How to Play Blackjack: Complete Rules Guide
Master the fundamentals of blackjack with our comprehensive rules guide. Learn basic gameplay, hand values, dealer rules, and winning strategies.
Basic Blackjack Objective
The goal in blackjack is simple: beat the dealer's hand without going over 21. You win by either getting a higher total than the dealer or by the dealer busting (going over 21).
Card Values in Blackjack
Number Cards (2-10)
Worth their face value. A 7 is worth 7 points, a 10 is worth 10 points.
Face Cards (J, Q, K)
All worth 10 points each. Kings, Queens, and Jacks are all valued at 10.
Aces
Worth either 1 or 11 points, whichever is better for your hand. This makes Aces very powerful.
How a Blackjack Hand is Played
- Initial Deal: You receive 2 cards face up. The dealer gets 2 cards, one face up and one face down.
- Calculate Your Total: Add up your card values. If you have an Ace, it counts as 11 unless that would bust you.
- Make Your Decision: Based on your total and the dealer's up card, choose your action.
- Dealer Plays: After you're done, the dealer reveals their face-down card and must hit until they reach 17 or higher.
- Determine Winner: Whoever is closest to 21 without going over wins.
Player Actions
- Hit: Take another card to try to get closer to 21
- Stand: Keep your current total and end your turn
- Double Down: Double your bet, take exactly one more card, then stand
- Split: If you have a pair, split them into two separate hands
- Surrender: Give up half your bet and forfeit the hand (if allowed)
Dealer Rules
The dealer must follow strict rules: hit on 16 or less, stand on 17 or more. This gives you strategic advantage because you can make decisions based on what the dealer is likely to do.
Winning Hands
Blackjack (Natural 21)
An Ace plus a 10-value card on your first two cards. Usually pays 3:2.
Regular Win
Your total beats the dealer's without busting. Pays 1:1 (even money).
Push (Tie)
You and dealer have the same total. Your bet is returned.
Common Blackjack Terms
- Bust: Going over 21 points (automatic loss)
- Soft Hand: A hand with an Ace counted as 11
- Hard Hand: A hand without an Ace, or with Aces counted as 1
- Insurance: A side bet offered when dealer shows an Ace
Ready to Put These Rules into Practice?
Now that you understand the basic rules, the best way to improve is through practice. Our interactive trainer lets you play thousands of hands while learning optimal strategy.