How to Play Blackjack: A Quick and Easy Guide
Blackjack is a popular casino card game that is engaging due to its combination of skill and chance.
The goal of the game is simple: try to get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's without going over 21. Your chances of winning increase with good strategies and learning how to play your hand.
To be effective, players must be familiar with the value of each card in the deck:
- A number card (2-10) is worth the value shown on that card.
- A face card (king, queen or jack) have a value of 10 points.
- An ace is versatile. An ace can count as either 1 or 11 points depending on which value is better for your current hand.
Keep reading to learn more about the basics of blackjack and get the tips you need for victory.
Blackjack Basics
Key Information:
| Players | 1-7 Players |
| Difficulty | 3/10 |
| Recommended Age | 18+ |
| Game Category | Casino |
Goal of the Game
In blackjack, the primary objective is simple: beat the dealer's hand without exceeding 21 points.
If a player gets exactly 21 points from the deal, it's called a "blackjack" and the game ends there for the player.
The payout for a blackjack is usually 3:2 or 2:1 odds but depends on the casino's rules.
If the player and dealer have a blackjack or equal point totals, the result is a push (tie). If you have a tie then all bets are returned to the player.
Card Values
Understanding the value of each card in the game is crucial to mastering blackjack:
- Number cards (2-10): The number on the card represents its value.
- Face cards (King, Queen, Jack): These cards are all worth 10 points.
- Aces: Aces can be either 1 or 11 points, depending on what is more favorable for the hand 2.
Understanding the Table
A typical blackjack table can accommodate 1 to 7 players. Here's what you need to know about the table layout:
- Seating: Players sit around a semi-circular table with the dealer located on the straight side.
- Betting spots: Each spot at the table represents a separate position for placing bets.
- Shoe: A device that holds multiple decks of cards, from which the dealer draws each card during gameplay.
- Discard tray: A tray where used cards are placed after each round.
There will usually be signs displaying the table minimum and maximum bets, as well as specific rules for that particular game (like payout ratios and special betting options).
How to Play Blackjack
Dealing the Cards
The game begins when each player is dealt two cards face up by the dealer. The dealer will then deal themselves one card face up and one card facedown, known as the hole card.
Player Turn-Taking & Decisions
After the cards are dealt, the players will begin taking their turns. You have a few options for how you want to play your cards but the two basic actions are to hit and receive an extra card or stand and receive no more cards./p>
A "hit" is when you receive an extra card from the dealer and you add it onto your current value. You will want to hit if your card values are 11 or less until you can reach a score of 17 or higher.
A "stand" is when you opt to not get any extra cards from the dealer and you're happy with what you have. You generally want to stand if you have a combined value of 17 or more.
The two decisions highlighted above are a basic way to play the game. There are other options you should consider before your turn is over:
- Double Down: Players can double their initial bet in exchange for receiving only one more card.
- Split: If a player's initial two cards are of the same value, they can split their cards into two separate hands and place an additional bet equal to their initial bet on the new hand.
- Surrender: Some variations of blackjack allow players to surrender their hand and receive half of their initial bet back, instead of playing the hand.
Dealer's Rules
The dealer has a specific set of rules they need to follow when deciding to hit or stand.
If the dealer has a value of 16 or less then they have to hit and receive an extra card.
If the dealer has a value of 17 or more then they have to stand.
If the dealer has a value of 17 but it contains an ace card then it is considered a "soft 17". In this case the dealer is required to hit or stand based on the specific game rules set at the casino.
Winning Conditions
The only winning condition in blackjack is to beat the dealer. You can beat the dealer in three ways:
- Your hand has a higher point value than the dealer.
- You get a blackjack.
- The dealer "busts" which means their point value exceeds 21.
A blackjack is an initial two-card hand totaling 21 points, consisting of an Ace and a 10-point card (10, Jack, Queen, or King). Getting a blackjack often results in a higher payout, typically 3:2 or 2:1.
Strategies for Blackjack
Basic Strategy
Before you hit the tables at your local casino or go to Las Vegas, it's important to understand some basic strategies for blackjack. Just knowing how to play game often isn't enough to improve your chances of winning hands.
Check out our blackjack strategy chart which is a chart breaking down the optimal decision to make based on your hand and what the dealer has. Memorizing a chart like this and applying it to your play will dramatically improve your chances of winning hands and often having you not leave casinos broke.
Below are some basic principles you should follow while playing blackjack:
- Always hit on a hand of 11 or less.
- Stand on a hand of 12 through 16 if the dealer's up-card is 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
- Stand on 17 or higher, unless the hand is a soft 17 (Ace and 6).
- Double down on a hand of 10 or 11 if the dealer has an up-card lower than the player's hand.
Card Counting
Card counting is an advanced technique used by experienced players to gain an edge. It is not illegal to count cards but casinos will opt to remove you or ban you if you're caught as it's "gaming the system".
