Blackjack Rules

Introduction to Blackjack Rules

The game begins by the player placing a wager on the blackjack table in return for two cards, dealt face up by the dealer, to pit against the dealer’s own two cards. The player acts first; the dealer always acts last.

The card values are ten for face cards, one or eleven (depending on what serves the hand better) for aces, with the remaining cards of 2 through 10 equal to their numerical values. A common misconception of blackjack is that the aim of the game is to get to 21. It’s not. The aim of the game is simply to beat the dealer without going over 21. If a player wins with a natural 21, it’s a blackjack, and a payout of 3 to 2 is awarded on the bet. If a player or the dealer exceeds 21, they bust. If both the player and the dealer have the same card value, the game is tied. This is called a push, and all bets are returned.

Player Rules

After being dealt two cards, the player is faced with the following options (unless the player is dealt a natural 21 and the dealer is not, in which case the hand is already won).

Hit:

The player takes more card(s) (one at a time) to add to his or her current hand value.

Stand:

The player refuses any more cards and waits to see the dealer’s outcome.

Split:

If dealt two cards with the same value, a player can split them into two independent hands by adding a bet (equal to the initial bet) to the new hand.

Double:

After receiving the initial two cards (unless dealt a natural 21 in which case the player cannot lose), the player has the option to double his or her bet and draw one more card only.

Insurance:

If the dealer’s upcard is an ace, the player has an option to take insurance, which costs half the initial bet and pays 1 to 2.

Player Rule Variations

Splitting:

In some game variations aces can be restricted from re-splitting.

Doubling:

Sometimes a player is restricted from doubling on split hands.

Surrender:

If the player doesn’t like the situation, he or she can forfeit half of the bet and stand (provided he or she hasn’t already busted).

Even Money on Blackjack:

If the player is dealt a natural 21 and the dealer is holding a card valued at ten or an ace, the player is offered even money or to risk a tie.

Dealer Rules

Contrary to popular belief, dealers don’t influence the game whatsoever. However, the dealer’s rules can differ from one variation to another.

Dealer Rule Variations

Stand on 17:

Usually the dealer will stand on all 17s, but in some variations can sometimes hit on a 17 that’s “soft” (meaning the hand includes an ace, wherein the value can be reduced by ten).

Opponents:

The dealer can face anything up to seven competing hands at once, but can and usually is restricted in online casino to five or less.

Hole cards:

Some variations expose both of the dealer’s cards, or none.

Game Rule Variations

Blackjack Payout:

Usually 3 to 2, but can be increased or decreased (i.e., 6 to 5, or evens). Tip: Never play on a table with 6 to 5, even if you’re playing from just one deck!

Five/Six Card Trick:

A variation of the game wherein a player who makes any hand out of six cards automatically wins or draws, even when the dealer has blackjack.

Decks:

The casino can add more decks to the shoe, increasing its edge over the players.

Push:

In some variations, the dealer automatically wins all ties.