Blackjack is an engaging casino card game that has been captivating casino players for generations. A staple on the casino floor, this iconic game is a fast-paced blend of skill, strategy, and luck. This guide introduces blackjack aimed at new players keen to learn something new.
Blackjack is a fun and easy-to-understand table game accessible to players at all levels. If you’re new to playing blackjack, this guide will get you started with the basic rules, common plays, and tips to improve your game.
Blackjack is available in several formats, from in-person at land-based venues to RNG-based online video titles and live casino games streamed straight to your device so you can watch the action unfold in real time.
Discover all you need to know about playing this iconic game, from game rules to common strategies, and how you can get started at Betano Casino today.
The Basic Rules of Blackjack
Blackjack is a classic casino table game that pits players directly against the dealer. This one-on-one game is fast-paced and played with a shoe containing multiple decks of playing cards.
The objective is to end the round with a hand stronger than that of the dealer, which means getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. A natural blackjack is a hand containing a 10-value card and an ace, which can be either 1 or 11 points, depending on what’s in your hand. All picture cards have a value of 10, while number cards hold their face value.
Each game round starts with all players being dealt two cards face-up on the table. The dealer is served last and starts with one card face-up. After the initial round of cards is dealt out, the play then turns to the first player on the dealer’s left.
Each player takes a turn and chooses whether to take another card, keep their hand as is, or, in certain circumstances, take one of the other play options. After all players have taken their turn, the dealer then draws their second hand and plays based on the rules of the specific game being played.
Game rounds conclude with one of three possible outcomes: the player wins, the dealer wins, or a draw (also known as a push). If there is a draw, your bet is returned to you, and the game begins again.
Blackjack Playing Options
You have several play options, depending on the cards in your hand:
- Hit: To hit in blackjack is to request an additional card from the dealer in an attempt to bring your hand value closer to 21. If you go over 21, your hand will bust, and you will lose the round regardless of what is in the dealer’s hand.
- Stand: If you stand, you keep the cards in your hand, and the play then moves to the dealer.
- Double Down: Doubling down can increase your prize payout if your hand is strong enough. After you receive your initial cards, you can double your bet and receive one additional card. Doubling down can be an effective strategy if employed under the right conditions. For example, if your hand has a value of 11 or if you are holding a soft 16, 17, or 18 with an ace.
- Splitting Pairs: Where possible, you can choose to split a pair of equal-ranking cards into two separate hands. You must bet on both, effectively doubling your bet for the round, so it’s only advisable to do so when you have the right cards. For example, you should always split aces and never split tens.
- Surrendering: Some games allow you to surrender the round after the first round of cards has been dealt. If you surrender, you will receive half of your initial wager back and forfeit the other half.
- Insurance: Insurance is a side bet that may be offered when the dealer’s up card is an ace. The insurance is a bet against the dealer’s hole card (face-down card) being a 10-value card for a 2:1 payout.
Blackjack Dealer Play Rules
Once all players at the table have played, it’s the dealer’s turn. Many blackjack variants will have specific rules regarding how the dealer must play to ensure fairness. These rules can be used to your advantage if you know what they are and factor them into your strategy.
Common dealer rules include:
- Hitting on 16 or less, standing on 17 or above.
- Soft 17: A soft 17 is a hand value of 17 that includes an ace counted as 11. Blackjack rules vary on whether the dealer must hit or stand on a soft 17.
- Dealers cannot split their hands or double down.
Blackjack Payouts
Regular payouts in a standard game of blackjack are as follows:
- Blackjack – 3:2
- Winning hand – 1:1
- Insurance – 2:1
How to Play Blackjack
Now that we have run through the basic rules of blackjack let’s look at what a typical game round plays out in a regular blackjack game step-by-step:
- Initial bets: When you sit at the table, the dealer will invite you to enter the game by placing an initial bet in the designated betting spot on the table in front of you.
- Receive cards: Once all players have placed their initial wager, the dealer will deal out two cards each, face up. The dealer always gets their cards last, which will be once face-up, with their second card served after players have acted.
- Player’s turn: The next round starts with the player to the dealer’s immediate left and moves around the table.
- Dealer’s turn: When all players have had their shot, the dealer receives their second card and then plays according to the game rules discussed above.
- Outcome determined: There are four possible game outcomes:
- Player wins – your hand is a higher value than the dealer’s, and you win the round.
- Dealer busts –the dealer busts, and your hand is still in play, so you win.
- Push/draw – your hand is equal to the dealer’s hand, and your bet is returned.
- Dealer wins – your hand is lower than the dealer’s; you lose your bet.
Online Blackjack Tips for Beginners
Unlike many casino games, blackjack is a combination of luck and strategy. There are certain strategies you can employ to improve your chances of winning, depending on the cards drawn, from a statistical perspective.
That being said, the best advice we can give to beginners is to practise, practise, practise. The better you understand the game, the more confident you become, and the more experience you have, the better your game will progress.
There are a few common plays that you can use as a basic starting strategy, progressing from here as you get a better grasp of the game:
- Stand on 12-16 if the dealer has 2-6, and hit if the dealer has a hand of 7 or higher.
- Hit on 11 or lower, as you cannot go bust with lower than 11.
- Stand on 17 or higher as you have statistically more chance of having a stronger hand than the dealer.
- Double down on 10 or 11, as there is a high chance of drawing a 10-value card.
Blackjack Hand Charts
In addition to these common strategies, you can also employ the services of a blackjack hand chart. This is a visual representation of all the hand combinations that are possible in blackjack, which players refer to to help them determine the best play based on what’s on the table.
They are split into sections detailing soft and hard hands (those with and those without an ace) for you to compare to what’s on the table in front of you and use a mathematical algorithm to assess the hand combinations so you can decide how to play.
When to Quit Playing Blackjack
Playing blackjack, whether online or in-person at a land-based casino, comes with a certain level of risk, so, like with all blackjack games, it is important to manage your expectations and employ responsible gambling practices to ensure you don’t go over budget or spend too much time online.
We recommend that you look through our Safer Gambling Portal, which contains a wealth of information and tools to help you keep safe while playing online casino games. Make use of the limit-setting tools to help you manage your bankroll and time, and use our self-assessment tool to determine if you need to take an extended break.
Whether you are a seasoned player or a casual gambler, remember that online casino games are supposed to be a form of entertainment, not a way of earning a living. By sticking to your limits and playing responsibly, you can maximise your time playing blackjack at Betano Casino.