Key Takeaways (read this first)
- Your goal is to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without busting.
- Card values are simple, but Aces (1 or 11) create “soft” hands that play differently.
- The dealer follows fixed rules, which makes blackjack strategy consistent.
- Table rules like 3:2 vs 6:5 payouts can change your odds more than people realize.
- Basic strategy is the foundation for playing smarter long-term.
What is Blackjack?
Blackjack is a card game played against the dealer. Your goal is simple:
- Get a hand total as close to 21 as possible
- Do not go over 21
- Beat the dealer’s final total
Every round starts with two cards, then you decide whether to take more cards, stop, or use special options like doubling or splitting.
Card Values and Hand scoring
How cards are counted
Blackjack uses straightforward scoring:
- 2–10 = face value
- J, Q, K = 10
- A = 1 or 11 (whichever helps you most)
Hard totals vs soft totals
This is one of the biggest “aha” moments for beginners.
- Hard hand: no Ace counted as 11
Example: 10 + 6 = 16 (hard 16) - Soft hand: an Ace counted as 11
Example: A + 6 = 17 (soft 17)
Soft hands are more flexible because the Ace can switch from 11 to 1 if needed.
How a Blackjack Round Works
Here’s the basic flow:
- You place your bet
- You receive two cards
- The dealer receives two cards (usually one face up, one face down)
- You play your hand first
- The dealer plays after all players finish
- The totals are compared, then payouts happen
One important thing to remember: blackjack is not “player vs player.” Everyone is playing only against the dealer.
Dealer Rules: Hit, Stand, and Soft Totals
The dealer does not choose freely. They follow fixed rules, which is why blackjack strategy is so consistent.
Most common dealer rules:
- Dealer must hit until 17
- Dealer must stand on 17 (or sometimes hit soft 17)
That soft 17 rule matters because it changes how often the dealer improves hands like A-6. Player-friendly tables usually have the dealer stand on soft 17, but this varies by casino and game type.
Your Main Decisions in Blackjack
On your turn, you will choose one of these actions:
Hit
Take one more card.
This is usually used when your total is too low to safely stand.
Stand
Keep your total and end your turn.
Double down
Double your bet, take one more card, then stand.
This is strongest when you have a solid chance to improve with one card, like when you start with 10 or 11.
Split
If your first two cards are a pair, you can split into two hands and play them separately (with a second bet).
This can be powerful, but only in specific situations.
Surrender (if offered)
Give up half your bet and end the hand immediately.
Not every table allows this, but it can be useful in a few tough spots.
Blackjack Outcomes and Payouts
Once you and the dealer finish your hands, one of three things happens:
You win
You win if:
- Your total is higher than the dealer’s (without going over 21), or
- The dealer busts (goes over 21)
Most wins pay 1:1 (you win the amount you bet).
You lose
You lose if:
- You bust, or
- The dealer has a higher total (without busting)
You push (tie)
If you and the dealer have the same total, it’s usually a push. You get your bet back.
What counts as a blackjack
A “blackjack” (also called a natural) is Ace + a 10-value card as your first two cards. That is different from making 21 with three or more cards.
This is where payouts matter:
- 3:2 payout is the traditional and player-friendly standard
- 6:5 payout is worse for players and increases the house edge
If you only remember one table-selection tip, make it this: avoid 6:5 if you can.
Quick Table Rules Checklist (choose smarter tables)
Before you sit down, scan for these rules. They affect your odds more than most people think:
- Blackjack pays 3:2 (avoid 6:5)
- Dealer stands on soft 17 (often labeled S17)
- Fewer decks is usually better (all else equal)
- Double down allowed on common totals (some tables restrict this)
- Double after split allowed (often written as DAS)
- Resplitting is allowed (especially for pairs)
- Surrender is available (late surrender is most common)
- Side bets are optional (you do not need them)
You do not need a “perfect” table. Just avoid the worst rule combos.
What “Basic Strategy” Really Means
Basic strategy is not a vibe. It is not a gut feeling. It is math.
It is a set of best moves for every situation based on:
- your total (hard or soft)
- whether you have a pair
- the dealer’s upcard
The point is simple: make decisions that are best in the long run, not just what feels right in the moment.
If you want the most important concept in this entire blackjack series, it’s here: What “Basic Strategy” Really Means in Blackjack (Article #5).
How people actually use it
Most players learn basic strategy with a chart, then practice until the moves become automatic.
If you want to do that correctly, the next step is How to Use a Blackjack Strategy Chart Correctly (Article #6).
Why Blackjack Can Have a Low House Edge
Blackjack is famous for having one of the lowest house edges in the casino, but only when:
- the table rules are decent
- you play close to basic strategy
The biggest edge-changers include:
- blackjack payout (3:2 vs 6:5)
- dealer hits or stands on soft 17
- number of decks
- double and split rules
- surrender availability
In short: the same game can be “good blackjack” or “bad blackjack” depending on the rules.
Online Blackjack vs Casino Blackjack
Online blackjack usually comes in two styles:
Live dealer blackjack
- Real dealer on video
- Real cards, physical shoe
- Feels closest to casino play
RNG blackjack
- Cards are computer-generated
- Very fast gameplay
- Great for quick practice, but easy to rush decisions
If you’re choosing between the two, focus on what helps you play more accurately.
Bankroll Basics for Blackjack
Even with perfect play, blackjack has variance. You can do everything right and still lose a session.
A simple bankroll approach:
- set a session budget you are comfortable losing
- use a base bet that gives you enough hands to let strategy do its job
Quick guideline:
- Conservative: 100+ base bets
- Comfortable: 50–100 base bets
- Aggressive: under 50 base bets (higher risk of busting early)
If you want a full, practical plan (including session rules), go next to Bankroll Management Strategies for Blackjack Players (Article #21).
Common Mistakes That Cost Players Money
These are the big ones to avoid:
- Playing 6:5 tables without realizing it
- Taking insurance automatically (it is usually not worth it)
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Playing too fast and missing obvious strategy spots
- Treating “hot streaks” as proof you should change your strategy
The goal is not to be perfect every hand. The goal is to make fewer expensive mistakes over time.
Mini FAQ: Beginner Blackjack Questions
1) Is Blackjack More Skill Or Luck?
It is both. You cannot control the cards, but your decisions affect your long-term results more than in many other casino games.
2) What Is A Push In Blackjack?
A push is a tie. If your total matches the dealer’s total, you usually get your bet back.
3) Does The Dealer Always Have To Hit On 16?
In most common rules, yes. The dealer typically hits until reaching 17 or more.
4) Is A “Blackjack” The Same As Getting 21?
Not always. A blackjack is a natural (Ace + 10-value card) on your first two cards. Getting 21 with three or more cards is just a normal 21.
5) Can I Split Any Two Cards?
Usually, you can only split when your first two cards are the same value (like two 8s or two Kings). Some tables have extra restrictions.
Where to Go Next
Now that you’ve got the full picture of how blackjack works, the next step is understanding how the game evolved into what you play today.
Continue with The History and Evolution of Blackjack as a Casino Game.
