Blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games in the world. It's easy to learn, fast-paced, and offers some of the best odds compared to other casino games. But if you've never played before, the table can feel intimidating. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to play blackjack confidently. We'll cover the basic rules, how hands are scored, what decisions you'll make, and how to approach the game safely. Whether you're planning to play online or at a physical casino, this guide will prepare you.
What Is Blackjack?
Blackjack is a card game where you compete against the dealer, not other players. Your goal is simple: get a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over. If you beat the dealer's hand without exceeding 21, you win. The game is also called "21" in many places. It combines luck and decision-making, which is why it appeals to both casual players and those who enjoy strategic thinking. Unlike slots, blackjack gives you choices that affect the outcome. That doesn't mean you can guarantee wins, but smart decisions reduce the house edge significantly.
How Card Values Work
Understanding card values is essential before you play.
Card values in blackjack:- Number cards (2-10): Worth their face value - Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): Each worth 10 - Aces: Worth either 1 or 11, whichever helps your hand more For example, if you're dealt an Ace and a 7, your hand is worth either 8 or 18. The Ace counts as 11 unless that would put you over 21, in which case it automatically counts as 1. A hand with an Ace counted as 11 is called a "soft hand." A hand where the Ace must count as 1 (or a hand without an Ace) is called a "hard hand."
The Basic Flow of a Blackjack Hand
Here's how a typical hand plays out:
Step 1: Place your betBefore any cards are dealt, you place your bet within the table's minimum and maximum limits.
Step 2: Cards are dealtThe dealer gives you two cards face-up. The dealer also takes two cards: one face-up (called the "upcard") and one face-down (called the "hole card").
Step 3: Check for blackjackIf your first two cards total 21 (an Ace and a 10-value card), you have "blackjack" — the best possible hand. Blackjack usually pays 3:2, meaning a $10 bet wins $15. If the dealer also has blackjack, it's a tie (called a "push"), and you get your bet back.
Step 4: Make your decisionIf neither you nor the dealer has blackjack, you decide how to play your hand. Your options are explained in the next section.
Step 5: Dealer playsOnce all players finish their hands, the dealer reveals their hole card and plays according to fixed rules. The dealer must hit (take another card) on 16 or less and stand (stop taking cards) on 17 or more.
Step 6: PayoutsIf your hand beats the dealer's without going over 21, you win even money (1:1). If you bust (go over 21), you lose regardless of the dealer's hand. If the dealer busts and you didn't, you win.
Your Playing Options
When it's your turn, you can choose from these actions:
HitTake another card to try to improve your hand. You can hit as many times as you want, but if your total exceeds 21, you bust and lose immediately.
StandKeep your current hand and end your turn. You're betting that your total is strong enough to beat the dealer.
Double DownDouble your original bet and receive exactly one more card. This is useful when you have a strong starting hand (like 11) and the dealer shows a weak card.
SplitIf your first two cards have the same value, you can split them into two separate hands. You place a second bet equal to your first and play each hand independently. Some tables have restrictions on splitting Aces.
Surrender (not always available)Give up your hand and lose half your bet. This is only offered at some tables and is useful when you have a very weak hand against a strong dealer upcard.
Basic Strategy: Making Smart Decisions
Blackjack isn't purely random. Mathematicians have calculated the best decision for every possible hand based on probability. This is called "basic strategy." You don't need to memorize everything immediately, but here are some beginner-friendly guidelines:
When to hit:- If your hand is 11 or less (you can't bust) - If you have 12-16 and the dealer shows 7 or higher
When to stand:- If you have 17 or higher - If you have 12-16 and the dealer shows 6 or lower
When to double down:- If you have 10 or 11 and the dealer shows a low card (2-6)
When to split:- Always split Aces and 8s - Never split 10s or 5s These aren't guarantees — they're probability-based recommendations that reduce the house edge over time. The house always has a mathematical advantage, but basic strategy helps you play as efficiently as possible. For more detailed strategy guidance, see our [blackjack strategy explained simply](#) guide.
Common Blackjack Terms
As you play, you'll hear these terms: -
Bust: Going over 21 and losing automatically -
Push: A tie with the dealer; you get your bet back -
Blackjack: A two-card hand totaling 21 (Ace + 10-value card) -
Soft hand: A hand with an Ace counted as 11 -
Hard hand: A hand without an Ace or with an Ace counted as 1 -
Upcard: The dealer's visible card -
Hole card: The dealer's hidden card
Understanding the House Edge
Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges in the casino — typically between 0.5% and 2%, depending on the rules and how well you play. Using basic strategy, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%. If you play randomly, the house edge increases to around 2-4%. This doesn't mean you'll win in the short term. The house edge is a long-term average. You can win or lose any individual session, but over thousands of hands, the casino will have a small mathematical advantage. For more on how this works, see our guide on [house edge in blackjack](#).
Variations and Rule Differences
Not all blackjack games are the same. Rules vary by casino and table, and these differences affect the house edge.
Key rule variations to watch for:-
6:5 blackjack payout (instead of 3:2): Significantly increases the house edge — avoid these tables -
Dealer hits on soft 17: Slightly increases the house edge -
Number of decks used: Single-deck games have a lower house edge, but are harder to find -
Doubling restrictions: Some tables only allow doubling on certain totals -
Re-splitting Aces: Some tables allow it, others don't Always check the table rules before you sit down. Online casinos usually display the rules clearly in the game info section.
Playing Blackjack Safely
Blackjack is entertaining, but it's still gambling. Here are some tips to stay safe:
Set a budget before you playDecide how much you're willing to spend, and stop when you reach that limit. Never gamble money you can't afford to lose.
Don't chase lossesIf you're on a losing streak, taking a break is smarter than increasing your bets to "win it back." Chasing losses usually leads to bigger losses.
Avoid side betsMany blackjack tables offer side bets (like "Perfect Pairs" or "21+3"). These have much higher house edges than the main game — typically 3-10% or more.
Learn basic strategy graduallyYou don't need to master everything at once. Start with the simple guidelines above and improve over time.
Play for entertainment, not profitBlackjack can't be beaten in the long run without card counting (which is difficult and often not allowed). Treat it as entertainment with a cost, not a way to make money.