🃏 Learn to Play Blackjack

Game Basics

Blackjack, also known as Twenty-One, is a card game played between players and a dealer. The objective is to have a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer's hand, without exceeding 21.

• Card Values:
  • Numbered cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
  • Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points.
  • Aces can be worth 1 or 11 points, whichever is more advantageous.
• Blackjack (Natural): An Ace and a 10-value card as the first two cards. Usually pays 3:2.
• Bust: Hand total exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss.
• Push: Player and dealer have the same hand total (not a bust), resulting in a tie. The player's bet is returned.

How to Play Blackjack

1. Place Your Bet: Before cards are dealt, each player places their bet.
2. The Deal: Each player and the dealer receive two cards. Players' cards are usually dealt face up. One of the dealer's cards (hole card) is usually face down, the other (upcard) face up.
3. Player's Turn: Starting from the dealer's left, each player decides how to play their hand. Options include:
   • Hit: Take another card.
   • Stand: Keep the current hand and end the turn.
   • Double Down: Double the initial bet and receive only one more card. Usually allowed on specific hand totals (e.g., 9, 10, 11).
   • Split: If the first two cards are a pair (e.g., two 8s), the player can split them into two separate hands, placing an additional bet equal to the original. Each hand is played independently.
   • Surrender (if available): Forfeit half the bet and end the hand. Not offered at all tables.
4. Dealer's Turn: After all players have completed their turns, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer must follow fixed rules, typically hitting until their hand totals 17 or more, then standing. (Rules can vary, e.g., dealer hits on soft 17).
5. Outcome:
   • If you bust, you lose, even if the dealer busts later.
   • If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's (without busting), you win (usually pays 1:1).
   • If the dealer busts and you haven't, you win.
   • If you get a Blackjack (and dealer doesn't), you win (usually 3:2).
   • If it's a push, your bet is returned.

Key Rules & Concepts

• Insurance: If the dealer's upcard is an Ace, players may be offered 'insurance' – a side bet that the dealer has Blackjack. It typically pays 2:1 if the dealer has Blackjack, but is generally not a good bet for basic strategy players.
• Soft Hands: A hand containing an Ace counted as 11 (e.g., Ace-6 is a soft 17). These hands cannot bust if you hit.
• Hard Hands: A hand without an Ace, or with an Ace counted as 1 (e.g., 10-7 is a hard 17; Ace-6-10 is a hard 17).
• Table Rules: Variations exist (e.g., dealer hits or stands on soft 17, number of decks used, doubling/splitting rules). Always check table rules.

Basic Strategy & Tips

Basic strategy is a set of mathematically optimal plays for every possible hand combination against every possible dealer upcard. Using basic strategy significantly reduces the house edge.

• Learn Basic Strategy Charts: These charts tell you whether to Hit, Stand, Double, or Split. Memorize or keep one handy.
• Never Take Insurance (Usually): The odds are generally not in your favor.
• Splitting Aces and 8s: Almost always split Aces and 8s.
• Never Split 10s or 5s: A hand of 20 (two 10s) is very strong. Two 5s make 10, which is good for doubling.
• Double Down Wisely: Double on 11 (unless dealer shows Ace), often on 10 (unless dealer shows 10 or Ace), and sometimes on 9 or soft hands.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set limits and play responsibly.
• Avoid 'Gut Feelings': Stick to basic strategy for the best long-term results.

Video Tutorial: How to Play Blackjack