Blackjack Rules

🎯 Game Objective

The goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value as close to 21 as possible without going over (busting). You win if:

Your hand total is closer to 21 than the dealer's hand
The dealer busts (goes over 21) and you don't
You get a "blackjack" (21 with your first two cards) and the dealer doesn't

Important:

You are not competing against other players - only against the dealer. Each player plays their hand independently.

🃏 Card Values

Understanding card values is fundamental to playing blackjack:

Number Cards (2-10)

Face value

Face Cards (J, Q, K)

10 points each

Ace (A)

1 or 11 points

Ace Rules:

An Ace counts as 11 unless it would cause you to bust, in which case it automatically counts as 1. A hand with an Ace counting as 11 is called a "soft" hand, while a hand with an Ace counting as 1 (or no Ace) is called a "hard" hand.

🎲 Game Setup and Deal

Blackjack is typically played with 1-8 standard 52-card decks. Here's how each hand begins:

Place Your Bet: Before cards are dealt, place your bet in the designated betting area
Initial Deal: Each player receives two cards face up
Dealer Cards: The dealer receives two cards - one face up (upcard) and one face down (hole card)
Check for Blackjack: If you have 21 with your first two cards (Ace + 10-value card), you have blackjack

Blackjack Payout:

A natural blackjack typically pays 3:2 (you win $15 for every $10 bet). Some tables pay 6:5, but this increases the house edge significantly.

⚡ Player Options

After receiving your initial two cards, you have several options:

Hit

Request another card to improve your hand total. You can hit multiple times until you stand or bust.

Stand

Keep your current hand total and end your turn. Signal by waving your hand horizontally over your cards.

Double Down

Double your original bet and receive exactly one more card. Available only on your first two cards (some casinos allow doubling after splitting).

Split

If your first two cards have the same value, you can split them into two separate hands. Place an additional bet equal to your original bet. Each hand is played independently.

Surrender (if available)

Forfeit half your bet and end the hand immediately. Only available as your first action and not offered at all casinos.

Insurance (not recommended)

When the dealer shows an Ace, you can make a side bet (up to half your original bet) that the dealer has blackjack. Pays 2:1 but has a high house edge.

🎩 Dealer Rules

The dealer must follow strict rules with no decisions to make:

Must Hit on 16 or less: The dealer automatically takes cards until reaching 17 or higher
Must Stand on 17 or more: The dealer cannot take additional cards once reaching 17
Soft 17 Rule: Some casinos require the dealer to hit on soft 17 (Ace-6), which slightly increases the house edge
No Choices: The dealer cannot double down, split, or surrender

Dealer Blackjack:

If the dealer's upcard is an Ace or 10-value card, they check for blackjack before players act. If the dealer has blackjack, all player hands lose immediately (except player blackjacks, which push).

🏆 Winning and Losing Conditions

You Win When:

Your hand total is closer to 21 than the dealer's (without busting)
You have blackjack and the dealer doesn't
The dealer busts and you don't

You Lose When:

Your hand total exceeds 21 (bust)
The dealer's hand is closer to 21 than yours
The dealer has blackjack and you don't

Push (Tie):

Both you and the dealer have the same hand total
Both you and the dealer have blackjack
Your original bet is returned (no win or loss)

                    Payout Structure:
                    Regular Win: 1:1 (even money)
Blackjack: 3:2 (or 6:5 at some tables)
Insurance: 2:1 (if dealer has blackjack)

                

🎪 Special Situations and Variations

Splitting Rules:

Most casinos allow splitting any pair of equal-value cards
Aces can usually only receive one additional card each after splitting
Some casinos allow re-splitting (splitting a split hand again)
21 after splitting Aces is not considered blackjack

Double Down Restrictions:

Some casinos only allow doubling on 9, 10, or 11
Others allow doubling on any two cards
Doubling after splitting may or may not be allowed

Common Variations:

European Blackjack: Dealer doesn't check for blackjack until after all players act
Spanish 21: All 10s removed from deck, but liberal rules compensate
Blackjack Switch: Players get two hands and can switch the top cards
Free Bet Blackjack: Free double downs and splits in certain situations

🎭 Table Etiquette and Important Tips

Basic Etiquette:

Don't touch your cards in face-up games
Use hand signals for your decisions (not just verbal)
Don't give advice to other players unless asked
Keep your bet in the betting circle until the hand is complete
Tip the dealer occasionally if you're winning

Money Management:

Set a budget before you start playing
Never bet money you can't afford to lose
Avoid the insurance bet - it has a high house edge
Learn basic strategy to minimize the house edge

Remember:

Blackjack is a game of skill combined with chance. While you can't control the cards you receive, you can control how you play them. Learning proper basic strategy is essential for serious play.

Blackjack Rules

Complete Blackjack Rules Guide