Blackjack is the most widely played table game in casinos.
Introduction
Blackjack stands as the most popular casino table game, available at nearly every online casino. Its low house edge and favorable variance make it an ideal option for clearing bonuses when permitted.
Rules and Play
Blackjack hands are scored by adding the values of their cards. For instance, a hand with a 4, 5, and 6 totals 4+5+6=15. Face cards are worth 10 points each. Aces can count as 1 or 11, so an ace and a 7 can be 8 or 18. The goal is to have the highest total without exceeding 21. A total over 21 is a "bust," causing the player to lose their bet regardless of the dealer's hand. A two-card 21 is called a "blackjack," the highest hand, paying a 3:2 bonus, while other winning hands pay 1:1.
After placing a bet, the player and dealer each receive two cards, with one of the dealer's cards face-up. Under standard rules, if the dealer shows an ace or 10-value card, they check for a potential blackjack. If the dealer has an ace showing, players can buy "insurance" against a dealer blackjack. Insurance pays 2:1 if the dealer's hole card is a 10-value card. For single-hand play, the house edge on insurance ranges from 2% to 15%, depending on deck count and cards in play, making it generally unfavorable except in specific scenarios like ten-rich decks or card counting. See the insurance exceptions page for details. If the dealer has blackjack, the hand ends; otherwise, the player must choose from these options:
Stand -- The player keeps their current cards and ends their turn.
Hit -- The player draws another card and can continue hitting until reaching 21 or busting.
Double -- The player doubles their bet and receives one more card, ending the hand after this third card. Doubling is only allowed on a two-card hand, with no further hits permitted.
Split -- If the player has two cards of equal value, they can split them into two separate hands, doubling the bet to cover both. Each hand receives an additional card. Splitting aces ends the hand after the second card; for other pairs, players can hit, stand, or double on each hand, with re-splitting sometimes allowed.
Strategy
Despite its complex rules, optimal strategy for blackjack is surprisingly straightforward. Key decisions involve whether to hit, stand, double, or split based on the player's hand and the dealer's upcard. Following basic strategy charts minimizes the house edge, guiding players on the best move for any situation. Memorizing these charts is essential for maximizing winning chances.
