How to Play Blackjack

Casino Edge's guide to playing blackjack.

Blackjack Top Tips

To play blackjack, select the amount you want to bet and then hit or stand, until you have a card score that you’re happy with.
The dealer will almost always stand on 17 or more, so play accordingly.
If your combined card value is closer than the dealer’s to 21 (without going over), then you win.

Unlike a lot of casino games, such as roulette and slots, blackjack is a thinker’s game. Despite this, it’s still very easy to learn and, once it is learnt, blackjack is one of the most exciting games available in any online casino. The speed that the game can be played is a very important factor, with a player being able to play up to 200 hands per hour at an online casino. This fast pace is a testament to how simple blackjack is to play.

The basic aim of blackjack is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust (over 21). Below is a six-step guide to playing a game of online blackjack:

Choose the amount you’d like to bet by clicking on the chips.
Click the deal button and watch as the dealer deals two upcards to you and then one upcard and one down card to itself.
Assess your hand and the dealer’s upcard before you choose whether to:

Stand (not take any more cards).
Hit (ask the dealer for another card).
Double (double your bet and receive just one more card).
Split (play two hands, allowed only when you have two cards with the same numerical value; the hand is split, each card starting a new hand, and your bet is doubled, half on each hand).
Surrender (forfeit your hand and receive half of your bet back — available only under certain circumstances).

You may keep receiving cards until you stand or go bust. If you do not go bust, the online dealer will reveal its down card.
The dealer will then hit or stand until it either goes bust, or reaches a combined card value of 17, above which it isn’t allowed to “hit”.
If your combined card value is more than the dealer’s, you win. If your combined card value is less than the dealer’s, you lose your bet.