This strategy requires players to keep track of the ratio of high cards (10s, face cards and aces) to low cards (2 through 6) in the shoe.
This process helps players to determine whether they have a higher chance of being dealt a strong hand and they can adjust their bets to either lose less or win more.
A couple popular card counting systems are the KO system and the Hi-Lo system.
Some card counting tips include:
- Assigning a value to each card in the deck (+1 for low cards, 0 for middle cards, and -1 for high cards in the Hi-Lo system).
- Keeping a running count while the cards are being dealt.
- Adjusting the running count to a true count by factoring in the number of decks remaining.
- Increasing bets when the true count is high, as this indicates a greater concentration of high cards in the remaining deck.
Advanced Blackjack Techniques
In addition to basic strategy and card counting, there are other advanced blackjack techniques that can be employed by skilled players:
- Shuffle Tracking: This technique involves tracking certain sections of the deck throughout the shuffle, gaining insights on the distribution of high and low cards. It's considered a more difficult and advanced technique compared to card counting.
- Ace Sequencing: Ace sequencing is a technique that allows players to predict when an Ace will be dealt by tracking and memorizing the order of cards in previous rounds.
- Hole Carding: Hole carding refers to the practice of exploiting a dealer's unintentional exposure of their hole card (the facedown card). This enables players to make informed decisions and adjust their bets accordingly.
By mastering these strategies, players can increase their odds of success and gain a considerable edge over the casino in the game of blackjack.
Remember that practicing and refining these techniques is essential for success, and it's important to stay disciplined and consistent with their application during gameplay.
Betting and Payouts for Blackjack
Placing Bets
Players will place their bets before the game starts and cards are dealt. Each table will have a minimum and maximum bet allowed. To place a bet, a player will add their wager, usually in casino chips, to the designated betting area on the table.
Payouts and House Edge
If you win against the dealer then you are paid in a 2:1 ratio. This means if you bet $25 and you win then you'd get $50 back.
The payout for a winning blackjack hand is 3:2 or 2:1 depending on the house rules.
This means that if a player bets $200 and wins with a blackjack at 3:2, they would win $300. In a 2:1 payout scenario, a $100 bet would result in a $200 win.
The house edge varies depending on the specific blackjack game and its rules so it is best to speak with a dealer or research the casino rules before betting.
When both the player and dealer have the same total, it's considered a "push" or "tie." In this case, the player's bet is returned, and no additional winnings are paid out.
Insurance Bet
An insurance bet is an optional side bet offered when the dealer's face up card is an ace. This bet is to protect the player's hand against the possibility of the dealer having a blackjack.
The player can wager up to half their original bet on the insurance bet. If the dealer does have a blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1, offsetting the player's loss on their original bet.
Side Bets
Side bets are optional wagers that can be placed in addition to the main bet in blackjack. These bets vary depending on the specific blackjack game being played and casino rules.
While side bets can offer potentially higher payouts, they typically come with a higher house edge.
Common Etiquette for Blackjack
Casino Etiquette
When playing blackjack at a casino, proper etiquette is important to ensure smooth gameplay and maintain a pleasant atmosphere at the table.
A few things to keep in mind while you play:
- Handling Chips: When buying chips, simply inform the dealer of the denomination you want to purchase.
- One-Handed Card Handling: If cards are dealt face-down, pick them up with just one hand to prevent card-switching12. Keep your cards visible for the dealer and the casino's security cameras at all times.
- Betting Box: Place your bet inside the designated betting box on the table, and do not touch the chips once the first card has been dealt.
- Signaling: Use hand signals to communicate your decisions rather than verbal calls, as casino games require clear and consistent cues3. To hit, tap the cards; to stand, wave your hand horizontally over your cards; to double down or split, position additional chips next to your initial bet.
- Cut: Respect the turn-based nature of the game and do not rush other players or the dealer. Also, as the player in the "third base" position (last to act before the dealer), be aware that your decisions may impact others at the table.
Blackjack Terminology
You will want to understand some basic terms before you head to the casino. These terms below will help you follow the game and communicate effectively with other players and dealers:
- Hit: Requesting one or more additional cards from the dealer to improve your hand.
- Stand: Choosing not to draw further cards, and keeping your current hand.
- Double Down: Placing an additional bet (equal to your original wager) and receiving exactly one more card.
- Split: If your initial two cards are of the same rank, you can split them into separate hands, each with an additional bet equal to your original wager.
- Surrender: Choosing to forfeit the hand in exchange for half of your initial bet.
- Insurance: A side bet offered when the dealer's upcard is an Ace, providing partial protection against a potential dealer blackjack.
By adhering to proper blackjack etiquette and understanding the terminology involved, you will enhance your gaming experience and make it enjoyable for both you and your fellow players.
