dealer, with the best being a ‘blackjack’ — an ace and any 10-point card totalling 21. A hand of 20 is also strong, as it is close to 21 without the risk of busting. Hands totalling 17 to 19 are generally good and often best left as they are due to the difficulty of getting higher without busting.

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*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.