Blackjack is one of the most popular gambling card games in the world. In this guide, you will learn how to play the game and its basic rules.

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular gambling card games, just behind Poker. Also known as Twenty-One and Play 21, the objective of this casino game is simple: hit 21, or get as close to 21 as possible. Go over 21 and it’s a bust (you lose).

Although Blackjack gained popularity after World War I, the game dates back to the 1760s in France. 

The rules are generally the same whether you’re playing 2 player blackjack or with multiple people. Unlike other gambling card games, like Poker, players don’t compete against each other. 

Blackjack Rules

The rules of blackjack are generally the same, whether you’re playing in a casino or at the kitchen table. If you’re wondering how to play blackjack in a casino or how to play blackjack at home, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s really no difference between the two.

Casino blackjack rules may differ slightly, but that will depend on state laws and the casino’s own rules.

In this blackjack tutorial, we’re going to cover simple blackjack rules and blackjack cards to help you understand how to play this popular card game.

What You’ll Need

In order to play blackjack, you will need a standard 52-card pack. If you’re playing in a casino, the house will usually shuffle several decks of cards together. The six-deck game is popular. In casinos, the dealer will also have a blank plastic card that lets them know when it’s time to reshuffle. 

Objective

The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible and without going over.

Blackjack Card Values

Standard blackjack card numbers are as follows:

How to Bet in Blackjack

Before the dealer shuffles and deals, betting takes place. Minimum and maximum limits are set. General limits can range from $5 to $500.

Shuffling and Cutting

The dealer will shuffle until all card have been properly mixed. A player is asked to cut the deck. If playing in a casino, a blank plastic card will be inserted so that the last 60-75 cards aren’t used.

Dealing

Once all players have made their bets and the cards have been shuffled and cut, the dealer will start dealing. 

If a player receives an ace and a ten-card (any face card or a 10), this is considered “blackjack” or a natural. 

Dealers will only look at the face-down card if their face up card is an ace or a ten-card. Otherwise, the second card will remain face down until it’s the dealer’s turn to play.

Making a Play

The player to the left will begin and decide whether to:

If a player is dealt an ace and anything other than a ten-card, this is considered a “soft hand.” It’s called this because the player can choose to consider the ace a 1 or 11. The player has the option of continuing to draw more cards to get as close to 21 as possible, but if the player goes bust, they can treat the ace as a 1 and avoid losing the round. 

Each player will follow these same steps, either asking for more cards or choosing to stand, until it gets back to the dealer.

Once the dealer has served each player, their face down card will be revealed. 

Dealer decisions are automatic on all plays to ensure fair gameplay.

These are the basic blackjack rules, but there are other blackjack basics that you should know.

Doubling Down

Players have the option of doubling their bets if they the two initially dealt cards total 9, 10 or 11. The player can place this bet when it’s their turn. In this case, the dealer will give the player one card, face down, that will not be turned up until all bets are settled at the end of the hand.

If the player receives two fives, they may double down, split a pair or play the hand as normal. Dealers don’t have the option of doubling down or splitting.

Splitting Pairs

During the initial deal, if a player receives two cards of the same denomination, they have the option of treating them as two separate hands when their turn comes around. If the player goes this route, the original bet will be placed on one card, and an additional bet of the same amount must be placed on the other card.

Playing blackjack can be fun and exciting. These are the basic rules for playing this popular casino card game, which often favors players over the casinos.

About author

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Harry Burth
Digital Marketing Manager, Blog editor
Experience:3 years

Harry is a long-time member of our team and has been working with CasinoHEX UK for a number of years.

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Author
Harry Burth
Digital Marketing Manager, Blog editor
Experience:3 years

Harry is a long-time member of our team and has been working with CasinoHEX UK for a number of years.

Reviewer
Harry Burth
Digital Marketing Manager, Blog editor
Experience:3 years

Harry is a long-time member of our team and has been working with CasinoHEX UK for a number of years.